Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Malaysia (BDS Malaysia) welcomes the statement by DAP Pasir Pinji assemblyperson Howard Lee and Perak DAP Socialist Youth (Dapsy), condemning Israeli violence towards Palestinians and expressing solidarity with their struggle.

Indeed, this is in line with DAP's struggle for social justice as a social democratic party.

It is our hope that Perak Dapsy takes the next step and support the growing global call for boycotts, divestments and sanctions against Israel, its representatives and institutions in all fields.

Boycotts, divestments and sanctions (BDS) are peaceful means to pressure Israel into complying with international law and end its brutal occupation, apartheid policies, and denial of Palestinian refugee rights.

Inspired by the South African anti-apartheid movement, it was started in 2005 by 170 Palestinian civil society groups. It now resonates across the world, embraced by civil societies comprising scholars, Nobel laureates, politicians, activists, artists and more.

Significantly, support among the Jewish community is growing and in 2014, over 200 Jewish activists issued a statement advocating for the dismantling of Israel's apartheid regime, throughout historic Palestine in solidarity with the Palestinian call for BDS.

BDS Malaysia urges Perak Dapsy to join civil societies and people of conscience across the world and support the global BDS movement, and welcomes further dialogue with Perak Dapsy and DAP.

MOHD NAZARI ISMAIL is chairperson of BDS Malaysia.