United for Jerusalem
PM leads Malaysians in huge show of support
Malaysians gathered in the thousands in a show of unity, standing up against the controversial decision by the US government to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. While most at the ‘Solidarity to Save Jerusalem’ event were Muslims, many non-Muslims including Christian groups were also present. The rally, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, went full force after Friday prayers, ‘hajat’ prayers and a ‘Save Jerusalem’ forum.
PUTRAJAYA: Thousands of Malaysians came together in a display of unity to support the Palestinians and protest the US government’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
A sea of over 10,000 people dressed in white – to symbolise solidarity with the Palestinians – gathered at the compound of Putra Mosque here to take part in the Solidarity to Save Jerusalem gathering.
Although most were Muslims, including members of NGOs and Opposition party supporters, many nonMuslims, including Christian groups, also turned up to show their support.
The event came a day after an emergency session of the United Nations General Assembly saw 128 nations vote in favour of a UN resolution calling for the United States to drop its recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Nine countries voted against the resolution, while 35 others abstained.
The rally was preceded by the Friday prayers and hajat prayers, as well as a “Save Jerusalem” forum.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak led the rally together with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, several other Cabinet ministers and the Palestine Ambassador to Malaysia Datuk Dr Anwar H. Al Agha.
PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, who was scheduled to give a speech, did not turn up for the event. His son Mohamed Khalil Abdul Hadi spoke instead.
It is understood that Abdul Hadi could not make it because he was unwell.
The Opposition representatives who came were from PAS, PKR, Parti Amanah Negara and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.
In a rousing speech to the crowd, Najib said Malaysia would stay strong and would not bow to pressure over its support for the Palestinians.
This was an apparent reference to the threat by the United States of action against countries which voted in favour of a UN resolution the day before, urging the US government to withdraw its decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
The Prime Minister said that while he was warmly received by US President Donald Trump during his visit to the White House in September, he would not compromise on principles, especially when it came to protecting the sanctity of Islam.
“The United States may be a superpower, but do not look down on Malaysia,” he said.
“We have our pride and dignity too, we have not asked for loans from the United States.
“In fact, they seek our help on many matters, such as asking us to help buy planes.
“What does this mean? It means that as a developing nation, we are a model to other nations.”
Najib added that Malaysia would never accept Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
He outlined three demands – an independent and sovereign Palestinian state; an independent Palestinian in line with the Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement based on the 1967 borders with agreed and equal land swaps; and East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.
“These are the three things which I will not budge on, even if they cut me up into little pieces,” said the Prime Minister.
He said the Muslim ummah, including those in Malaysia, could stand up to Israel if the people were united.
“Let us forget our political squabbles because in this and other (core issues) we can be united, regardless of whether we wear green or red shirts.
“We want to create a tsunami of Muslims and this will spark solidarity among Muslims in this country and elsewhere,” he added.
Najib also said solidarity gatherings in support of Palestine would be held in mosques nationwide every third week of the month.
Meanwhile, Dr Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia would not be cowed by the US threat.
He said Malaysia was not a recipient of huge economic aid from the United States, but rather technical assistance in terms of security and defence.
“In my opinion, the United States should not use such threats because it (the UN resolution) is the opinion of the international community,” he said.
PAS Youth chief Mohamed Khalil said the gathering was significant in the sense that it brought together Muslims from all walks of life.
“Our gathering here sends a message to the United States and Israel that Malaysia is with our brethren in Palestine to push for a free Jerusalem,” he said.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Mazlan Lazim said the rally went smoothly.
“More than 900 police personnel were on duty to maintain security,” he said.
Traffic congestion was not a major problem at the rally venue as people had cooperated by using shuttle buses to the mosque, he added.