UMNO mouthpiece Utusan Malaysia yesterday frontpaged a report claiming that the chairman of the party's 1Malaysia Putera Club (KP1M) Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim had been appointed as honorary ambassador for Palestine.
The report also claimed that the announcement of Azeez's appointment was made in a special ceremony at the Gaza Islamic University, and that the Palestinian Foreign ministry highly appreciated Azeez's "tireless struggle in fighting for the freedom of the Palestinian people".
The paper further claimed that the appointment was a first by the Palestinians in recognition of Malaysia's efforts.
And Azeez, who is also UMNO supreme council member, was ecstatic that Najib had congratulated him for the 'recognition'.
"I will meet the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (Anifah Aman) for their views and advice on our follow-up action," he announced.
But the claims have now been questioned by another Malaysian activist, Dr Fauzi Zakaria, representing the Malaysian Islamic Organisations Consultative Council (MAPIM).
According to Fauzi, being appointed as honorary ambassador is not uncommon, and todate hundreds of people of all nationalities, including some 50 Malaysians, are already carrying the title.
Fauzi, who is also one of those who received their appointment letters as honorary ambassadors from the Hamas government, said in order to be appointed, one must take a solemn oath to defend the plight of the Palestinians. This is then followed by the issuance of a certificate, similar to the one issued to Azeez.
"We received the appointment letter on 22 August 2012, four months ago.
"But because we are not from UMNO, we won't make it to Utusan's front page," quipped Fauzi.
He further added that it was normal for any group leaders among the scores of foreign delegations visiting Palestine to express their solidarity to be chosen as special envoys of Palestine.
-Harakahdaily
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