The last time Malaysia was a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was from 2016 to 2018. In 2016, Malaysia proposed Resolution 2334 which called for Israel to cease illegal settlement activities in the Palestinian territories immediately.
I was assigned to the office of the Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the UN in New York at that time, witnessed the historic moment when Malaysia proposed Resolution 2334 along with New Zealand, Senegal and Venezuela, and was approved by the UNSC without objection from the bigger countries with veto power.
Many may not realise that the issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not a religious issue at all. The military attacks by the Zionist regime also claimed the lives of innocent children and women. Public hospitals and Christian churches were also targeted.
This conflict is also not a conflict between Jews and Arabs. These are war crimes and crimes of oppression against the Palestinian people on their own land.
Every day, hundreds and even thousands of Palestinians are killed and displaced due to illegal settlements and attacks by the Zionist regime. Food, basic necessities and medical supplies are also blocked.
I call on all Malaysians to remain united against the atrocities of the Zionist regime and call for an immediate end to any form of violence and bloodshed. Peace cannot be achieved through violence.
In addition to channelling humanitarian aid and sending peacekeeping troops, Malaysia, given our experience in diplomacy and international relations, can also play a greater role in the conflict, such as mediating the reconciliation process. Malaysia can also take proactive steps such as correcting the Western pro-Israel narrative, putting forth proposals to oppose the cruel actions of the Zionist regime and asking both sides to return to the negotiating table.
Neow Choo Seong
Perak MCA Youth vice-chief
