Malaysian UMNO leader urges protection of Mecca and Medina amid regional tensions

Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, president of UMNO and Malaysia's deputy prime minister, issued a strong condemnation of any act that could jeopardise civilian safety or desecrate Islam's two holiest sites in Saudi Arabia. He stressed that Mecca and Medina must remain free from any form of conflict, threats, or military action, irrespective of who is responsible. While emphasizing Malaysia's respect for Saudi Arabia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the deep ties between the two nations, Zahid warned that political or military disputes should never turn the holy sites into bargaining chips.

He called on Muslims everywhere to stand together in defending the sanctity of the cities, transcending political differences and borders. The statement also included prayers for King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Saudi populace. The remarks came after the Saudi-led coalition accused Yemen's Houthis of targeting Mecca, a claim the Houthis denied, prompting widespread outrage and condemnation from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.