Malaysia should boycott the Frankfurt Book Fair
FARAH SHAZWANI ALI
SHAH ALAM - The actions of the Frankfurt Book Fair organizers, who openly expressed support and solidarity with Israel, have drawn responses from book publishing associations in several countries.
Juergen Boos, the director of Frankfurter Buchmesse, stirred a controversy with his statement of wanting emphasised the prominence of Jewish and Israeli voices at the book fair.
Karangkraf Group Advisor, Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub, stated that Malaysia should take decisive action by boycotting the event.
"Malaysia should also boycott the Frankfurt Book Fair as a protest against the organisers' stance. Book fairs should remain neutral," he said.
The Emirates Publishers Association has also decided to withdraw their participation in the book fair.
In a statement, they underscored the role of culture and books in promoting dialogue and public understanding, considering this role more crucial than ever.
The Arab Publishers Association shared similar sentiments and called on the international community not to stand idly by amidst the mass killings of Palestinians in Gaza.
"We urge leaders in the publishing community and civil society to maintain a stance of impartiality, fairness, and to refrain from taking a one-sided view of this existential crisis," they stated.
