Muslims united against Trump's Jerusalem move: Najib

PUTRAJAYA: Today's rally is proof that Muslims in the country are united in condemning United States President Donald Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
In his strongest sign of support for the Palestinian cause, Najib announced that solidarity rallies will be organised on the third week of each month at all mosques nationwide in an effort to shore up more support.
"The announcement by Trump is akin to adding fuel to the fire of Muslims worldwide as it shows their (United States') support towards Israel's atrocities against Palestinians.
"Isn't this a challenge to us, the 1.6 billion Muslims to unite against merely 13 million Jews who at present are determining the fate of Palestine?" he asked the crowd during his speech at the Putra Mosque, here, today.
Imploring Muslims and non-Muslims alike to take up the cause, Najib expressed fear that should Jerusalem become the capital of Israel, Palestinians will lose all their dignity, become weak and will be more oppressed than before.
"Hence we will continue to make a strong stance against any attempt to usurp Palestinian rights on Jerusalem.
"The final status of Jerusalem should be determined by both Israel and Palestine through bilateral talks for a two-state solution," he said.
Responding to threats by the United States to stop funding other countries that had voted for the UN Resolution against Trump's announcement, Najib reiterated that Malaysia is not a country that looks for handouts from other nations.
"Even though the United States is a superpower, do not patronise Malaysia.
"We also have our dignity. We have never asked the United States for loans.
"In fact on many matters, they ask us instead.
"They are the ones who asked us to purchase their planes," he said.
The request from the United States, he elaborated only meant that the country is becoming a model example to other nations.
"That's why we have our dignity which in one way or another translates to our strength.
"Our dignity is more when Muslims are united in Malaysia irrespective of race and religion," he said.
Some 5,000 people attended the Solidarity Rally to Save Jerusalem held at the Putra Mosque.
Many participants were seen putting down their signatures on a white paper banner affixed to the wall to show their support for the cause.
The rally started with a forum comprising leaders from various political parties including the opposition.
The forum panellists included Palestine Ambassador to Malaysia Datuk Dr Anwar H. Al Agha, Dr Muhammad Faiz Na'aman, Hasanuddin Mohd Yunus, PKR secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, PAS Youth chief Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi and Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (YADIM) president Dr Yusri Mohammad.
National Missionary Council chairman Professor Datuk Dr Mahmood Zuhdi Abd Majid served as the forum moderator.
The prime minister and other leaders had earlier joined thousands to perform the Friday prayer followed by Solat Hajat.
The Friday sermon was led by Federal Territories Mufti Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad al-Bakri, who touched on the Palestine and Jerusalem issues.
PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, who is also World Ulama Council representative who was scheduled to deliver his speech failed to turn up prompting his son Muhammad Khalil to give a speech instead.
Following his speech, Najib launched "Tabung Palestine" and placed his signature on a banner in support of the campaign.