Gerakan condemns Liberal International over support for Israel

Gerakan has condemned Liberal International for expressing its support for Israel without consensus from its members and observers.

In a statement, Gerakan secretary-general Loh Kah Yong urged the UK-based organisation to withdraw its support for the regime.

The Perikatan Nasional component party also threatened to withdraw its further engagement with Liberal International for contravening its values of liberty, equality, and community.

"It is regrettable for Liberal International to publish statements in support of Israel without the consensus from its members and observers, including Gerakan.

"We find this distasteful and disappointing, as the international community should be standing firmly in solidarity with the Palestinians, instead of showering support on the aggressor, Israel," Loh (above) said.

"I urge Liberal International to withdraw its support towards Israel and use its platform for the right cause by calling out and urging the end of human rights abuses happening in Palestine.

"Gerakan will not hesitate to take the stern action of withdrawing our further engagements with the organisation, especially when it contravenes the very values of liberty, equality, and community it long espoused," Loh said.

Observer members

Liberal International deems itself a "world federation of liberal political parties". Gerakan was one of two Malaysian political parties listed on the organisation's website as its observer members.

The other party listed was PKR, but its information chief Fahmi Fadzil has since denied the party ever being a member of Liberal International.

On Oct 7, Liberal International said it stood in solidarity with the people of Israel, condemned attacks against civilians, and recognised Israel’s right to defend itself.

Then on Oct 14, the group expressed deep concern about threats to the lives and homes of civilians in Gaza.

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