KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's unwavering pledge to uphold humanitarian rights is producing results with the United States approving US$32 million(RM135 million) aid for the Rohingya in Myanmar.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said his administration had always advocated humanitarian efforts for the victims of violence such as the Palestinians and Rohingya.
"Despite all these efforts, I am baffled and feel slighted when an opposition leader lies by saying I did not raise the Rohingya's plight when I met United States President Donald Trump at the White House.
"Because of Malaysia's commitment to highlight this issue to the president himself, the US government has approved US$32 million for the Rohingya people," he said in his speech at the national level Maal Hijrah celebration at the Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan today.
It was reported on Wednesday that the US will provide a humanitarian aid package worth nearly US$32 million to Rohingya who have fled violence in Myanmar's Rakhine State in recent weeks.
It was announced by the US State Department during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Najib's meeting with Trump had played a part in garnering the support of world leaders for the Rohingya cause.
US Vice President Mike Pence had during the United Nation Security Council meeting on peacekeeping reform condemned the attacks by Myanmar military in the Rakhine state which saw more than 422,000 Rohingya displaced.
Pence also called for the end of violence against the Rohingya as it could pose threats to world peace.
Najib said any form of violence against anyone including the Rohingys could be seen as a humanitarian tragedy which could have catastrophic ending.
"It should not have happened any where in the world. We must come together and stop this violence altogether," he added.
On the Maal Hijrah celebration, Najib said it should not be seen as merely a celebration but a significant day with lessons and knowledge that must be embraced and emulated.
"On this day, we must also recognise the sacrifices made by the people despite their differences. This is the foundation of Malaysia's strength," he said.
He said the government would also continue to focus on development and welfare projects for the people such as the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), which was in line with Syariah principles.
Also present at the celebration were the prime minister's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
Some 3,000 people attended the celebration today, which marked the beginning of the Islamic calender.