PUTRAJAYA, June 29 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim drew a large crowd of people as he performed his Hari Raya Aidiladha prayers at Masjid Putra here today.
Anwar arrived around 8.30am to thousands of Muslims worshippers waiting, some of whom were already there as early as 7.30am.
He was greeted with shouts of “Selamat Hari Raya Datuk Seri”, “Reformasi” and “Hidup Anwar” as soon as he arrived at the mosque entrance, to which he reciprocated and this elicited louder calls from the masses.
After his prayers, which took about 40 minutes, Anwar mingled with the Muslim worshippers in the mosque.
He appeared in a jovial mood, smiling and chatting with old friends and other members of the public who went up to shake his hand.
He then walked slowly outside the mosque where thousands had gathered at the entrance, impeding the exit.
As he approached his car, many well-wishers shouted his name, hoping to get a picture with the MP for Tambun.
Anwar obliged some, and posed for pictures before leaving the mosque at around 9.20am.
Anwar was accompanied by his wife and former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Also spotted at the Putra Mosque today was fugitive Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik, who is wanted in India for allegedly spreading religious hatred and money laundering.
The Mumbai-born was seen with a small entourage leaving the mosque just before Anwar.
Aidiladha or the Feast of Sacrifice, is celebrated by Muslims all over the world as a major holiday for a period of three to four days.
The majority of Muslims will attend the special prayers held at different major mosques and Islamic centres.
