Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali has said that he prayed for Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's good health and a strong government while performing the umrah (minor pilgrimage) to Mecca.

"I prayed for Malaysia to remain peaceful, prosperous, and strong under the administration and leadership of Mahathir as prime minister.

"I also prayed before the Kaabah for God to bless Mahathir with the best of health and strength to lead the country and the ummah (the Muslim community)," he tweeted today.

Azmin added that he was now on his way back to Malaysia.

The minister’s pilgrimage to Mecca came after a three-day working visit to Saudi Arabia.

During his visit, Azmin met with his Saudi counterpart, Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, to discuss economic cooperation between the two countries.

Azmin also visited the facilities of Saudi Aramco, the state's national oil company.