MELAKA, July 16 (Bernama) — A boycott on Israeli products and businesses would devastate the economy of the zionist regime, thus weakening its aggression on the people of Palestine, say several non-governmental organisations.
Palestinian Cultural Organization, Malaysia chairman, Muslim Abu Umar described Israel’s economy as multi-coloured, which gained strength from several sectors, mainly manufacturing.
He said boycotting Israeli products and businesses was a vital fight that the international community could participate, in defending the people of Palestine against the ‘bullets’ of the zionist regime.
“Economy is vital for Israel to grow, especially its weaponary, so when the economy is weakened we truly believe they will be weakened and this means less aggression towards Palestine,” Muslim said when contacted by BERNAMA.
The media reported Palestinian emergency services spokesman Ashraf Al-Qudra as saying that 193 people in Gaza had been killed in air strikes launched by Israel since last week, that destroyed homes, schools and mosques.
Muslim said a full international boycott involving various important sectors such as trade, politics and academic would isolate Israel from the rest of the world and exert pressure on the zionist regime to stop the apartheid towards the people of Palestine.
“This boycott move is growing rapidly especially in Europe and here in Asia as well, and now there are international universities that had severed their ties with Israeli universities and I hope with the growing support of the international community, Palestine will be free one day,” he said.
Malaysian Muslim Consumer Association secretary general, Datuk Dr Ma’mor Osman said the boycott would only be effective if executed in a consistent and systematic manner.
“The Palestinian crisis is not a one or two-day crisis. It shouldn’t be a matter of boycotting Israel only when it is attacking Palestine. As long as Palestine is not free from Israel’s grip, we must continue the boycott,” he said.
Ma’mor said Malaysians must be smart in boycotting Israeli products, such that there would be an impact, yet without any adverse effect on themselves.
“We should first study what products to boycott and find the alternative to them, preferably those manufactured by Muslim producers.
“The reality is, it would be difficult to boycott all of Israel’s products for various reasons but we have to do it, and starting with two or three products would be a good enough start,” he said.
Meanwhile, Biro Antarabangsa Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia chairman Datuk Mustapha Yaakub said Malaysia should not wait for other countries to initiate the boycott.
“There must be collaboration among Islamic countries. There are about 300 million Muslims in the Southeast Asian region, who can depress if not cripple the regime’s economy,” he said.
–BERNAMA
