M`SIA MUST LOBBY FOR END TO GAZA CONFLICT

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 13 (Bernama) -- Members of Parliament from both the ruling
party and opposition Monday want the government to take bolder and more concrete
action to lobby the world bodies to stop the attacks by the Israeli regime on
Gaza.

Commenting on the proposed formation of a peacekeeping force among Muslim
nations, MP Dr Puad Zarkashi said it was time for Malaysia to create its own
lobbyists in the Organisation of the Islamic Conference for this purpose.

"This can be carried out to pressure the United States (Israel's ally) and
the United Nations (UN)," he said when debating the motion to Condemn the
Attacks by Israel's Zionist Regime on the Gaza Strip at a special sitting of the
Dewan Rakyat (Lower House of Parliament).

The motion was tabled by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Dr Puad, who is also Johor United Malays National Organisation
(Umno)information head, suggested that the Foreign Ministry formed a
Parliamentary caucus on Palestine to support the struggles of the Palestinians.

Another MP, Bung Moktar Radin, said the government must lead efforts to
influence the world community to restructure the UN Security Council (UNSC)
which had failed to resolve the conflict in Gaza.

"We just cannot leave it to five countries to dominate the other
countries...it's one-sided," he said.

Transport Minister and Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) president Ong Tee
Keat said the UN had not only failed to play its role, it had also allowed the
atrocities to continue in Palestine.

Human Resource Minister Dr S. Subramaniam said Malaysia must use its
strength and influence among the Muslim countries to help in ending the Israeli
attacks on Palestine.

"This august House must send a mesage to the world that the atrocities
committed by Israel cannot be accepted by the whole world," said Subramaniam.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the government must play a proactive
role in the conflict in Gaza besides calling on the United States, as a major
power, toresolve the conflict.

"The government must summon the US ambassador (in Kuala Lumpur) to explain
the US support for Israel in killing civilians," he said.

Meanwhile, MP Ibrahim Ali suggested that former prime minister Dr Mahathir
Mohamad be appointed as Malaysia's representative to consult with the Arab
nations to end the conflict in Palestine.

This was because Dr Mahathir had the experience, influence and rapport with
international bodies representing the Middle East such as the Arab League, he
said.

The special Parliament sitting was also attended by 32 representatives of
the foreign missions in Malaysia.
-- BERNAMA