The global community should stop all forms of enmity at least for one day in a year in the name of peace, said former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Mahathir, who is also the chairperson of the Perdana Global Peace Foundation, said this in a statement to Bernama in conjunction with today's International Peace Day.

"The International Peace Day is a cease-fire day around the world where all countries and people stop their hostilities for the day.

"If the leaders fail to do this, the people should do it," added the 81-year-old former premier.

Mahathir said in modern warfare leaders and generals were far from the battleground and faced no risks of getting killed or hurt.

"Being aware of this, the leaders and generals see war as an option to end conflicts between nations.

"When their armies lay down their weapons for a day, these leaders and generals will realise that they do not have the right to sacrifice their youths in wars which do not solve the problems," he added.

Small step

He said if the International Peace Day is able to be a small step in creating awareness regarding the hardships caused by war, then it is an effort that deserved credit.

"If the call by the United Nations on ceasing hostilities for a day is adhered to by all parties involved in conflicts, then we can say the global peace agenda has started to bear fruit," he added.

Mahathir also pointed out the need for a concerted effort to condemn all wars.

In another development, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said 200 personnel from the Malaysian peacekeeping force to Lebanon will play an administrative role while another 160 will be involved in patrols.

Najib, who is also defence minister, said the 200 troops will help out with administrative tasks at the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) headquarters.

Malaysia, which is the chair of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), had initially planned to send 1,000 troops.

However, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the UN had approved the sending of 360 Malaysian troops.

The presence of Malaysian troops in Lebanon was protested by Israel on the grounds that the two nations have no diplomatic ties.