Israel confusing Pakatan Rakyat

KUALA LUMPUR: Pakatan Rakyat has no common stand or policy on Israel, thus each party in the grouping is free to have their own stand on the Zionist regime.

Pas' spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat had reiterated the party's policy of not recognising Israel but vice-president Salahuddin Ayub told The Mole that there has been no discussion nor agreement between Pas, DAP and PKR on Israel.

"Pakatan Rakyat has no official stand or policy on Israel. We have yet to discuss our foreign policy when it comes to Israel. Each party within the coalition is allowed to have its own stand about the issue," he said.

The Kubang Kerian MP (pic) admitted there was no official policy in the opposition's Orange Book (Buku Jingga) on ties with Israel too.

"Let's just say at this point we agree to disagree," he said.

Another Pas leader Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed that there was no consensus in Pakatan about Israel.

He told The Mole, "every party has the right to hold on to its opinion until we reach an agreement about it."

Asked why there was no policy about Israel, the Kuala Selangor MP said as for now the coalition's priority is on the country and not Israel.

Pakatan leaders hold on to different views pertaining the state of Israel and Palestine, with some of them supporting opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's stands in recognising the two-state solution.

PKR vice president Tian Chua said, “we are not prepared to recognise Israel until peace is achieved in Palestine.”

“Although Pas does not recognise Israel, it is not up to us to decide on peace solutions for both countries.

The Batu MP said PKR respected Pas' stand but believes the Palestinians and Israelis have to decide on what is best for them.

DAP vice national chairman Dr Tan Seng Giaw expressed similar views, saying that it is better for the two-state solution to materialise.

Commenting on Pas’ stance the Kepong MP said Malaysians can only pledge support to Palestinians but ultimately if recognising both states is what is needed to ensure safety in both countries, people should respect it as well.

Source: MOLE