Malaysia should stop all Israel registered ships into Malaysia.

It is absurd that Malaysia has been allowing Israel registered ships into Malaysia. I believe that Malaysia must disallow this practice as a sign of protest against Israel. Let us be clear on our position about Israel - more since the attack on the humanitarian flotilla to Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of 9 activist.

KUALA LUMPUR: Israel-registered ships are allowed into Malaysia if they have been issued permits, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha.

However, the ships must ensure no goods of Israeli origin were unloaded from the cargo ships.

“Israeli crew members are also prohibited from leaving the vessels when these ships dock at our ports but exemption will be given to those in emergency situations,” he told reporters after chairing the first MCA science and technology bureau meeting here yesterday.

He was commenting on a news report that Malaysian ports had been receiving Israeli cargo vessels since 1998 even though the two countries had no diplomatic ties.

Kong said these ships were also not allowed to hoist the Israeli flag.

Zim Lines of Israel has a subsidiary called Gold Star Lines which owns HS Chopin.

The latter enters Malaysia under the Asia Mediteranean Europe service.

On another matter, Kong, who is the MCA science and technology bureau chief, said the bureau had renamed the MCA ICT Resource Centre to MCA Innovation Resource Centre.

“We need to rebrand it so that the bureau can provide services beyond information and communication technology.

“It should also look into others like robotics, automation, bio-technology and nano-technology,” he said. - Star, 10/6/2010, Israeli ships with permits can enter M’sia

Israeli attack on flotilla - investigation by the UN (not Israel)....

I condemn in strongest terms the Israeli attack of a Turkish ship in international waters. That ship was part of a flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. At least 10 activists have been killed.

The UN Security Council has only called for an inquiry, that is to be done done by the Israel - this is wrong, for it should be done by the UN and/or an international impartial team. How can one expect Israel to conduct an 'impartial' inquiry? I am sure, if it was Iran or some other country, the US (and the UN) would have taken a better position. The raid...the killing...the offence occured in international waters on board a Turkish ship - should not Turkey have the right and the jurisdiction to investigate this crime...

Our TV reports did not show our PM Najib condemning the act....only his concern about getting the Malaysians involved back safely. Was this because Najib do not want to hurt Malaysia's relationship with the US?

ALIRAN Media statement
http://www.aliran.com

Israeli attack on flotilla: Release 600 detainees now

Aliran condemns in the strongest terms the recent Israeli atrocities against unarmed civilians on board an aid flotilla heading towards Gaza which resulted in at least 10 peace activists being killed.

The incident is all the more heinous as it took place in international waters. Israel has no jurisdiction there or over Gaza, which is under a virtual siege.

What was the crime of the flotilla? They were carrying 10,000 tonnes of school supplies, medical equipment and construction material. The supplies were sorely needed by impoverished Gaza residents, 80 per cent of whom rely on humanitarian aid.

Aliran supports the UN Security Council's statement calling for a prompt, impartial and transparent inquiry into Israel's attack on the flotilla.

We also demand the immediate release of close to 600 humanitarian volunteers from several countries who have been unjustly and illegally detained in centres across Israel. The ships bearing the cargo must be allowed to continue their voyage and Israel must end its three-year blockade on Gaza.

Aliran executive committee
1 June 2010

Malaysian Bar Press Release

State terrorism by Israel must end

The Malaysian Bar strongly denounces Israel’s brutal attack yesterday on the fleet of ships carrying humanitarian aid bound for Gaza.

Such flagrant hostility is deplorable, particularly as it was perpetrated in a deliberate and unprovoked assault on a peaceful initiative, and in international waters.  It seems evident that the degree of force employed was excessive and unwarranted, given the nature of this nonviolent humanitarian effort involving civilians.  The aggression is offensive, and unacceptable. 

This vicious attack is but a symptom of the longstanding and bitter conflict in the region that has resulted in crimes against humanity, as innumerable atrocities have been committed upon the people of Palestine.  To resolve the discord, the wider issues must be addressed urgently.  Israel and the international community must recognise the democratically-elected Hamas Government.  The pitiless, inhumane and counterproductive blockade of Gaza must be lifted.  Any long-term and comprehensive solution must be founded on Israel’s complete withdrawal from the occupied territories, the dismantling of all settlements and the right of the displaced Palestinian people to return safely to their homeland.

