Thousands of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's supporters gave him a hero's welcome after he touched down at KLIA today.

According to estimates by Star Online, at least 7,000 people were at the rally, while Bernama estimated the number to be at 10,000.

Najib had just returned from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Prior to that event, he was in Gaza, Palestine.

Among those in the crowd were a long list of VIPs, including former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Ordinary people carried placards and banners which, among others, read "Welcome home the people's champion", "PM a national hero", "We are proud of have a brave PM" and "We love PM".

In his address, 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.

'Investors like Malaysia'

"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 our government, the people of Malaysia and BN," he said, according to Bernama.

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.

On the World Economic Forum, Najib reported that the "Malaysia Night" event was an extraordinary success.

“We had expected only 400 to attend, instead 1,000 influential people turned up.

"In a global climate of uncertainty they said Malaysia is one of few countries that they consider to be a bright spot," he said, according to Star Online.