Tian Chua, Experts Call For Stronger Economic Actions Against Israel At Palestine Conference

By Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Former Batu Member of Parliament (MP) Chua Tian Chang, commonly known as Tian Chua, called for a significant shift in strategy to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza, advocating for stronger economic measures and sanctions against the Zionist regime. 

He said the situation in Gaza is tantamount to a true definition of genocide.

"We have come to a point where we have to do more. What is happening in Gaza is the only true definition of genocide. 

“The explicit intention to terminate an entire group of people makes all other usages of genocide look like child's play,” he said at the ‘Conference on Palestine: Exploring Asian Perspective’ held here, Monday. 

Tian Chua praised the efforts of the Malaysian people in advocating for Palestine but emphasised the need for a stronger push towards holding governments accountable, calling for maximum pressure on governments to take decisive action. 

Highlighting the need for more than just humanitarian aid, he suggested that Asia, including Malaysia and ASEAN, should maximise their economic potential to pressure Israel. 

He said countries complicit in Israel’s crime should also be held accountable and subject to sanctions.

Tian Chua also criticised the international community's selective approach to sanctions, and the hypocrisy in the global trading system, where the US sanctions a significant portion of the world's population, including countries like China, North Korea, and Iran. 

"Why should we submit ourselves to their trade system or their intimidation? The government must take the lead in stepping up our efforts to deliver economic impact for the liberation of Palestine," he added. 

Another panelist at the conference, National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM) Senior Lecturer Dr Nor Aishah Hanifa in discussing the United Nations’ (UN) role stressed that the organisation is not a global authority with ultimate power over its member countries. 

"The UN was formed to foster friendship between countries after the Second World War and to inspire peace among nations. It doesn’t have the power to order around the countries that are members of its organisation," she said. 

This fundamental limitation, she had argued, is why the UN cannot do more to stop Israeli actions in the Middle East.

The one-day event, organised by the Asia Middle East Centre (AMEC) in collaboration with the Hashim Sani Centre for Palestine Studies and Universiti Malaya, was aimed to highlight the contributions of Asian countries to the Palestinian cause.

-- BERNAMA