@VellPaari : Muslim countries must stop trading Oil in US dollars to teach Donald Trump a lesson

1. I refer to a recent statement issued by US President Donald J. Trump recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This recognition and highly controversial move by US would derail any bid to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

2. The main concern from this declaration by the US President is that it will inflame tensions in the Middle East region and unsettle the prospects for peace that has been sought after for decades between the Israelis and the Palestinians. 

3. Neverthess, since President Trump has made up his mind, it is time for the Muslim world to also react to the decision that has been made. I believe this is where our country, especially our Yang Amat Berhormat Prime Minister Datuk Seri Haji Najib Bin Tun Abdul Razak can take a leadership role on behalf of the Muslim world. 

4. It is well known domestically and internationally that our YAB Prime Minister has a very good relationship with the "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques", king Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.  Taking into consideration into consideration that Saudi Arabia is also one of the world's biggest oil produces, maybe it is time for Oil to stop being traded in US dollars but some other currency that is acceptable to all oil and gas producing countries.

5. The power and influence that both King Salman and YAB Prime Minister have will be able to convince oil producing countries, which are majority Muslims anyway to do away with trading oil in US dollars. This will teach the US a lesson as their decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel will have consequences.

6. In my humble opinion, i think the time has come for the Muslim world to take concrete steps to protect Palestinians and to an extend exert power and pressure on the United States with respect to the Palestinian cause. What Donald Trump did yesterday cannot be undone by any US Presidents in the future as the political ramifications will be huge.

7. No future US President will want to go heads on with the Israel government and the Israel lobby in Washington. Therefore any action that needs to be taken, has to be done now. Again, since the Muslim world is blessed with oil, it could be the only practical "weapon" to be used agaist the United States.

Thank You

*Press Statement*

*Datuk Seri S. Vell Paari*

*Treasurer General*

*Malaysian Indian Congress*