KUALA LUMPUR: A former member of Parliament has joined the chorus of groups and ministers criticising United States ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan over his interview on the oppression against Palestinians in Gaza.
Charles Santiago said the US has no moral standing to broker peace anywhere due to its foreign policy.
"It is not shocking to see Kagan talking about "Israel's security" despite the fact their tanks and artillery continue to kill children, women and civilians," he said in a statement today.
He reminded Kagan that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory has always been violent.
"The International Court of Justice has observed that this is a threat to international peace and security.
"We see many nations condemning the ongoing onslaught in Gaza and the West Bank, which is an extermination of Palestinians.
"And Kagan should know that conversations cannot start with Oct 7 but by looking at decades of massacre by Israeli forces.
"What does Kagan have to say about Israel targeting schools and hospitals? Would Kagan deny it too as well as Israel's gross violation of humanitarian law?"
Santiago also said that no US president had the spine to stand up against grotesque atrocities committed against Palestinians.
"The US has vetoed resolutions critical of Israel more than any other council member – 45 times as of Dec 18 last year."
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan on Friday advised foreign envoys in the country to exercise caution when making statements related to the Palestinian issue, as such comments could affect the sentiments of Malaysians.
Mohamad said although the statements are the opinions of the country that they represent, foreign diplomats must understand and be aware of the sentiments in Malaysia that strongly oppose the genocide in Palestine.
He was commenting on Kagan's statement during an interview titled 'Arms Supply and Peace: US Ambassador Discusses the West Asia Conflict.'
"I hope foreign envoys in the country will be more mindful when speaking," said Mohamad.