Kuala lumpur: A standing operational mechanism among Asian parliaments should be established to enable faster, coordinated, and sustained action in support of the Palestinian cause, said Malaysian Parliamentary Caucus on Palestine chairman Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh. He emphasized that while support for Palestine across Asia remains strong, the lack of coordination hinders effective collective responses, especially during crises.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Syed Ibrahim, who is also the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, stated at the inaugural Global Sumud Parliamentary Congress that existing efforts such as resolutions, bilateral visits, and symbolic actions, though important, are insufficient without structured mechanisms to maintain pressure. He advocated for a standing operational mechanism that would allow Asian parliamentarians to rapidly coordinate positions, respond collectively to crises, and sustain pressure beyond headlines.
He proposed three pathways to bolster cooperation among Asian parliamentarians, beginning with an institutional approach anchored in existing platforms such as ASEAN, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Parliamentary Union, and the Non-Aligned Movement network. Syed Ibrahim suggested that cross-regional parliamentary alliances should build upon these platforms, proposing a dedicated Asia-Pacific caucus on Palestine with rotating leadership and synchronized parliamentary motions.
Syed Ibrahim also suggested forming a 'coalition of the willing,' a smaller bloc of like-minded parliaments that can act swiftly without waiting for full consensus. He highlighted the urgency, noting that the people of Gaza cannot afford delays, and this voluntary bloc could set the pace for the rest of Asia.
Additionally, he called for a pivot to a function-first approach, urging alliances to form around concrete missions such as humanitarian maritime corridors to Gaza. He pointed out that any such corridor must pass through or be resupplied from Indo-Pacific waters, making Asia-Pacific parliamentarians operational stakeholders.
He reaffirmed Malaysia's consistent position on Palestine, reflecting a longstanding national consensus rooted in justice and humanitarian principles. He noted that Malaysia's stance transcends political divides, involving both government and opposition lawmakers and civil society groups in a unified national commitment.
Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) director-general Sani Araby supported Syed Ibrahim's proposals, describing them as timely and necessary for strengthening international intervention in support of Palestine. Sani emphasized the importance of operational mechanisms and faster coordination to address the urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza.
He highlighted the critical role of civil society organizations in complementing parliamentary efforts, particularly in mobilizing humanitarian assistance and sustaining global awareness. Sani stated that Malaysia, through initiatives like the Sumud Nusantara network, is prepared to support these efforts by enhancing regional collaboration and ensuring efficient delivery of assistance to those in need.