Besides seeking an emergency sitting of Parliament to condemn the use of force on civilian protesters by the Egyptian armed forces, PAS also wants Malaysia to also host an urgent session of the Organisation of Islamic Conference to discuss this pressing issue.

PAS vice-president Salahuddin Ayub, who led a delegation of PAS leaders in handing a memorandum on this matter to the Prime Minister's Office earlier today, said Malaysia has not been assertive in condemning the atrocities committed by the Egyptian military.

NONE "In 2009, when Israel attacked Gaza, then prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi immediately called for an emergency parliamentary session, in which all parliamentarians, including myself, participated and debated.

"I would like to question the government's silence in this (Egyptian) issue now. PAS calls on the PM to convene an emergency Parliament session to discuss the issue. Malaysia can also play host for the OIC to have an emergency meeting to discuss the situation in Egypt," Salahuddin ( left ) said.

PAS, he said, was puzzled by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's lack of conviction in this matter, since Malaysia could play a role in the Islamic world by being a neutral venue to discuss the developments in Egypt.

Salahuddin said as a country outside the Middle East, Malaysia could play a neutral role within the OIC to help resolve the violence in Egypt.

"Malaysia can host a discussion among OIC countries to find ways to help avert such loss of innocent lives."

New reports say the Egyptian troops had fired on deposed president Mohamed Mursi's supporters, killing hundreds of civilians, including several journalists.

PAS had last weekend also mounted protests in Kuala Lumpur and elsewhere, condemning the killings.

PAS prepared to cooperate

Salahuddin said what was happening in Egypt was sad and that Malaysia could play a role by condemning the atrocities and helping to resolve the matter.

He said if the Najib administration called for an emergency parliamentary session and hosted an OIC session on the Egyptian crisis, PAS would give its active support.

"The issue goes beyond party lines and we would not mind extending our cooperation by participating and assisting, if necessary. PAS has done so in the past," Salahuddin said.

The two-page memorandum calling for the emergency parliamentary session and an OIC session to be called in Kuala Lumpur was signed by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang. It was received by Najib's political secretary, Khairun Asieh.

Also with Salahuddin today were PAS vice-president Mahfuz Omar, who is also Pokok Sena MP, and Kota Raja MP Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud.