What is Malaysia's position on Palestine? Israel? It was clear and correct until this Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government came into power...
We have Anwar acknowledging Israel and its right to defend itself
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he recognised Israel's right to exist and to "defend itself", a position likely to raise questions on whether he subscribes to the Malaysian government's decades-long policy of not recognising the Zionist entity.
CNN: But you would accept, A:Israel's right to exist.
Anwar: Yes, yes.
CNN: And B: Israel's right to defend itself.
Anwar: Yes. - - Malaysia Now, 13/11/2024
And Anwar's government response
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said a viral video claiming Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim accepted Israel’s “right to exist and defend itself”, was edited by certain parties.
But did the Malaysian Government and/or Anwar take any legal action against CNN for allegation that the video was tampered/edited is a serious issue - it affects Anwar and also Malaysia. It could be said to be 'defamatory' as it seriously affects Anwar and Malaysia that have for decades had a strong position..
Let us that have a SCREENING of that CNN Interview - Remember, that Anwar/Government's position was 'edited' - or did Anwar really fumble and said that he recognized Israel, and Israel's Right To Defend Itself - i.e. attack Gaza? It would have been better if he just apologized for the mistake, just like Zahid did when he chanted 'Hidup Israel' - and reaffirm Malaysia's position.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has apologised for his error during his speech at the Himpunan Pembebasan Palestin rally held at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil last night...Based on several viral video clips on social media, Ahmad Zahid was seen mistakenly chanting ‘Long live Israel’ during his speech.
Then, we have one of our 2 Deputy PMs chanting 'Hidup Israel'(Long Live Israel) ..He apologized
Then, there is the BLACKROCK involvement in the MAHB. To date, the deal seems to be still ON - BlackRock was one of the listed entities that were blamed for their support of Isreal, supply of arms, finances, etc...listed in the speech of a Joint Statement of many UN experts in June 2024(see below)
Then, we have a Minister opening a Starbucks establishment - when there was an ongoing action of boycotting Starbucks for its position/action in support of Israel. The government may officially not support boycott - but must be sensitive to the fact that Malaysians are boycotting certain establishment as an action against Israel's ongoing injustices in Palestine.
Minister
Nga - Opening Starbucks Outlet at the Ministry Despite Boycott Calls?
"instigators" out to ruin domestic economy? Palestinian Cause forgotten
by Malaysia?
PALESTINE as a recognized Nation State did not exist - it was just the Palestinian Region which was inhabitted by the Palestinian people - Muslims, Christians and Jews. In included the Holy Land which had been fought over by Muslims and Christians over the decades - the Crusades, and sometimes being ruled by Muslims and sometimes by Christians...
The United Nations GUILTY of creating ISRAEL - without first ascertaining what the people living in the region wanted.
Now, the FACT is that the inhabitants of the whole REGION were never consulted before the United Nations then made a decision to DIVIDE up the region and create a Jewish State and an 'Arabic State' - Without the peoples' participation - it was a denial of the right of SELF DETERMINATION as to whether or how they wanted to create ISRAEL and the Palestinian State(for the non-Jews) or NOT.
Interestingly, there was no demand or struggle of the Jewish inhabitants(for decades/centuries) for the creation of separate religious based State. The demand comes from outside Israel Jews(the Zionists) who convinced Britain - who then moved the UN to create the 2 States. The UN had a MAP - that defined the boundaries of this new Jewish State, and so the UN Resolution was passed in 1947, and many nations including other neighboring Arab nations objected.
The United Nations General Assembly's Resolution 181, which proposed the partition of Palestine, passed on November 29, 1947 with 33 votes in favor, 13 against, and 10 abstentions.UN had 56 member states only - Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, France, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippine Republic, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of South Africa, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iceland, Siam, Sweden. The last member was either Pakistan OR Yemen, and these were 2 countries that joined in 1947, which at end of that year brought the UN membership to 57.
Israel then formed a 'nation state' in 1948, and was accepted as a UN member State in 1949. Palestine even after it formed a nation state, and had its first elections in 1996 is yet to be accepted as a UN Member State - DISCRIMINATION?
WHAT IS THE MALAYSIAN POSITION ON PALESTINE - 3 POSSIBLE POSITIONS..
FIRST POSITION ON PALESTINE - Does Malaysia AGREE to the Partition Plan of the UN? Does Malaysia recognize Israel as a nation State?