The Malaysian Bar calls on the international community, particularly the United States of America, the United Kingdom and the European Union, to act urgently to curb Israel’s blatant violations of international law.  These nations must not continue to condone the severe and recurring acts of state terrorism carried out by Israel.  It is outrageous that governments that quickly and naturally take the moral high ground on many other matters fail utterly and miserably on the issue of the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people. 

The American Government’s unconditional support of the Israeli regime – manifested in its abject failure to act decisively and objectively and its practice of double standards in Israel and the Middle East – is the greatest failure of US foreign policy.  

We are deeply concerned about the welfare of all those on the affected ship, including our fellow citizens, and sincerely hope for good news.  Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the attack.

   

Ragunath Kesavan
President
Malaysian Bar

1 June 2010

************************

Amnesty International Statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AHRC-FST-041-2010
June 2, 2010 A Statement from Amnesty International forwarded by the Asian Human Rights Commission
GAZA: Call for International Inquiry into Activist Killings
Dear Supporter,

At least ten civilian activists protesting against the blockade on the Gaza strip have been killed by Israeli forces. The activists were on a flotilla of ships in international waters carrying aid to the Gaza strip in defiance of the three-year blockade. Act now

Israel says its forces acted in self-defence but the level of lethal force used by Israeli troops appears to have been out of all proportion to any threat posed.

We are calling on Israel to launch an immediate credible and independent investigation into these killings, to allow the UN access to conduct an international inquiry, to provide the names and nationalities of those who were killed and injured, to allow access to those arrested, detained or in hospital by UK officials and their lawyers, to promptly release those who are currently detained unless they are charged with a recognizable criminal offence, to not employ excessive force against demonstrators protesting the events of 31 May, and to immediately lift the blockade.

Please email the Foreign Secretary to support the call for a credible, independent and international investigation into the deaths caused by the raid. Act now

Sincerely,

Kristyan Benedict
Campaign Manager
Crisis Response & Country Priorities

Background on the blockade:
The strict blockade that has been imposed by the Israeli authorities on the people of Gaza since June 2007 has depleted the resources of a collapsing economy. The population, more than half of which are children, suffers from high levels of poverty and dependence on aid. While Israel has a duty to protect its citizens, the measures it takes must conform to international humanitarian and human rights law. Collective punishment such as that caused by the blockade is prohibited under international law and constitutes a crime against humanity. So far, the international community has betrayed the people of Gaza by failing to back their words with effective action to secure the ending of the Israeli blockade. Read more on our blog

If you have any queries or feedback about this email or Amnesty's work, please get in touch with our Supporter Care team on sct@amnesty.org.uk or on +44 (0)20 7033 1777.
Amnesty International UK is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England no 01735872.

# # #

About AHRC: The Asian Human Rights Commission is a regional non-governmental organisation monitoring and lobbying human rights issues in Asia. The Hong Kong-based group was founded in 1984. The above statement has only been forwarded by the AHRC.

Christians in Malaysia condemn Israeli attack on flotilla

This atrocity is a concern of all, and goes beyond religious and ethnic boundaries...

This issue also opens our eyes about the United States of America - and it practices 'double-standards' when it comes to Israel and 'its friends'. 

It also highlights how we need to reform the United Nations - and make it truly democratic. It is time to remove the 'veto power' that the US and the permanent members of the Security Council have. With the 'veto power' one country can effectively block the intended action/position of the majority(or even the rest of the Security Council). There may be a justification to allow some countries to have permanent seats in the UN 'Exco' - that UN Security Council, maybe those nations who have more than 250 million people. But, certainly the 'veto power' needs to be abolished.

PETALING JAYA: Several church groups jointly condemned the assault by Israeli naval forces on the Gaza-bound ships ferrying humanitarian aid.

They are the World Council of Churches (WCC) and Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM).

WCC slammed the “assault and killing of innocent people” and “flagrant violation” of international law by Israel in attacking and boarding a humanitarian convoy in international waters, it said in a statement yesterday.

CCM viewed the Israeli navy’s action as “unacceptable”.

“The unilateral use of force by the Israeli government to stop aid reaching the Palestinian people is unjust, and a clear denial of rights of the Palestinian people,” the statement added.

Both WCC and CCM called for an immediate stop to the violence and to end the economic blockade of Gaza.

In Kota Baru, Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said special prayers would be held in the state on Friday to condemn the Israeli attack on the Gaza bound flotilla.

