Zahid calls for sanctity of Makkah, Madinah to be protected

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today condemned any action that could threaten the safety of civilians and pilgrims or desecrate Islam's two holiest sites in Saudi Arabia.

Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, expressed concern over developments affecting Makkah and Madinah, saying both holy sites must remain protected from conflict, threats and military action.

"My position is clear; Makkah and Madinah must remain protected from all forms of conflict, threats or military action.

"Regardless of where these threats come from or who is behind them, I reject and condemn in the strongest terms any action that could endanger civilians, haj and umrah pilgrims, and God's guests, or desecrate the two holy sites," he said in a statement.

Zahid said Malaysia respected Saudi Arabia's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and valued the close and longstanding ties between the two countries.

"However serious the political or military differences, the sanctity of the two holy sites must not become a battleground or a bargaining chip.

"I call on all Muslims to unite and stand in solidarity in defending the sanctity of the two holy sites, transcending political differences and national borders," he said.

Zahid also prayed for the well-being of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Saudi people.

On Wednesday, the Saudi-led military coalition fighting Yemen's Houthis accused the group of targeting Makkah, sparking outrage across the Muslim world and escalating regional tensions.

The Houthis denied targeting Makkah, calling Riyadh's claim that it had intercepted a rebel drone heading towards the city a "lie".

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, a bloc of 57 Muslim countries, condemned the attack.