KUALA LUMPUR: The solidarity rally for the persecuted Rohingya at Titiwangsa Stadium earlier today saw both the Umno and Pas presidents, as well as other leaders from across the political divide, unite in the name of humanity and Islam.

Commencing at 9am, the ‘Himpunan Solidariti Ummah Untuk Rohingya’ saw Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang standing side-by-side, sending a strong signal that Muslims in Malaysia condemn the barbaric actions committed against the Rohingya in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, which Najib regards as an affront to Islam.

Addressing some 14,000 participants who filled the stadium to the brim this morning, Najib said the Rohingya genocide goes beyond politics, hence why he and Hadi had come together for the Ummah.

He stressed that standing up for human rights, and the lives and property of the Rohingya, is an obligation for Muslims, and a part of the religion’s Maqasid Syariah.

“This is our obligation. It is a must for all of us to help defend their lives, property and rights to continue their lineage.

“This is why Pas is together with us today. We can have political differences, but when it comes to Islam, we have to stand united.

“This is above politics,” he said, to cheers and shouts of “Allahuakbar” from the audience.

After his speech, Najib and Hadi walked together to an outdoor stage where Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Yadim) head Dr Yusri Mohamad read out a declaration by a coalition of Malaysian Islamic non-governmental organisations (NGOs) urging for strong action against the Myanmar government.

Also joining Najib and Hadi were Umno and Pas leaders, including Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Umno information chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa, Umno Supreme Council members Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, Datuk Seri Idris Haron; and from Pas, its deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and Youth chief Nik Abduh Nik Aziz.

Yusri later handed the declaration to Najib. -nst