PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Razak says his good standing with United States President Donald Trump will not affect his principles as a Muslim when it comes to issues concerning Palestine.
Najib said although he received good hospitality during his visit to the White House last September, he will not ‘pawn off’ the sanctity of Islam in matters related to Palestine.
“It is my responsibility to defend my religion and its followers, as outlined in the first principle of Maqasid Syariah.
“Jerusalem is the third holiest city for Muslims and we have to free it from the grip of the Zionist regime," he said, addressing a crowd of thousands at the Putra Mosque during the Solidarity Rally to Save Jerusalem today.
Malaysia, Najib said, is not a 'begging' nation as it has never solicited for aid from the US.
“The US is admittedly a big nation, but we have our pride and dignity," he added, noting that the US instead had asked Malaysia to invest in purchasing the latter’s aircraft.
"This proves that Malaysia is a successful Muslim nation which stand as an example to other countries,” he added.
Najib said this was also why Malaysia had helped sponsor the United Nations' resolution opposing the US recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
On Sept 13, Najib conducted an official visit to the White House, where Trump had expressed his country’s gratitude for Malaysia’s continued partnership over the past six decades.
During the visit, Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) also signed a deal with American aircraft maker Boeing to buy 16 aircraft.