DAP protests the decision of Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to pay respect to the war shrine Yasukuni. This gesture is a reaffirmation by the new Japanese government of the position Japan took in World War II.

It is also in keeping with the objective of the Education Ministry of Japan to manipulate the content of the Japanese history text books to cover on the fascist crime of Japan in the World War II.

The gesture by the prime minister of Japan will hurt the feelings of all Asians and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has to bear the responsibility of the possibility of the rise of anti-Japanese sentiments in this region.

DAP's stand is to oppose the revival of Japanese military imperialism. We are of the opinion that the rightist faction of Japan's LDP has to be condemned if the Asian community wishes to enjoy peace and harmony.

The Malaysian government and all organisations should protest against the decision made by Koizumi, and show that Asians will not bow to the rightist faction of LDP.