Malaysian MPs condemn Trump's peace plan with Israel

PETALING JAYA: The forces continuing to oppress Palestinians in their own land with one-sided deals should be condemned by all, says representatives of Malaysian parliamentarians.

Dewan Rakyat speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof (pic) said that rule of law and democracy must be upheld in Palestine.

"Malaysian parliamentarians of all races and religions from all political parties condemn the actions taken by Israeli authorities against Palestinian parliamentarians," said Ariff.

He also said all have to be concerned that United Nations resolutions are being ignored in the treatment of parliamentarians detained by the Israelis.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that Malaysia has the cause of Palestine close to their hearts and will not support US president Donald Trump's peace plan for the region.

He was speaking at the third annual conference of the league of parliamentarians for al Quds here attended by parliamentarians from Muslim and African countries here at a hotel on Saturday (Feb 8).

"There cannot be dignity without respect, and there cannot be peace without justice. The Palestinian people are one of the world's longest-suffering people and this year marks the 72nd year of the Palestinian struggle.

"Any resolution to this generational injustice must involve respect, dignity and justice. Only then will peace be achieved," said Saifuddin.

He also said that oppression under any other name, including "deal of the century," is no less painful to the oppressed.

"There can be no deal when it is just one side imposing its will on the other. It's like a robber taking away a victim's belongings, giving a few crumbs back and then claiming that they have made amends.

"Many of us here come from countries that were once colonised. Independence is not about what the colonial rulers were willing to give us. It is about us realising our aspirations and our desire to build dignified and sovereign nations.

"This is the right of all human beings, and the same right should be extended to the Palestinians. Why should the Palestinians be denied this right?" he said.