Malaysian PM criticizes U.S. at Muslim rally on Jerusalem issue

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on Friday leveled a thinly veiled criticism at U.S. President Donald Trump when attending a rally in protest of the U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, saying the warm welcome he received at the White House during a visit will not waver his determination to defend Islam.

"The United States should not look down upon Malaysia," said Najib at the rally held in the Putra Mosque in front of the Prime Minister's office in Putrajaya, days after Trump threatened to pull funding for all countries who voted against U.S. on the Jerusalem issue.

Najib, who just returned from a trip in Turkey for a summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation on the Jerusalem issue, urged Trump and the U.S. government to change mind on the issue.

"We have not asked for money from the United States. In fact they need our help such as our orders for their planes," said Najib, referring to Malaysia Airlines' purchase of 25 Boeing aircraft worth billions of U.S. dollars.

Touted as an event for all Muslims regardless of their political differences, the rally also saw the attendance of leaders from opposition parties.

Mahathir Mohamad, the former prime minister who is leading the opposition coalition, also made a short appearance at the mosque.

The government led by Najib will end its tenure by next August, and it is widely expected he will call an early election. UMNO, the party which Najib chairs, has always been competing with the Malaysian Islamic Party to win over Muslim voters.

But Najib said "it's not about politics" in his speech, noting that it's about coming together to support Palestine.

Jason Leong, an advisor to the Association of Nexgen Christians of Malaysia, also attended the rally.

He said it's not about religion nor politics, but about the humanitarian purpose.

"President Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital will increase the risks for those who stay there, including many Christians," he said. Enditem