According to the New Straits Times, Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah will open the national-level Maal Hijrah 1431H/2009 celebration at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre tomorrow.

A statement from the Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim) said this year’s theme, “Strengthening Fraternity, Empowering the Community”, was in line with the government’s efforts to build a united society based on the 1Malaysia concept. The highlight of the celebration will be the announcement of two Tokoh Maal Hijrah Award winners among local and foreign personalities.

Each of the winners will receive RM100,000, a plaque, medal and certificate of appreciation. Up to last year, 19 individuals from different backgrounds and professions had received the award.

In conjunction with the Maal Hijrah national-level celebration, a special forum, with panellists comprising Ustaz Farid Ravi Abdullah and Ustaz Badli Shah Alaudin, will be held at Masjid Negara today.

There will also be religious talks, gotong-royong, nasyid competitions, visits to Orang Asli settlements, hospitals and orphanages, programmes with the disabled, and a Hijrah Week exhibition.