A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said Najib had invited his family members and close friends to accompany him to perform the umrah (lesser pilgrimage to Mecca), as part of his working visit to Saudi Arabia.
“The prime minister’s siblings including his close friends are paying for themselves for the trip to visit the holy land.
“Only Tun Rahah is accompanying Najib in the flight to Saudi Arabia,” said the statement, referring to the prime minister’s mother, Rahah Noah, widow of the second prime minister Razak Hussein.
An image making the rounds on the social media showed 20 names on a list, including Najib and his wife, Rosmah Mansor.
The couple’s three children, Nooryana Najwa, Nor Ashman and Riza Aziz, as well as their son-in-law and grandson, are also in the list.
The list also shows the name of Najib’s personal doctor Dr Azhari Rosman, and several names identified as “guest of the prime minister”. FMT is however unable to verify the authenticity of the list.
Najib’s visit to Saudi Arabia begins on Jan 12, at the invitation of King Salman Abdulaziz.
A statement on Sunday said both leaders are expected to discuss issues related to economic cooperation, investment, haj and the establishment of the King Salman Centre for International Peace (KSCIP) in Putrajaya.