“I have also asked for the cooperation of the state religious council and mosque officials to order all mosques to hold the prayers, which would include special sermons to condemn the Israeli government for their uncivilised action,” he said.- Star, 3/6/2010, Groups slam Israeli attack on aid ships

GAZA : An understanding of history helps - Boycott good way to express ourself

Well, the atrocities befalling the peoples of Gaza, especially over the last couple of weeks, must stop.

More that 900 persons in Gaza have been killed - compared with less than 20 in Israel - this is NO War - it is a massacre of persons, mostly civilians.

Obama - an expected disappointment - as US stands with Israel - abstaining even from that rather mild UN Security Council Resolution. Obama's silence is very telling about the kind of US President we will see in the near future. The only significance of his election is the fact that an African-American became a US President. I expect him to be worse than Bush. All his 'sweet-sounding words' as he was on his quest for Presidency is just that. He may yet to be President - but still he could have mouthed his position on the matter. It is the 19th day of the killings in Gaza.

I do support the call to boycott American products, as a demonstration of our protest as to what is happening in Gaza - and as a protest of the 'disgusting' role that the US is playing. Boycott KFC, Mc Donalds, Coca Cola, Pizza Hut, ... symbols of the US.

Is the boycott going to be effective? Maybe ....but it is definitely a means for individual Malaysians to express their protest about what is happening to the people of Gaza...a call for JUSTICE

For some, we may have let our prejudices, dictate our response to this Palestinian issue. Let us not do that - let us look again at the historical facts and respond accordingly...

Some in Malaysia tries to make it an 'Islamic' issue - hence some non-Muslims will 'automatically' take the other side without even considering the facts. Both groups have done wrong to this issue.

The Palestinian issue is, and never was a racial or religious issue - it was always a question of rights and justice.

A grave injustice to the Palestinian people - whereby the realization of this by the majority of the nations of the world also makes it impossible to resolve it because of the United States of America ...

The unjust manner in which the present United Nations is structured - allows majority sentiments and wishes to be suppressed and simply made ineffective by a simple veto of the USA.. (or Britain, or some other who have this veto power). The UN must be reformed - and all nations should be given a single vote. The General Assembly should be ultimate decision maker with the power in the UN - not the Security Council, as it is now.

How did that Palestinian-Israeli issue really come about? (I did some research over the net - and here is a brief summary about the struggle of the Palestinian peoples...). It is not complete but it will educate (or remind) those of us who have forgotten the issue/facts - something so easy to happen in these modern times when we are continuously fed with so much information about so many different things...

After World War I, rather than giving Palestine independence - British decides to create 2 states - one to be 'national home for the Jewish people'..

"The Palestine problem became an international issue towards the end of the First World War with the disintegration of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. Palestine was among the several former Ottoman Arab territories which were placed under the administration of Great Britain under the Mandates System adopted by the League of Nations pursuant to the League's Covenant (Article 22) .

All but one of these Mandated Territories became fully independent States, as anticipated. The exception was Palestine where, instead of being limited to "the rendering of administrative assistance and advice" the Mandate had as a primary objective the implementation of the "Balfour Declaration" issued by the British Government in 1917, expressing support for "the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people".

During the years of the Palestine Mandate, from 1922 to 1947, large-scale Jewish immigration from abroad, mainly from Eastern Europe took place, the numbers swelling in the 1930s with the notorious Nazi persecution of Jewish populations. Palestinian demands for independence and resistance to Jewish immigration led to a rebellion in 1937, followed by continuing terrorism and violence from both sides during and immediately after World War II. Great Britain tried to implement various formulas to bring independence to a land ravaged by violence. In 1947, Great Britain turned the problem over to the United Nations." - Question of Palestine

1947 - UN proposes dividing Palestine into 2 independent States

1948 - Israel proclaims independence - and proceeds to occupy the area UN identified for Palestinian Arabs.

Remaining areas that were identified by UN as going to be the independent Palestinian State had been then occupied by neighbouring countries Jordan (West Bank) and Egypt (Gaza Strip)

After looking at various alternatives, the UN proposed the partitioning of Palestine into two independent States, one Palestinian Arab and the other Jewish, with Jerusalem internationalized (Resolution 181 (II) of 1947). One of the two States envisaged in the partition plan proclaimed its independence as Israel and in the 1948 war expanded to occupy 77 per cent of the territory of Palestine. Israel also occupied the larger part of Jerusalem.

