SOLIDARITY KEY TO RESOLVING ISSUES, SAYS PM
Najib calls on 1.6b Muslims to ensure Jerusalem doesn’t fall into Zionist regime’s hands
SOLIDARITY among Muslims is key to resolving the issue of Palestine and Jerusalem, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Speaking at the Solidarity Rally for Jerusalem here yesterday, Najib called on all 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide to put their differences aside to ensure that Jerusalem did not fall into the hands of the Zionist regime.
“We have the numbers. Islam has 1.6 billion followers, compared with 13 million Jews,” he said to the 10,000-strong crowd.
Many turned up at Masjid Putra here as early as 10am.
“There is no other way to resolve the Palestine and Jerusalem issues. It is only through strong solidarity among Muslims. Unfortunately, the unity is not there.
“We fight among ourselves though Allah says disunity will weaken us and others will look down on us.
“This is Allah’s reminder,” he said after Friday prayers.
The government-backed rally aimed to show solidarity with Palestinians and to protest United States President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
People from different faiths, political leanings and countries, including Palestinians, showed up at the rally.
Najib said while he enjoyed good relations with Trump, the ties would not compromise his principle as a Muslim on the Palestine issue.
He said although he was well received at the White House in Washington, DC, during his visit in September, he would never “pawn” the sanctity of Islam or matters related to Palestine.
“It is my responsibility to defend my religion and its followers, as outlined in the first principle of
maqasid syariah.
“Jerusalem is the third holiest city for Muslims, and we have to free it from the grips of the Zionist regime.”
Malaysia, he said, had never begged for or solicited US aid.
“Though the US is a big nation, we have our pride and dignity,” he said, adding that it was the US, that asked Malaysia to invest in the country.
“This proved that Malaysia is a successful, exemplary Muslim nation.”
He said this was why Malaysia helped to sponsor the United Nations’ resolution to oppose the US recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Najib also shared his dream of being able to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque without needing permission from the Zionist regime.
Questioning why tunnels were built under Al-Aqsa Mosque, he said should Jerusalem fall into the hands of the Zionist regime, it would create uncertainties in security, among others.
On the other hand, Najib said, if Palestine held Jerusalem, other faiths would be allowed to carry out their religious obligations.
“Today’s rally is historic... despite our differences, we have come here today to oppose the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
“If we look at the map from before 1947, Palestine has a big land. The size has been getting smaller since 1947, more so after 1967, when the war ended.
“Should Jerusalem become Israel’s capital, Palestinians will be disgraced, weaker and more oppressed.”
He reiterated Malaysia’s firm stand on the Jerusalem issue when he brought the matter before the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s extraordinary in Istanbul recently.
He repeated the three key points presented at the summit, one of which was to be firm and consistent in Malaysia’s support to free Palestine and become a sovereign nation.
“Palestine must be what it was before 1947. I want east Jerusalem to be the capital of Palestine.”
After his speech, Najib launched the Palestine Fund and signed a banner in support of the campaign. Page 1 pic: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak speaking at the Solidarity Rally for Jerusalem at Masjid Putra in Putrajaya yesterday.