KUALA LUMPUR: A group of 20 Malaysian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is calling the government to stand firm against the United States in its efforts to support the Palestinian struggle.

This was following news reports on the US Treasury Department's top sanctions official visiting Malaysia next week to pressure it to stop the flow of funds to organisations involved in the Palestinian cause, it said.

The US government was also reported to be planning to warn Malaysia about possible sanctions against Malaysia in this matter.

"We wish to reiterate that Malaysia is a sovereign nation that is not going to be easily pushed around by foreign powers, especially those that are complicit with the Israeli crimes of genocide against the Palestinian people, many of whom are innocent women and children.

"We also call upon the Malaysian government to remind the US government's representatives that millions of ordinary Americans are opposing its complicity in the Israeli crimes of genocide against the Palestinian people, especially the youth who are telling their government that its stance is not only counter to the core values of the American society, but also hypocritical and on the wrong side of history," the group said in a joint statement today.

The statement was endorsed by BDS Malaysia, Yayasan AlQuds Malaysia (QFM), Viva Palestina Malaysia, Palestinian Progressive Association Malaysia PPA-M, Palestinian Cultural Organisation Malaysia (PCOM), Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organizations (MAPIM), Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia, MyCARE, the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) and Global Peace Mission.

Other NGOS that endorsed the statement included Muslim Care Malaysia, Pertubuhan Agenda Wanita Malaysia (AGENDA), Movement for Monetary Justice Malaysia (MMJ), HALUAN, Friends of Palestine, Association of Ex-professors of UM (PMPUM), ACCIN, Muslim Volunteer Malaysia (MVM), Gerakan Belia Sepunjabi Malaysia and SEJAGAT.

The group also urged the Malaysian government to stand firm in supporting the Palestinian cause and to maintain its stance of recognising and supporting parties that are fighting for freedom, justice and equality for the Palestinian people.

Any threat of sanctions by the US government, said the group, must not sway it from upholding its noble stance of standing together with the oppressed people of Palestine.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/1046284/govt-must-resist-us-dictates-say-msian-ngos