New Straits Times

‘VISIT SHOWCASES MODERATE MALAYSIA’

PM’s visit to US highlights Malaysia’s role in fighting extremism

- FERNANDO FONG KUALA LUMPUR kee.soon@nst.com.my

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s visit to the United States highlights how Malaysia counters extremism and terrorism by propagatin­g an authentic Islam that is modern and progressiv­e.

Umno Youth deputy chief Khairul Azwan Harun said the visit was not only about securing investment opportunit­ies, but also helped highlight Malaysia’s role in combating extremism and terrorism.

“As the world continues to face the threat of Islamic State, Malaysia will be a partner for world superpower­s in upholding the true identity of Islam.

“Certainly, the Wassatiyya­h (Islamic moderation) way that the prime minister had introduced in Malaysia will weave into the global narrative,” he said yesterday.

The senator said Najib also proved he was a man of his word in highlighti­ng the plight of the Rohingya minority in Myanmar during his meeting with US President Donald Trump.

At the same time, Khairul took a swipe at the opposition, in particular PKR vicepresid­ent Rafizi Ramli and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) deputy president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, for criticisin­g Najib’s visit.

“They are facing internal rejection by their fellow party leaders and have lost all sense of substance in their usual ‘oppose for the sake of opposing’ modus operandi.

“Mukhriz and Rafizi seem to be desperate in making statements that are sensationa­l and factless just to remain relevant.”

Najib is on a three-day working visit to the US on Trump’s invitation.

Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the issues raised by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the opposition regarding Najib Razak’s visit to the US were lies and slander.

“The four-eyed meeting between Trump and Najib in the White House exposes the lies of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir and the opposition, that once upon a time alleged that Najib would be arrested if he went to the US and that even his jet was banned in US airspace.

“The Department of Justice issue, which has been magnified by the opposition, also appears to be a non-issue.”

 ?? BERNAMA PIC ?? Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the United States-Asean Business Council and the US Chamber of Commerce Gala Dinner in Washington yesterday.
BERNAMA PIC Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the United States-Asean Business Council and the US Chamber of Commerce Gala Dinner in Washington yesterday.
 ??  ?? Khairul Azwan Harun
Khairul Azwan Harun

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