Malaysia should stop doublespeak and kick out firms aiding Israel

For once, I must agree with Dr Mahathir Mohamad when he said that we must not allow any firms supplying arms to Israel to have a platform in our country. 

He was referring to firms including Lockheed Martin and BAE to exhibit at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (Natsec) Asia in Kuala Lumpur. 

These firms have been supplying arms and other military software in Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

Since the start of the current conflict on Oct 7, the UN Human Rights Council has identified "clear evidence" of war crimes by the Israeli army. 

A UN commission to the Israel–Palestine conflict stated that there is "clear evidence that war crimes may have been committed in the latest explosion of violence in Israel and Gaza, and all those who have violated international law and targeted civilians must be held accountable."

A study released by UN Development Program (UNDP) and the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) finds that as of April 12, Israeli forces have killed or injured 5% of Gaza's population and left thousands more missing, including many who are believed to be buried under the rubble of the enclave's decimated infrastructure.

In his speech at the official launch, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that participants at the expo had gathered with the shared vision to “fortify global peace and security through collaboration and innovation”. 

This is doublespeak for someone who espoused "reformasi" when we know what these arms merchants do in Gaza and in other parts of the world which are the playground for the US military-industrial complex.

To uphold Malaysia’s non-alignment policy, we must take charge of creating a culture of peace in the region. 

There is no justification for war or any exposition on war and war machines that kill human beings indiscriminately as we are seeing in Gaza.

Kua Kia Soong is a former MP and a director of rights group Suaram.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of MalaysiaNow.