If Malaysia does not accept this UN Partition Plan, done without the consultation/agreement of people living in the entire Palestinian region, Malaysia definitely does not recognize Israel as a nation state, and its right to defend itself. So, here we are not talking about Israel getting out of its occupied territory - for it is, and always was an ILLEGAL nation state, and Malaysia does not recognize Israel.
SECOND POSITION ON PALESTINE - Does Malaysia accept the boundary of Israel and Palestine, as per the 1947 UN Resolution - this means any territory now beyond the 1947 Map are OCCUPIED TERRITORY - and our demand is for Israel to withdraw back to the 1947 borders?
If Malaysia takes this position, this means Malaysia recognizes Israel, and the 1947 boundaries. Thus, the protest will be what Israel did after 1947/48 - that is the wrongfully occupying of area beyond the UN stipulated borders - that means not the withdrawal from all occupied territories (not just in Palestine) but also neighboring countries. This position also means the return home of the about 750,000 'expelled' non-Jewish Palestinians back to their home/lands where they lived for Generations.
What happened after the formation of Israel was what today we will call 'ethnic cleansing' - Israel wrongfully cleared non-Jewish Palestinian from Israel - around 750,000 people. [This was akin to what happened to the Rohingya in Burma]
NAKBA - In 1948, approximately half of Palestine's predominantly Arab population, or around 750,000 people, were expelled from their homes or made to flee through various violent means, at first by Zionist paramilitaries, and after the establishment of the State of Israel, by its military. Dozens of massacres targeted Palestinian Arabs and over 500 Arab-majority towns, villages, and urban neighborhoods were depopulated,[10] with many of these being either completely destroyed or repopulated by Jews and given new Hebrew names. Israel employed biological warfare against Palestinians by poisoning village wells.The UN then recognized the draconian 'ethnic cleansing' activities that resulted in hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees - and called for the right of return, condemning also Israel's actions - still no compliance by Israel ..
Wars were used of expanding the 'BORDERS' of Israel - beyond the UN recognized borders pursuant to the UN Resolution of 1947. Now, Israel claims as its borders the 1967 Borders...but since then they have continued to colonize or 'illegally occupy' more land, not just belonging to Palestine(as per UN Resolution 1947), but also land belonging to some neighboring neighboring states.
The biggest change to Israel's frontiers came in 1967, when the conflict known as the Six Day War left Israel in occupation of the Sinai peninsula, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and most of the Syrian Golan Heights - effectively tripling the size of territory under Israel's control.THIRD POSITION - Does Malaysia recognize the 1967 Borders of Israel, which includes illegally occupied lands? And these borders are still expanding to date - lately the claiming of Golan Heights to be part of Israel????
The Golan Heights, or simply the Golan, is a basaltic plateau at the southwest corner of Syria.On 14 December 1981, Israel passed the Golan Heights Law, that extended Israeli "laws, jurisdiction and administration" to the Golan Heights.On Thursday, US President Donald Trump tweeted that "after 52 years it is time for the United States to fully recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights," calling the area important to regional stability. - DW, 21/3/2019In all its colonized territories, Israel have been building Israeli settlements - the object being not de-colonization but the incorporation of these territories into Israel, and moves have been to clean the areas of local residents.. The UN to date have all been words - yet any affirmative action, including forcing Israel to the UN recognized borders of 1947, at the very least.
Malaysia had sadly been confused - (a) in the recognition of the 1967 Borders - and not even pushing Israel back to the 1947 Borders, and calling for the retreat of Israel from its 'colonies' and occupied territories, including the dismantling of Israeli settlements and return of land/home to the original inhabitants who were 'forcibly' forced out.
So, WHAT IS THE MALAYSIAN POSITION - 1, 2 OR 3?
Like Tsunami, Floods - just focusing on the current attacks on Gaza is not enough - what is the Malaysian position on Palestine?
The attack on Gaza and the Palestinians is not NEW - the latest one is after October 2023 attack of Israel, to date has resulted in over 45,000 dead, and 100,000 plus injured, plus enormous property damage. Who attacked Israel? It was not the Palestinian government/State? It was not the government of Gaza? It was some terrorist group possibly acting on its own - to arrest, accord a trial, and sentence them accordingly would have been the right cause of action - NOT the blaming of entire population of Gaza, including the innocent - and raining down death and destruction. This is NOT the RULE OF LAW. The International Court calls it Genocide and ethnic cleansing and has ORDERED Israel to stop killing Palestinians.
