PM Anwar to Become First Foreign Leader to Deliver Friday Sermon at New York Islamic Cultural Centre

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been invited to deliver a Friday Khutbah or sermon during the Muslim Friday prayers at the Islamic Cultural Centre of New York (ICCNY) this Friday (22 September), which would make him the first foreign leader to be given such an honour.

According to a post by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) of which Anwar is president, the Prime Minister is expected to become the first foreign leader to deliver a Friday sermon at ICCNY mosque, which is New York City’s first-ever mosque, established on 25 September 1995.

According to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir in a statement, this is part of the Prime Minister’s programmes and activities while at New York City to lead Malaysia’s delegation to the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Zambry further revealed that the Prime Minister will arrive at the American city tomorrow (20 September). Anwar is also scheduled to take the floor during the Public Debate session of UNGA 78 on Friday morning (morning in New York time or evening in Malaysia time).

Besides that, several bilateral meetings will be conducted between the Prime Minister and leaders of other countries such as Turkiye, Iran, Sri Lanka, Iraq and Thailand.

The Foreign Minister stressed that UNGA is a significant platform as global leaders look forward to Anwar’s presence and speech, with the General Assembly also serves as an opportunity for Malaysia to espouse views and ideas on current and global issues.

So, what do you guys think of the honour given to our Prime Minister by ICCNY and his upcoming speech at the UNGA 78? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

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