More than 10,000 Malaysians of all races thronged the Bunga Raya Complex at the Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) International Airport to greet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on his return from abroad today.
Najib, who was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, arrived at the complex at 11.05am.
The crowd had gathered to show their support to the Prime Minister for making a humanitarian visit to Gaza, Palestine, before he attended the 2013 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Among the VIPs present to greet them were Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and wife Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Human Resource Minister and MIC deputy president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam and Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar.
Others included Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and Umno information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan, Deputy Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Maglin Dennis D'Cruz, People's Progressive Party (PPP) president Datuk Seri M. Kayveas, Barisan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and Wanita Umno head Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.
The crowd made up of people of all walks of life also carried posters and banners captioned among others "Selamat Pulang Pejuang Umat" (Welcome Home the People's Champion), "PM Wira Negara" (PM Our Hero), "We Are Proud To Have A Brave PM" and "We Love PM".
Addressing the crowd, Najib said he was deeply touched by the unexpected welcome and lauded it as it showed Malaysian's unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause.
He said he took the decision to visit Gaza to see for himself the plight of the people living there and also to convey the support of the people of Malaysia for their cause to be free.
"We have extended aid, our NGOs (non-governmental organisations) have been to Gaza (to lend a helping hand), but (prior to this) we have not been to Palestine in the name of the Government of Malaysia, the people of Malaysia and the Barisan Nasional," he said.
Najib said although his visit was very brief, he did manage to move around Gaza which is densely populated and its residents living in difficult conditions and see for himself the destruction wrought by Israeli bombing, among others destroyed mosques, government buildings and stadiums, all not having any military significance.
He said the attacks had the sole aim of increasing Israeli oppression of the Palestinians and break their spirit, and that he went there to convey the message that they were not alone in their struggle.
"There are some (people) who say we should do all we can to guarantee the security of Israel, but for us, the people of Malaysia, the Barisan Nasional, the government, what we place importance is that Palestinians must get fundamental rights and sovereignty and their security assured," he said.
Najib also said a unity government between Hamas (which controls Gaza) dan Fatah (which controls the West Bank) was important to ensure their struggle (for Palestinian statehood) was not in vain.
"Remember that the cornerstone of everything is unity, unity is very important. The lesson to us in Malaysia is also the same, unity is the pillar to everything.
"We can give moral, financial and political support, but ultimately Palestinians must take steps towards unity. The message that I conveyed to them is that the people of Malaysia are fighters who will always stand firmly behind the Palestinians in their struggle," he said.
Gaza which has a population about 1.7 million is only half the size of Perlis.
Najib, who is the first prime minister of Malaysia to have made an official visit to Gaza, was also conferred an honorary doctorate by the University of Al-Aqsa for his support to the Palestinian cause.
Bernama
Sun Jan 27 2013
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.