Dr M urges Najib to influence Trump on Jerusalem

Pakatan Harapan has announced its plans to stage a protest this Friday against the US' decision to recognise Jerusalem as the new capital of Israel.

At a press conference today, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu urged people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds to join in the rally.

"We want this rally to be multireligious and multiracial because Palestine's problem is a humanitarian issue and not just the responsibilities of the Muslims alone. It (is the responsibility) of all religions and races," he said.

image: https://i.malaysiakini.com/1193/9703da5254fb33c8e8559f2f025a3742.jpeg

According to him, the rally is slated to be held at the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur after Friday prayers, and will be attended by all Pakatan leaders, NGOs, and religious leaders. 

Last Friday, Umno Youth had mobilised 1,000 people to protest at the US Embassy.

Meanwhile, Harapan chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad called for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, who flew to Turkey to attend the special meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to influence US President Donald Trump to change his mind over Jerusalem. 

"Najib's leadership was close with Trump, so I hope that Najib, who will attend the meeting on the Jerusalem issue, will have himself included in the convoy that will meet Trump.

"I am confident Najib can influence Trump because the latter is his friend," he said. 

Mahathir also chided the US president for his "arrogance" for neglecting the views of other world leaders. 

"I am confident that if not for Trump, others (US leaders) would not do such thing, this was his fault, he's an 'extraordinary' president who has made all kinds of statements.

"I hope action can be taken by Islamic countries to curtail the decision (to move the Israeli capital), that is by ensuring that the country that is not recognised by other Islamic states (Israel) does not have ties with other countries," he said.

At the press conference, Mahathir also said Harapan would notify the police about their upcoming rally. 

Despite admitting that they will give police a short notice, instead of the 10 days' notice stipulated in the law, he said he would not foresee any problem in mobilising the rally. 

- Mkini