Boycott, Divest, Sanctions Malaysia (BDS Malaysia) congratulates Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on his becoming the seventh prime minister of Malaysia and also the political coalition that he leads, Pakatan Harapan, on its successful effort to be the new government of the country.
It is a momentous occasion marking the first change in government since Malaysia’s independence 61 years ago and the fact that it was achieved peacefully, democratically and in an orderly fashion is indeed something every Malaysian can be proud of.
BDS Malaysia is gratified to note that in the international arena Tun Dr. Mahathir is a staunch and vocal supporter of Palestine and vociferous critic of Israel. We would, therefore, welcome a continuation by the new Malaysian government of the policy of non-recognition of Israel and of isolating and boycotting the Zionist state in the diplomatic, economic, cultural, academic, sports and all other spheres.
Israel commits systemic oppression and abuse of the human rights of Palestinians both in the occupied territories and within its so-called borders and yet craves for respectability and recognition in the international arena. For the many nations, such as Malaysia, which support the Palestinian cause and yet lack the international political or economic clout to immediately pressure the Zionist state to cease its inhumane policies, the very least they can do in aid of Palestinians is to deprive Israel of the oxygen of respectability and normality. That apartheid state should deservedly and rightly continue to be treated as an international pariah.
In this respect, BDS Malaysia notes with much sorrow and disappointment that the previous Malaysian administration under Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak, in a departure from longstanding Malaysian foreign policy, chose to furtively allow Israeli diplomats into the country back in February of this year. It was an ill-advised move which betrayed victims, encouraged perpetrators and earned Malaysia practically nothing in the international arena.
BDS Malaysia sincerely hopes and has every reason to believe that Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir and the new administration that he leads will match words and deeds in the furtherance of the just cause of Palestine. We stand ready for the new Malaysian administration and its leaders to officially join hands with BDS Malaysia towards the noble objective of isolating the apartheid Zionist state.