Taking a stance on GAZA is a short-term stance - the call for CEASEFIRE, the call for the ability to send aid and health care to victims, to call for Israel forces to retreat from Gaza are all IMMEDIATE positions to take - BUT which of 3 above mentioned position is Malaysia's position today... Does Malaysia recognize the formation of Israel? Does Malaysia recognize the 1947 Borders, the 1967 Borders or subsequent new borders of Israel? Does Malaysia hold the strong position that Israel must withdraw from all occupied territories back to its 1947 borders?
Yes, PM Anwar's government continue calling for 'peace', ceasefire, provision of healthcare - BUT WHAT ELSE?
In my opinion, the Malaysian position, since Independence, is the non-recognition of Israel - that means, we have taken the POSITION 1, however now, there is confusion when Anwar himself, in an interview, says he recognizes Israel and its right to Defend itself - that means, Anwar's position is POSITION 2 or 3? Do the rest of Malaysia agree with this? Should this be brought to Parliament and decided there?
Because of the perceived change in position, Anwar Ibrahim and the Government seems to be losing people's support on the Palestinian Issue. Rallies which Anwar/Government organises seems to fail to draw public support - the Stadium/Venues were not even filled to the brim, and overflowing...??
Parliament should decide on Malaysia's position of the Palestinian Issue? Should we also also have a LAW that clearly states that Malaysia will not have any economic relations with companies that are owned/linked to the Israeli government? A law that prohibits the entry of Isreali Zionist or military officials? A law that allows Malaysia to break agreements with any entities, the moment their ownership is shown to be (or acquired) by Israeli companies? Should Malaysia not have a 'BLACKLIST' of all entities that are owned in full(or part) directly or indirectly by Israeli Zionists?
BlackRock, before 20/6/2024, was not a clearly identified group who was supporting Israel (The transfer of weapons and ammunition to Israel may
constitute serious violations of human rights and international
humanitarian laws and risk State complicity in international crimes,
possibly including genocide) - but after that day - Malaysia's continued insistence to enter into business relationship in the MAHB deal was wrong.
The transfer of weapons and ammunition to Israel may constitute serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian laws and risk State complicity in international crimes, possibly including genocide, UN experts said today, reiterating their demand to stop transfers immediately...Financial institutions investing in these arms companies are also called to account. Investors such as Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach-Stiftung, Amundi Asset Management, Bank of America, BlackRock, Capital Group, Causeway Capital Management,...Failure to prevent or mitigate their business relationships with these arms manufacturers transferring arms to Israel could move from being directly linked to human rights abuses to contributing to them, with repercussions for complicity in potential atrocity crimes, the experts said.- UN OHCHR, 20/6/2024Anwar said that BlackRock was already in Malaysia before and entered into other deals - but after 20/6/2024, what Malaysia should have been doing was to see how we can 'terminate' their presence in Malaysian 'business relationships'. Complication may arise for termination of past deals - that is why a law on Palestine-Israel is an excellent idea. Evidence of corporations supporting Israel in committing human rights violations can be made a justifiable reason for 'breaking' existing agreements and ousting them from Malaysia. Now, we are talking about 'Business and Human Rights" - and hence a law that allows Malaysia to break agreements and 'expel' businesses that violate human rights is WORTHY of consideration for any country. including Malaysia, if they are committed to human rights,
There is an urgency for Malaysia and Malaysians to CLARIFY the Malaysian position on the Palestinian issue. Does Anwar Ibrahim's position TALLY with the Malaysian position. How can Anwar change Malaysia's position publicly by saying that Malaysia recognizes Israel, and its right to defend itself? How can Malaysia continue business relationships with ENTITIES that support/supply arms to Israel.
CLARIFY THE POSITION NOW - AND PM ANWAR MUST ADHERE TO THE MALAYSIAN POSITION - and stop 'fumbling' in front of the International/Local Media or the world at large.
Does Israel have a right to exist and defend itself? Yes, says Anwar
The stance is likely to ignite reactions from pro-Palestinian groups and raise questions about the prime minister's commitment to Malaysia's policy of not recognising Israel.
States and companies must end arms transfers to Israel immediately or risk responsibility for human rights violations: UN experts
20 June 2024
GENEVA (20 June 2024) – The transfer of weapons and ammunition to Israel may constitute serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian laws and risk State complicity in international crimes, possibly including genocide, UN experts said today, reiterating their demand to stop transfers immediately.
