DPM calls for solidarity in the defence of Jerusalem

PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday urged the people of all communities, political parties and NGOs to set aside their differences and come together in defence of Jerusalem at the large-scale gathering planned for Friday at the Putra Mosque here.

He said the gathering was seen as a stage for Malaysians to promote peace and defend Jerusalem.

“We do not have diplomatic relations with Israel, but we respect our relationship with the United States. However, when the rights of a Holy City of Islam is encroached upon by the desire to eliminate the ownership of the Muslims, Christians and Orthodox Jews, it means that the Israeli regime is trying to wipe out history.

“In this connection, I urge all Malaysians, political leaders and NGOs to set aside their differences and come together in solidarity on Friday,” he said when addressing the monthly assembly of the Home Ministry here.

Ahmad Zahid said that about 10,000 people were expected to attend the gathering to protest against the United States’ recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Ahmad Zahid, who is the chairman of the organising committee of the rally, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang were scheduled to address the rally.

He also said that the leaders of the Barisan Nasional component parties had confirmed their attendance at the gathering.

“Up to yesterday, up to 10,000 people were expected to attend. I hope the number will continue to rise for us to express our support for the people of Palestine,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said the event would begin at noon with a forum with the participation of a six-member panel drawn from various political parties.

The Friday sermon would be delivered by Federal Territory Mufti Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad al-Bakri, followed by the Friday prayers and the ‘hajat’ prayers for Jerusalem, he said.

“I hope this will be a forum not to air differences but to show the manifestation of solidarity and doing away with political differences,” he said. — Bernama