Special Session of Parliament: House adopts motion

KUALA LUMPUR: After eight hours of debate, Dewan Rakyat unanimously adopted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's motion condemning Israel's attacks on Gaza and the 10 resolutions tabled by him.

And the house decision was immediately translated into action when Abdullah presented the resolutions to Palestinian ambassador to Malaysia, Abdelaziz Aboughosh, in the lobby.

The historic session saw 31 members -- 18 from Barisan Nasional, 12 from Pakatan Rakyat and the lone independent member, Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Pasir Mas) -- speaking on the motion to condemn the Israeli regime for its atrocities in Gaza.

Abdelaziz said he was touched by the government's effort to fight for the Palestinians.

He said Malaysia was the only country to have convened its legislature to pass resolutions to condemn Israel and show its support for the Palestinian struggle.
"We Palestinians are grateful for the support. We don't feel alone with all this support."

He said the aggression taking place in Palestine " has united (its people) and we will always protect what is ours, which is the holy land of Baitul Muqaddis."

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said his ministry would communicate the resolutions to various parliaments and countries.

"This is a historic debate and I hope that other countries will follow suit in supporting Palestine by doing something similar to this."

- Source NST Online