Barisan Alternatif leaders were at the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur today to convey their condolences to grieving families of thousands of victims who died in last week's terrorist attacks in the US.

Passing a row of wreaths displayed at the embassy's main lobby, the entourage of about 20 people signed the book of condolence dedicated to the memory of those who perished.

Those present included Keadilan president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, DAP national chairperson Lim Kit Siang and vice-chair Dr Tan Seng Giaw (Kepong), PRM president Dr Syed Husin Ali and vice-president R Sivarasa, PAS MP for Tumpat Kamaruddin Jaafar, and DAP members of parliament Teresa Kok (Seputeh) and Tan Kok Wai (Cheras).

Speaking to reporters outside the embassy gates later, Syed Husin said that the US has to deal with the root cause of terrorism as a just, stable and peaceful order cannot be built on the basis of military action.

He said "gross injustices" by colonial and imperial powers perpetrated against innocent people in various parts of the world have created much resentment, bitterness and hatred that was "just waiting to explode".

Measured response

"In order to deal with the challenge posed by terrorism, one has to address the root cause of this frustration and desperation," said Syed Husin, who read out a joint statement signed by the four BA leaders.

He urged the authorities in the US to conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify individuals and groups directly involved in the crime before striking back.

He said such criminals should be brought to justice and all nations, governments and people should co-operate with each other towards this end.

"However, the international community can only be expected to co-operate with the US if its response to these crimes is measured, focused and in full accordance with international law," said the veteran politician.

Syed Husin said that the carnage in New York City and Washington DC last week must not lead to the killing of innocent civilians in the Middle East and other parts of the world.

"Innocent people should not have to pay for the crimes of groups and individuals over whom they have no control of," he said.

War

About 5,000 people are feared dead in last Tuesday's attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon after terrorists hijacked four passenger jets and smashed them into the buildings, although one crashed in Pennsylvania.

In response, US President George W Bush last Saturday launched 'Operation Noble Eagle' and placed military reserves and active-duty army personnel on high alert, effectively putting the superpower on a war footing.

Osama bin Laden, suspected by the US of orchestrating the worst terrorist act in history despite his denial, is now hiding in Afghanistan. Any possible military action, according to the US government, would be directed at Afghanistan for harbouring him.

US allies and countries around the world have also pledged their support for the war on terrorism, though some warned against hasty military strikes.

Propagandist messages

Meanwhile, Lim urged Malaysian authorities to refrain from exploiting the issue for local political agenda.

He told journalists that the local radio and television have been airing propagandist messages in the run-up to the Sarawak state election which is heating up with nomination day tomorrow.

He added that the local media have been sending the message that people must support the ruling Barisan Nasional and reject PAS and BA as the bombing in US could happen here if the latter came to power.

"This is irresponsible and we urge the authorities not to exploit this issue," said Lim.

"Terrorists must be dealt with as terrorists. There are also larger problems, such as the political and economic injustices, that must be addressed," he added.

Wan Azizah echoed Lim's concerns and said that this issue must not be used to tarnish others.

PAS' Kamaruddin, who spoke on behalf of president Fadzil Noor, condemned the killings of civilians and urged the United Nations to step in to combat terrorism.