Setting aside their political differences, the Youth wings of both the ruling party and opposition today handed over a joint memorandum to the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to condemn the US-led war o­n Iraq.

Umno Youth chief Hishammuddin Hussein and his PAS counterpart Mahfuz Omar led the group from Barisan Nasional (BN), Barisan Alternatif (BA) and other opposition parties to hand over the written protest to US Ambassador Marie T Huhtala.

Non-governmental leaders from the Malaysian Youth Council and the National Council of Women's Organisation also joined the political leaders at the meeting with the ambassador.

About 200 protesters waited outside amidst tight security, chanting "We want peace!" for about 30 minutes.

The memorandum called o­n the US and its allies to stop the attack o­n Iraq and seek a peaceful solution to the crisis.

Historic cooperation

Speaking to reporters later, Hishammuddin ( photo ), who is also youth and sports minister, said he was glad that PAS was willing to work with Umno and BN o­n common issues in dealing with the war o­n Iraq.

He described the cooperation extended by his political rival in condemning the war and working o­n how to assist war victims as "historic".

He said that Aman Malaysia a peace coalition led by Umno Youth would pool its strength with that of PAS, especially in providing humanitarian aid to war victims.

Hishammuddin also said the delegation had asked Huhtala to immediately look into the plight of Iraqi people by providing humanitarian aid.

"She (Huhtala) responded that providing the humanitarian aids has also become the US major concern," he added.

Key role

Meanwhile, Mahfuz ( photo ) said the time has come for Muslim countries to stop being diplomatic with the US and its coalition allies.

The Pokok Sena MP urged the Malaysian government to end its involvment in the Five Power Defence Arrangement, which includes Britain, Australia, Singapore and New Zealand.

"As we know, Britain, Australia and Singapore are strong allies of the US in this war," he said.

Mahfuz also urged the government to reconsider setting up the anti-terrorism centre which he claimed would pave way for the American military involvement in Malaysian security.

In addition, he urged the government to play a key role in uniting the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) countries to work towards a peaceful world, following the United Nation's failure to stop the war.

"Muslims all over the world must not o­nly condemn the US for its attack o­n Iraq but also those Muslims countries which are supporting its unlawful actions," he said.