I refer to our country's decision to decide in favour of sending our troops to take part in UN peacekeeping activities in Lebanon.

This is a move in the right direction as we are part of the global community and we have to play our part in contributing armed forces to keep the peace in Lebanon. We may not have any diplomatic ties with Israel, but we certainly have ties with Lebanon.

Being afraid of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) is no reason to back out from our noble duty. Please do not forget that the UN forces are there to ensure not only that Israel forces keep to the ceasefire but also that the Hezbollah keep their end of the bargain.

The only problem - if at all it is a problem - is whether our Malaysian forces can remain neutral in the event there is a conflagration. It is a fact that Malaysia's political stand is not only against Israel's conduct but also the fact that we do not recognise the state of Israel. That is the main reason as to why the Israelis have objected to our presence.

In the event that our troops have to come back in bodybags drape in the Malaysian flag, at least we know and have on record that our heroes have fallen for a noble cause and that we are prepared to stake our Malaysian lives for a cause that we believe in.

I support our prime minister's stand on this matter.