KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- The international community must have the courage, guided by moral clarity, to reject violence in all its forms wherever it occurs and whoever it affects, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
He said the determination of those who spoke out against conflict, those who dedicated their lives to measuring its effects on health and well-being, served as an inspiration, not just for this generation but future generations, as well.
"It is incumbent on us, the governing generation, to make the changes that the children here today deserve. To show through our actions that to be a broker for peace is infinitely greater than a driver of conflict," Najib said in his speech at a dinner held in conjunction with an International Conference on War-Affected Children at Dewan Tun Dr Ismail in Putra World Trade Centre here tonight.
Also present were wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, former prime minister and Kuala Lumpur Foundation to Criminalise War (KLFCW) chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, who is also founder of Criminalise War Clubs (Malaysian chapter).
Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim and wife, Datin Seri Masnah Rais, also attended the dinner.
Najib also believed that Malaysia had a strong story to tell, as the nation had sent doctors to Kabul, and peacekeepers to the Congo in the 1960s, as well as playing a key role in the Bangsamoro negotiations.
He noted that Malaysia stood ready to help resolve conflicts, whether in the Middle East or close to home, and this readiness had been tested over the past few days as the violence in Gaza intensified.
"Last week, I spoke with President Morsi of Egypt about the prospects for a ceasefire and called for greater international efforts to stop the violence. On Tuesday, the Malaysian Parliament passed an emergency motion, condemning Israeli military aggression. I have raised the matter with President Barack Obama, urging him and the United States to act," he said.
Najib also expressed great relief to the news of a ceasefire in Gaza this morning, and called on both sides to now stand true to the agreement and ensure there was no further destruction of property or loss of life.
"I join with other leaders for a total removal of the blockade of Gaza, so that Palestinians can enjoy the right to life and livelihood that they deserve," he said.
In expressing thanks for the ceasefire, Najib hoped it would hold, and looked forward for a long-term solution as it was time to break the cycle of violence.
"We should focus now on the broader Middle East peace process, in ensuring that the region moves from conflict to stability, so that its people have the security and dignity they deserve," he said.
The prime minister said, today's dinner was to pay tribute to the least deserving victims of conflict, namely the children and young people, whose lives were shattered by war.
He also paid tribute to Dr Siti Hasmah and her team for their efforts and achievements in bringing in the most difficult subject matter to the world's attention.
At the same function, Najib, together with Rosmah, Dr Mahathir, Dr Siti Hasmah, Dr Rais and Masnah, signed the Children's Charter to Criminalise War.
Rosmah also presented a cheque for RM1 million to the Gaza Emergency Fund to KLFCW. The donation, from various parties, was initiated by Rosmah since 2008, under the flagship of Gaza Appeal.
He said the determination of those who spoke out against conflict, those who dedicated their lives to measuring its effects on health and well-being, served as an inspiration, not just for this generation but future generations, as well.
"It is incumbent on us, the governing generation, to make the changes that the children here today deserve. To show through our actions that to be a broker for peace is infinitely greater than a driver of conflict," Najib said in his speech at a dinner held in conjunction with an International Conference on War-Affected Children at Dewan Tun Dr Ismail in Putra World Trade Centre here tonight.
Also present were wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, former prime minister and Kuala Lumpur Foundation to Criminalise War (KLFCW) chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, who is also founder of Criminalise War Clubs (Malaysian chapter).
Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim and wife, Datin Seri Masnah Rais, also attended the dinner.
Najib also believed that Malaysia had a strong story to tell, as the nation had sent doctors to Kabul, and peacekeepers to the Congo in the 1960s, as well as playing a key role in the Bangsamoro negotiations.
He noted that Malaysia stood ready to help resolve conflicts, whether in the Middle East or close to home, and this readiness had been tested over the past few days as the violence in Gaza intensified.
"Last week, I spoke with President Morsi of Egypt about the prospects for a ceasefire and called for greater international efforts to stop the violence. On Tuesday, the Malaysian Parliament passed an emergency motion, condemning Israeli military aggression. I have raised the matter with President Barack Obama, urging him and the United States to act," he said.
Najib also expressed great relief to the news of a ceasefire in Gaza this morning, and called on both sides to now stand true to the agreement and ensure there was no further destruction of property or loss of life.
"I join with other leaders for a total removal of the blockade of Gaza, so that Palestinians can enjoy the right to life and livelihood that they deserve," he said.
In expressing thanks for the ceasefire, Najib hoped it would hold, and looked forward for a long-term solution as it was time to break the cycle of violence.
"We should focus now on the broader Middle East peace process, in ensuring that the region moves from conflict to stability, so that its people have the security and dignity they deserve," he said.
The prime minister said, today's dinner was to pay tribute to the least deserving victims of conflict, namely the children and young people, whose lives were shattered by war.
He also paid tribute to Dr Siti Hasmah and her team for their efforts and achievements in bringing in the most difficult subject matter to the world's attention.
At the same function, Najib, together with Rosmah, Dr Mahathir, Dr Siti Hasmah, Dr Rais and Masnah, signed the Children's Charter to Criminalise War.
Rosmah also presented a cheque for RM1 million to the Gaza Emergency Fund to KLFCW. The donation, from various parties, was initiated by Rosmah since 2008, under the flagship of Gaza Appeal.
No comments:
Post a Comment