KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has reminded the world to continue supporting the Palestinians and denounce the Israeli regime for its crimes in Palestine.

He said Palestinians had been suffering for 73 years and that human beings were duty-bound to stand up and express their disgust for the crimes against humanity that were being committed by the Israelis with such impunity.

“With more and more people coming forward to denounce the belligerent regime, and as international public opinion swings sufficiently against the illegal occupation of Palestine, we may still hope to see the end of Israel’s apartheid, hopefully in our lifetime,” Dr Mahathir said at the official launch of the Justice For Palestine Action Front (JPAF) via Facebook Live yesterday.

“In more ways than not, Palestine exposes the ugly truths about Western democracies and the advocates of the free world, their hypocrisy, double standards and self-serving diplomacy.

“We cannot just sit back and let it persist. We have to actively support the movement for Justice for Palestine. It is the Palestinians’ basic right to return to their land.”

The JPAF is an initiative by a few individuals – mostly university professors and academics – who wish for a better future for Palestinians, especially their youth.

In his speech, Dr Mahathir congratulated the JPAF for taking the initiative to be another voice for Palestinians.

He added that in trying to unravel complex Palestinian issues and determine the best solution, the JPAF needed to undertake urgent research work as facts, figures and data were effective tools in combating misinformation and disinformation.

“I was informed that a Chair on Justice for Palestine is going to be established at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia soon to support the work of JPAF.

“It should open up available research facilities in the university for its work. Today’s launch should mark the beginning of national and international participation in this noble cause.

“It is not just a Malaysian effort. It is an effort for humanity. It is an effort to make right what is wrong, a demand for justice and fairness,” Dr Mahathir added. — Bernama

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/07/19/palestinians-deserve-justice-dr-m-reminds-the-world