NGOs urge Malaysia to align policies with Palestinian cause, reject US military presence
The criticism comes amid the ongoing mass-killing in Gaza, which the NGOs have denounced as a "genocide" carried out by the Israeli military with the "complicity and active support of the US government and military."
SHAH ALAM - A coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) has slammed the government’s decision to allow the USS Carl Vinson and other United States (US) Navy vessels to dock at Port Klang.
The criticism comes amid the ongoing mass-killing in Gaza, which the NGOs have denounced as a "genocide" carried out by the Israeli military with the "complicity and active support of the US government and military."
In a statement, the NGOs argued that this decision contradicted Malaysia’s long-standing and vocal support for the Palestinian cause.
They contended that welcoming US military assets undermines Malaysia's credibility on the global stage.
“This sends a troubling message that Malaysia’s support for Palestinians may lack seriousness, as it continues to host military forces from a nation complicit in Israel’s blatant violations of international humanitarian law and United Nations (UN) resolutions,” the statement read.
The NGOs further emphasised that Malaysia’s actions enable the ongoing violence against Palestinians, questioning the country's commitment to its stated position on the matter.
“We urge the government to demonstrate consistency by aligning its policies with the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people. Malaysia must inform the US that its military vessels and assets are no longer welcome on Malaysian soil until it ends its complicity in the genocide in Gaza,” the statement added.
The USS Carl Vinson docked at Port Klang on Dec 29, 2024, marking the 10th anniversary of the US-Malaysia defence partnership, according to Rear Admiral Michael Wosje.
Nearly 7,500 sailors planned cultural exchanges and events to foster cooperation.
The strike group, part of the US 7th Fleet, last visited Port Klang in January 2011.
As of the latest reports, the genocide in Gaza has claimed the lives of at least 45,581 Palestinians and left 108,438 others injured since the escalation began on October 7, 2023.
On November 21, 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former war minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
