M’sia to join UN emergency session on Jerusalem move
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will join members of the United Nations at a rare emergency special session to reject the United States’ decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this is Malaysia’s way of carrying out its diplomatic and international role on the issue.
He added that the emergency session reflects the global community’s objection to the US government’s decision.
“Malaysia wants to move collectively with the international community on this issue.
“The time has come for the international community to come together and pressure the United States and Israel to stop this oppression against the people of Palestine,” he said after chairing the meeting on the “Solidarity to Save Jerusalem” gathering to be held tomorrow.
Foreign news reports said the rare emergency United Nations General Assembly session will be held today (New York time) at the request of Arab and Muslim states on the decision made by US President Donald Trump.
On Monday, the United States vetoed a draft resolution at the UN Security Council calling for Trump’s declaration to be withdrawn. The remaining 14 council members voted in favour of the Egyptiandrafted resolution.
On the rally, the Deputy Prime Minister said it will be attended by representatives from 250 political bodies and NGOs representing Malaysians of various races and religions.
He added that he was pleased that non-Malays and non-Muslim groups have given their commitment to attend the gathering.
Leaders of Barisan Nasional component parties will join Malaysians at the gathering at Putra Mosque here.
A forum will be held to reflect Malaysia’s solidarity in rejecting the US move.
Among speakers slated to attend are Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Anwar H. Al Agha, PAS deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and PKR’s Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang will be addressing the gathering.