US move on Jerusalem condemned

DELEGATES and guests attending the Umno general assembly stood in solidarity with party president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to reject and condemn the United States’ move to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The party will send representatives to join a PAS-led rally today in front of the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur to protest the decision.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Malaysia rejected and would never accept the US’ move, adding he was confident and believed the Muslim ummah would react in a similar way.

“I, as the president of Umno and the Prime Minister of Malaysia, would like to invite all party leaders and others who are present in this hall or who are outside, to stand up.

“We must voice our stand clearly so that the world listens to the voice of the Muslims in Malaysia – that we reject forever and in the harshest terms, the suggestion to make Baitul Maqdis (Jerusalem), the capital of Israel,” Najib said during his presidential address.

Umno, said Najib, had never and would never compromise on any matter involving an insult to the sanctity of Islam, not just in Malaysia but in every corner of the world.

Later, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told reporters that the US’ decision should be strongly opposed – not only by Palestinians but the Muslim world.

“We should not look at this only from the Islamic perspective, it is also an issue of humanity. How is it possible for a world superpower to deny any involvement over the issue of another smaller country?

“The decision is clearly trying to meddle in the Middle East. I am concerned this will trigger political instability in that region.

“I am also worried that there are those from the extreme groups who will take unreasonable action,” said Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister.

He said Najib had met the Palestine National Liberation Movement (Fatah) leadership while Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor discussed the matter with the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) leaders.

“Through Umno, we will discuss with our partners outside of the party and Barisan Nasional along with the NGOs to hold a solidarity gathering to express our concern and stand beside our Palestinian brothers and sisters to face this huge challenge,” he said.