The Saudi Arabian government has asked Malaysia to take steps to ensure its citizens are not involved in any demonstration or illegal assembly in Mecca and Medina as had happened in the two holy cities on April 26.

NONEForeign Minister Anifah Aman (left) said the matter was stated by the Saudi Arabian government in a diplomatic note dated May 3, and issued by its Kuala Lumpur embassy.

"In the letter, we have been asked to advise our people to abide by the local laws and norms of Saudi Arabia," he told a news conference at the Institute of Foreign Diplomacy and Relations in Kuala Lumpur today.

The media had reported that Saudi authorities were conducting detailed investigation into the organising of an assembly, masterminded by the opposition, in Mecca and Medina.

Anifah regretted that the illegal assembly had not only tarnished the image of Malaysia, but it could also affect the quota of hajj as well as respect and treatment enjoyed by Muslims in the country when performing their pilgrimage.

"Don't take it for granted. don't abuse the respect, especially the 10,000 pilgrims quota. I believe the demonstration was not wise as it did not improve any better convenience to other pilgrims there.

"It worries us as before this, the Saudi Arabian government was happy to see Malaysians among the best in performing their pilgrimage and umrah."

On Tenaganita executive director Irene Fernandez's statement that Malaysia was not safe for Indonesian workers, Anifah said it was irresponsible and ignorant as it was aimed at disrupting the good relations and cooperation between Malaysia and the neighbouring country.

"Irene's statements were baseless as Malaysia complied to the bilateral mechanism enshrined in the Asean Act and International Labour Organisation apart from respecting workers' rights," he added.

- Bernama