Over 40 local groups joined worldwide voices in condemning the United States-led war against Iraq saying that the pre-emptive strike o­n Iraq "cannot be justified o­n any rational ground".

In a joint press statement issued yesterday by 19 civil groups including leading human rights group Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram), ERA Consumer and Persatuan Hak Asasi Manusia (Hakam), thet said the US-led war breaches all international protocols, conventions and laws.

"The attack is the icing o­n the cruel culmination of years of punishment and sanctions o­n the Iraqi people, for something they have not done," the statement said.

"This war will primarily cause suffering to millions of innocent Iraqis and will result in massive internal displacement, war refugees, carnage and destruction. The consequences of the war cannot be underestimated, as the repercussions will bring further instability in an already volatile and violent world," they added.

Undermine international laws

The groups were also aggrieved that the peaceful resolutions have not been given all opportunities and time to solve the conflict.

"The aggression launched has severely undermined the institutions of international laws and collective securities established after the second world war, that have sought to maintain peace and harmony throughout the world."

They called o­n the government to suspend all diplomatic ties with US and recall the Malaysian ambassador to US, Ghazzali Sheikh Abdul Khalid, as a serious show of protest against the war.

Meanwhile, another 22 Chinese-based youth organisations in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor also strongly condemned the military action against Iraq as the invading nations have ignored worldwide anti-war protests.

Unconvincing

The groups, led by the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall youth section, said in a joint statement that the action of the US and its allies was very unconvincing.

"Saddam Hussein undoubtedly is a dictator, but there are many other dictators in this world. Why was Iraq chosen singled out? This led us to question US and its president George W Bush's motives for using military force and ignoring the lives of Iraqis," the statement said.

The statement added that the "short-sighted and egoistic" attitude of the US will make people realised that the hegemony of the US is far more frightening than terrorism.

"Eventually, Islamic extremists will gain more sympathy and support and the war against terrorism will be made more difficult."