In line with recent calls from the Human Rights Council and the independent UN experts to States to cease the sale, transfer and diversion of arms, munitions and other military equipment to Israel, arms manufacturers supplying Israel – including BAE Systems, Boeing, Caterpillar, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Oshkosh, Rheinmetall AG, Rolls-Royce Power Systems, RTX, and ThyssenKrupp – should also end transfers, even if they are executed under existing export licenses.
“These companies, by sending weapons, parts, components, and ammunition to Israeli forces, risk being complicit in serious violations of international human rights and international humanitarian laws,” the experts said. This risk is heightened by the recent decision from the International Court of Justice ordering Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah, having recognised genocide as a plausible risk, as well as the request filed by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court seeking arrest warrants for Israeli leaders on allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. “In this context, continuing arms transfers to Israel may be seen as knowingly providing assistance for operations that contravene international human rights and international humanitarian laws and may result in profit from such assistance.”
An end to transfers must include indirect transfers through intermediary countries that could ultimately be used by Israeli forces, particularly in the ongoing attacks on Gaza. The UN experts said that arms companies must systematically and periodically conduct enhanced human rights due diligence to ensure that their products are not used in ways that violate international human rights and international humanitarian laws.
Financial institutions investing in these arms companies are also called to account. Investors such as Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach-Stiftung, Amundi Asset Management, Bank of America, BlackRock, Capital Group, Causeway Capital Management, Citigroup, Fidelity Management & Research, INVESCO Ltd, JP Morgan Chase, Harris Associates, Morgan Stanley, Norges Bank Investment Management, Newport Group, Raven'swing Asset Management, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance, State Street Corporation, Union Investment Privatfonds, The Vanguard Group, Wellington and Wells Fargo & Company, are urged to take action. Failure to prevent or mitigate their business relationships with these arms manufacturers transferring arms to Israel could move from being directly linked to human rights abuses to contributing to them, with repercussions for complicity in potential atrocity crimes, the experts said.
“Arms initiate, sustain, exacerbate, and prolong armed conflicts, as well as other forms of oppression, hence the availability of arms is an essential precondition for the commission of war crimes and violations of human rights, including by private armament companies,” said the experts.
They said the ongoing Israeli military assault is characterised by indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks on the civilian population and infrastructure, including through extensive use of explosive and incendiary weapons in densely populated areas, as well as in the destruction and damage of essential and life-sustaining essential civilian infrastructure, including housing and shelters, health, education, water and sanitation facilities. These attacks have resulted in more than 37,000 deaths in Gaza and 84,000 injured. Of these deaths and injuries, an estimated 70 per cent are women and children. Today, children in Gaza are the largest group of amputee children in the world due to grave injuries sustained in the war. These operations have also resulted in severe environmental and climate damages.
“The imperative for an arms embargo on Israel and for investors to take decisive action is more urgent than ever, particularly in light of states' obligations and companies' responsibilities under the Geneva Conventions, the Genocide Convention, the international human rights treaties, and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights,” the UN experts said.
The experts paid tribute to the sustained work of journalists who have been documenting and reporting on the devastating impact of these weapons systems on civilians in Gaza, and human rights defenders and lawyers, among other stakeholders, who are dedicated to holding States and companies accountable for the transfer of weapons to Israel.
They have also engaged with States, as well as the involved businesses and investors on these issues.
The experts: Robert McCorquodale (Chair), Fernanda Hopenhaym (Vice-Chair), Pichamon Yeophantong, Damilola Olawuyi, Elzbieta Karska, Working Group on business and human rights; George Katrougalos, Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order; Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation; Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences; Paula Gaviria Betancur, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons; Tlaleng Mofokeng, Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; Michael Fakhri, Special Rapporteur on the right to food; Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; Cecilia M Bailliet, Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity; Ms. Margaret Satterthwaite, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers; Farida Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the right to education; Carlos Salazar Couto (Chair-Rapporteur), Michelle Small, Ravindran Daniel, Jovana Jezdimirovic Ranito, Sorcha MacLeod, Working Group on the use of mercenaries; Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967; Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism; Dorothy Estrada Tanck (Chair), Laura Nyirinkindi (Vice-Chair), Claudia Flores, Ivana Krstić, and Haina Lu, Working group on discrimination against women and girls; Astrid Puentes, Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment; Attiya Waris, Independent Expert on the effects of foreign debt; Marcos A. Orellana, Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes; Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing
The Special Rapporteurs, Independent Experts and Working Groups are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity.
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