Over half of the indigenous Palestinian population fled or were expelled. Jordan and Egypt occupied the other parts of the territory assigned by the partition resolution to the Palestinian Arab State which did not come into being.- Question of Palestine

1967 War - Israel occupied the remaining of the territory UN originally decided was for the Palestinian Arabs, which was then under Jordanian control (i.e. West Bank) and Egyptian control (i.e. Gaza Strip)

Israel also occupied additional areas of its neighbours - Egypt (Sinai) ,Syria (Golan Heights), ...

In the 1967 war, Israel occupied the remaining territory of Palestine, until then under Jordanian and Egyptian control (the West Bank and Gaza Strip). This included the remaining part of Jerusalem, which was subsequently annexed by Israel. The war brought about a second exodus of Palestinians, estimated at half a million. Security Council resolution 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967 called on Israel to withdraw from territories it had occupied in the 1967 conflict.- Question of Palestine

1974 - UN reaffirm rights of Palestinian People, grants PLO observer status

In 1974, the General Assembly reaffirmed the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination, national independence and sovereignty, and to return. The following year, the General Assembly established the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. The General Assembly conferred on the PLO the status of observer in the Assembly and in other international conferences held under United Nations auspices. - Question of Palestine

1982 - Invasion of Lebanon

1983 - Massacre of refugees at Sabra and Shatila

Events on the ground, however, remained on a negative course. In June 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon with the declared intention to eliminate the PLO. A cease-fire was arranged. PLO troops withdrew from Beirut and were transferred to neighboring countries after guarantees of safety were provided for thousands of Palestinian refugees left behind. Subsequently, a large-scale massacre of refugees took place in the camps of Sabra and Shatila.

In September 1983, the International Conference on the Question of Palestine, which was widely attended, adopted inter alia the Geneva Declaration containing the following principles: the need to oppose and reject the establishment of settlements in the occupied territory and actions taken by Israel to change the status of Jerusalem, the right of all States in the region to existence within secure and internationally recognized boundaries, with justice and security for all the people, and the attainment of the legitimate, inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. - Question of Palestine

1987 - Intifada

In December 1987, a mass uprising against the Israeli occupation began in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (the intifada). Methods used by the Israeli forces during the uprising resulted in mass injuries and heavy loss of life among the civilian Palestinian population. - Question of Palestine

The Peace Process - Palestinian Independence and Self-Government

A Peace Conference on the Middle East was convened in Madrid on 30 October 1991, with the aim of achieving a just, lasting and comprehensive peace settlement through direct negotiations along 2 tracks: between Israel and the Arab States, and between Israel and the Palestinians, based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) (the "land for peace" formula). A series of subsequent negotiations culminated in the mutual recognition between the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, the representative of the Palestinian People, and the signing by the two parties of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements in Washington on 13 September 1993, as well as the subsequent implementation agreements, which led to several other positive developments, such as the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, the elections to the Palestinian Council and the Presidency of the Palestinian Authority, the partial release of prisoners and the establishment of a functioning administration in the areas under Palestinian self-rule. The involvement of the United Nations has been essential to the peace process, both as the guardian of international legitimacy and in the mobilization and provision of international assistance. In 2000 and 2001, Israelis and Palestinians held talks on a final status agreement, which proved inconclusive.

The controversial visit by Ariel Sharon of the Likud to Al-Haram Al-Sharif (Temple Mount) in 2000 was followed by the outbreak of the second intifada. A massive loss of life, the reoccupation of territories under Palestinian self-rule, military incursions, extrajudicial killings of suspected Palestinian militants, suicide attacks, rocket and mortar fire, and the destruction of property characterized the situation on the ground.

Israel began the construction of a West Bank separation wall, located within the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which was ruled illegal by the International Court of Justice in 2004. In 2002, the Security Council adopted resolution 1397 affirming a vision of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side within secure and recognized borders.

In 2003, the Middle East Quartet (US, EU, Russia, and the UN) released a detailed Road Map to a two-State solution, endorsed by Security Council resolution 1515.

In 2005, Israel withdrew its settlers and troops from the Gaza Strip as part of its “Disengagement Plan,” while retaining effective control over its borders, seashore, and airspace.

Following the Palestinian Legislative Council elections of 2006, the Quartet concluded that future assistance to the Palestinian Authority would be reviewed by donors against the new Government’s commitment to non-violence, recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements.- Question of Palestine