Health DG is this year’s Tokoh Maal Hijrah

KUALA LUMPUR: Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah is this year’s Tokoh Maal Hijrah.

The announcement was made by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri at the national-level Maal Hijrah observance ceremony at Masjid Negara here yesterday.

Zulkifli also announced the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Prof Dr Ahmad Tayyeb, 74, as the International Tokoh Maal Hijrah for 1442H/2020.

In recognition: Sultan Abdullah presenting the Tokoh Maal Hijrah award to Dr Noor Hisham as Muhyiddin looks on. — Bernama

The recipients of the award each received a medal and a certificate from the government, with the items presented to the recipients by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah, who was accompanied by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.

Also in attendance was Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Zulkifli said the selection of the two candidates was based on their significant contribution in uplifting Islam at both the national and global levels, with their achievements recognised both within and outside Malaysia.

Born in Sepang, Selangor, Dr Noor Hisham, 57, is the “face” of Malaysia’s fight against Covid-19, while Ahmad was the former president of Al-Azhar University.