DPM: Release of letters proves our stand on Israel

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Government’s decision to make public the three letters sent by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to Israeli prime ministers proves that Malaysia has been consistent in its stand on the Zionist nation.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the letters clearly showed Dr Mahathir had asked Israel to withdraw from occupied areas and condemned acts of violence against the Palestinians.

“It proves that the Barisan Nasional government tak berdolak-dalik (did not change its stand) on Israel,” he said.

He said this was unlike Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who used to support the Palestinian cause when he was in the Government but was now “leaning towards Israel’s security”.

On Wednesday, the Government made public the three letters sent to Yitzhak Rabin on Dec 21, 1993, Benjamin Netanyahu on March 14, 1997, and Ehud Barak dated June 8, 1999.

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin, who is also Umno deputy president, called on members and leaders as well as Barisan parties to close ranks ahead of the general election.

On the party’s chances in Terengganu, Muhyiddin said the state was a safe area for Barisan.

“Terengganu is a Barisan stronghold but I want us to win back the lost seats and strengthen our position,” he said.