KUALA LUMPUR: Former two-time prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad wants the government to be tougher against the US administration because of the latter's strong affiliation with Israel.
Addressing more than 200 attendees at the finale of the six days Siege for Palestine near the US Embassy, he said that Washington was the sole reason why the conflict had been continuing ever since the ceasefire resolution was vetoed by its representative in the United Nations.
"I hope our government will take decisive action against the US. Yes, we need to have relations with them for trade, but nevertheless, there are other ways to show how much we reject the US' stance on killing Palestinians.
"I am pleased that all of us, regardless of our nation, party, NGO, etc., are united and have the same stance on this issue," he said during the last day of the picket.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad was also present and echoed Dr Mahathir's plea for the US to utilise its influence to call for a quick ceasefire and stop the massacre.
Speaking to reporters, he also said that Malaysia's strong stance on calling for a ceasefire would not affect the country's diplomatic relations with the US.
"They (US) know about our stance on the conflict and we have a very strong position when it comes to demanding a ceasefire," he said.
Also in attendance were 13 other political parties and more than 50 non-governmental organisations.
Tonight is the finale of Siege for Palestine as more than 50 people have taken turns to camp just a few hundred metres away from the US embassy to show solidarity with Palestinians.
The event is expected to continue until midnight.