Jakarta (ANTARA) - Advisory Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the country's largest Muslim organization, KH Maimoen Zubair, known as Mbah Moen, has become an inspiration for Gerindra Party Chairman Prabowo Subianto.

Subianto conveyed the statement through his official Twitter account @Prabowo, Tuesday.

"I express my deep condolences over the demise of KH Maimoen Zubair in Mecca today. Mbah Moen has always been my inspiration," Subianto affirmed.

The charismatic cleric had called on Subianto to always defend people of the weaker sections of society.

"It has been imprinted in my mind," Subianto stated.

Subianto invited all Indonesians to hold a prayer service for KH Maimoen Zubair.

The renowned ulema passed away in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, at 4:17 local time.

He was 90 years of age while performing Hajj pilgrimage.

A politician of the United Development Party (PPP) Zainut Tauhid Saadi confirmed the report.

"Yes, it is true," Saadi remarked here on Tuesday.

The respected ulema, popularly known as Mbah Moen, had been invited by the Saudi government to perform Hajj.

Mbah Moen was a respected cleric of Nahdlatul Ulama and a senior politician of the PPP. He led the Al Anwar Sarang Islamic boarding school in Rembang District, Central Java.
Related news: Senior NU cleric Maimun Zubair passes away
Related news: KH Maimun Zubair's death is huge loss for nation: Jokowi EDITED BY INE

Translator: Imam B / Azis Kurmala
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019