KUALA LUMPUR: The continued systematic oppression by Israel against the Palestinians over the years is an inhumane act tantamount to the crimes of apartheid, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.
The oppression against the Palestinians is among the many humanitarian issues highlighted by Malaysia when Ismail Sabri delivered the country's national statement at the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
In a pre-recorded speech, Ismail Sabri voiced Malaysia's stance that Israel must be held responsible and accountable for all its wrongdoings including its flagrant violations of international law against the Palestinians.
"Let us be truly frank about what is happening in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).
"The systematic oppression of Palestinians over many years through discriminatory policies; denial of basic civil rights; imposition of harsh conditions; large scale land confiscation; and, inhumane acts committed against them is tantamount to the crime of apartheid.
"Yes, Mr. (UNGA) President, apartheid still exists in this world and most of us are just turning a blind eye to this," he said.
Malaysia, he said, was appalled by the deaths of many Palestinian civilians, including women and children, following the brutal attacks by Israel in May this year.
"We strongly condemn repeated violations and aggression by Israeli forces and settlers against Palestinian worshipers in Al-Aqsa Mosque.
"The targeted aggression against worshippers is indeed contemptuous to all Muslims, or for any peace-loving religion."
He added that Malaysia welcomed the establishment of an international commission of inquiry by the Human Rights Council to investigate violations of international human rights law during the 11-day crisis.
Ismail Sabri also spoke on the situation in Afghanistan and the woes enveloping the Rohingyas in Myanmar.
On Afghanistan, he said the region could not be allowed to be turned into a fertile breeding ground for terrorism again.
He added that the attack outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport last month resulted in the loss of innocent lives with many more injured.
"Malaysia condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The region cannot be allowed to be turned into a fertile breeding ground for terrorism again.
The world family must come together to support Afghanistan in this time of need, including by extending humanitarian assistance to the people.
"On this, Malaysia stands ready to extend its assistance and do what it can," he said.
On the situation involving Rohingyas in Myanmar, Ismail Sabri said there was a need for a peaceful solution to be found, especially with a multitude of challenges besetting the country.
"Malaysia is particularly worried about the humanitarian situation, now further aggravated by Myanmar's healthcare system, which is stretched thin. It is absolutely essential for aid to reach those in need," he said.
Malaysia currently hosts more than 154,000 refugees from Myanmar, comprising 86 per cent of the refugee population in the country.
He said more than 66 per cent of those are from the Rohingya ethnic minority and this is just a conservative estimate.
"Asean Member States have taken steps to engage key parties of this conflict to extend assistance where possible. Malaysia fully supports the work of the Asean Chair's Special Envoy on Myanmar.
"However, we remain concerned that the authorities have yet to allow Asean's Special Envoy to visit the country We urge the authorities to accept the visit and assist the Special Envoy in his duties as well as expedite the implementation of the 'Five-Point Consensus'."