KUALA LUMPUR: A mammoth rally to protest against war and speak up for world peace will be held here next month, at a time when delegates from 114 non-aligned nations gather in Malaysia to seek answers to the increasing threat from global terrorism and other issues.
The gathering, which would call on Western powers to refrain from attacking Iraq and to free Palestine from the clutches of the Zionist regime, has the support of some 100 groups, including political parties, youth movements, religious groups, students, professional bodies and non-governmental organisations.
These organisations, with a combined strength of 2.5 million members, will rally under the banner of “Peace Malaysia Alliance” for the mass rally at KLCC on Feb 23.
The assembly will coincide with the six-day 13th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit here from Feb 20.
“The NAM summit gives the opportunity to the people of Malaysia to voice their stand on issues affecting world peace, particularly in the war against global terrorism.
“With 114 member countries in NAM, it is the biggest grouping in the United Nations and it could surely play a vital role in charting a sensible approach to world security,” said organising chairman Zulkifli Alwi.
The organisers have invited Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad to receive a declaration containing a message that the people of Malaysia want peace in the world.
“We hope our message will help prevent war,” Zulkifli told reporters at the PWTC here yesterday.
To mark the event, several side activities would be held, including a peace concert, a signature campaign, a peace run, an international seminar, roadshows and exhibitions.
Zulkifli, who is also the Umno Youth assistant secretary, said the international approach against terrorism after Sept 11 had put people worldwide at greater risk because the so-called war against terrorism had not tried to resolve the root causes.
“Terrorist acts will increase, thus the vicious cycle will be repeated.
“We hope our voices will be heard especially at the NAM meeting,'' he said.
