Malaysia condemns US bombing of Baghdad

News Straits Times, 20 March 2003

KUALA LUMPUR, March 20: Acting Prime Minister Datuk Abdullah Ahmad Badawi went live on air at 1pm today to condemn the US bombing of Baghdad. Describing the action of the US and its allies as a black mark in history, he said the use of pre-emptive force not only threatened the foundation of international law but also set a dangerous precedent in international politics.

Abdullah reminded Malaysians to be wise in facing the Iraqi crisis by acting rationally and not be guided by sentiment and emotion which can endanger harmony and stability in the country.

We must preserve the stability and integrity of the nation to ensure that the people’s livelihood will not be threatened. Economic activity and daily life must continue uninterrupted, he said in his address to the nation televised live over RTM following the United States-led attack against Iraq at 10.30am today.

The US launched the invasion about an hour after the 48-hour deadline given by President George W. Bush to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq for his failure to disarm.

Abdullah said that Malaysia must also prove to foreign investors that the nation was safe for them and their investments while visitors and tourists to Malaysia should not be given cause to fear for their safety.

Malaysians must continue to show that we embrace peace and reject violence in any form, he said.

The acting prime minister, describing the action of the US and its allies as a black mark in history, said that the use of pre-emptive force by the US and its allies not only threatened the foundation of international law but also set a dangerous precedent in the international political arena.

The use of military might to destroy nations that were weak and incapable of defending themselves would provoke the anger of the world community, he said.

He reiterated that Malaysia remained steadfast in its belief that war was not a means to resolve international conflict and stood together with the international community in condemning war, which the country considers to be a primitive solution.

Abdullah said that even though Malaysia firmly opposed Washington’s policy, Malaysians were not against the Americans and do not bear any ill feeling towards the business community who invest and operate in the country.

All Malaysians must understand this distinction clearly, he said.

Abdullah said that the consequences of the war would not only have devastating implications on Iraq and the Middle East but would ultimately impact upon the entire world.

He said that world trade would be affected and the global economic growth would slow down, triggering suffering to be borne by many citizens of the world.

Malaysia, he said, would not be spared from the negative effects of the war and would have to take the necessary measures to lessen their impact.

He gave an assurance that the government would be proactive in managing the nation’s economy. The capital market, the financial system and other sectors would be managed and supervised to ensure its stability, resilience and vibrancy, he said.

Abdullah, in reiterating that peace must be upheld in Malaysia, said that Malaysians must be ever vigilant against internal and external elements that might take opportunity to disrupt peace in the country.

Abdullah, aware of various planned demonstrations against the US-led war, said that gatherings must be held in an orderly fashion, in accordance with the nation’s laws to prevent threats to public order and ensure the safety of foreign interests in Malaysia.

Any action that can result in racial discord must be avoided, he said.