M'sia's support for Palestine stronger through multifaith reps
Malaysia's support for the Palestinian cause is strengthened through the participation of lawmakers from various faiths, according to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof.
Speaking to reporters, Ariff said Malaysia's experience is unique in comparison to other countries that had similarly supported the Palestinian cause against Israel.
Malaysia's support for the Palestinian cause is strengthened through the participation of lawmakers from various faiths, according to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Mohamad Ariff Mohd Yusof.
Speaking to reporters, Ariff said Malaysia's experience is unique in comparison to other countries that similarly support the Palestinian cause against Israel.
"Typically, the issue of Palestine or Al-Quds is seen from the viewpoint of Muslims vs non-Muslims or Muslim countries vs Israel.
"In Malaysia, we have a chance to change that paradigm," Ariff said during a press conference after the opening ceremony for the "Third Annual Conference of the League of Parliamentarians for Al-Quds" in Kuala Lumpur today.
The Malaysian Parliament is patron of the global conference supported by 700 MPs from 70 countries.
As part of the Malaysian Parliament caucus, Ariff said a Palestine-Malaysia Friendship Committee was formed with the participation of lawmakers from various faiths.
"That is our strength. I hope this friendship group will continue to work towards winning the hearts and minds of parliamentarians the world over.
"Parliamentarians should act collectively to curb the many injustices happening in Palestine," he said.
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad earlier delivered his opening speech, while PKR president Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to close the conference tomorrow.
Discussions by speakers and delegates on the theme "Towards a Strategy for Defending Al-Quds/Jerusalem" will be held in light of US President Donald Trump's peace initiative, largely condemned by Palestine and its allies.
