Bersatu has called on the government to prohibit two companies involved in supplying weapons to the Israeli military from participating in and sponsoring the National Security (Natsec) Asia 2024 exhibition.
Its international bureau chief Saifuddin Abdullah expressed his party's concern over Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems’ inclusion in the Defence Ministry and Home Ministry’s jointly organised event in Kuala Lumpur which begins today.
“Bersatu urges the government to ban these companies’ participation in and platinum sponsorship of the event,” he said in a statement.
The former foreign minister pointed out that Lockheed Martin manufactures the F-35 fighter jet, while BAE supplies equipment used by Israelis in attacks on Palestinians, resulting in casualties, including women and children.
The inclusion of these companies contradicts the nation’s values and the solidarity Malaysians show with Palestinians, Saifuddin stressed.
The Natsec and Defence Services Asia exhibition is being held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre until May 9.
Saifuddin also questioned Deputy Foreign Minister Mohamad Alamin’s stance on Israel saying that the latter had given weak reasons for circumstances under which Malaysia might consider normalising ties with Israel.
In March, Mohamad called for a permanent ceasefire; the mobilisation and provision of humanitarian assistance; the establishment of a mechanism to ensure protection for the Palestinians; an end to the impunity of Israel and addressing the accountability of Israel for its war crimes.
Saifuddin’s statement comes as the Malaysian chapter of the Boycott Divest and Sanction movement for Palestine (BDS Malaysia) issued a similar call to the government.
On social media, BDS Malaysia urged its followers to tag social media accounts of the Defence Ministry, the prime minister, the Foreign Ministry, the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and the defence exhibition organiser to protest the presence of “Zionist weapon manufacturers” at the event.
“Demand them to drop Lockheed Martin and MBDA (BAE Systems) as platinum sponsors.
“Demand participating institutions and universities including the police, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia and Universiti Malaya to pull out of the programme,” the poster published by BDS Malaysia read.
‘Morally reprehensible’
In a separate statement, several NGOs added that it was “morally reprehensible” to give Lockheed Martin a prominent spot at the defence exhibition because it makes the F-35 jets “used by Israel to bomb Gaza, which has killed thousands of innocent civilians.”
Similarly, they noted BAE makes the avionics for the same fighter jets.
“Their presence undermines the values of peace and justice that we uphold and tarnishes the reputation of Natsec Asia 2024 as a platform for promoting security and cooperation in the region,” they said.
“Failure to address these concerns will not only betray the principles of accountability and justice but also alienate those who stand in solidarity with the Palestine people.”
The 16 NGOs who signed the statement included BDS Malaysia, Persatuan Kembara Sukarelawan Malaysia, Gerakan Belia Sepunjabi Malaysia, Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia and Citizens International. - Mkini
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