Dr M: Vote for leaders who reject war

LONDON: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has called for a worldwide campaign to get candidates running for elections to sign statements declaring war as a crime.
The former prime minister said international groups such as non-governmental organisations would vote for those who undertake to reject war as an alternative to settle international disputes.
“Only then will they get the people’s support to become possibly the leader or prime minister of any country,” he said when wrapping up the panel discussion at the Gaza Genocide: Palestine Solution forum and exhibition on Tuesday.
Jointly organised by the Foreign Ministry and the Kuala Lumpur Foundation to Crimi­nalise War, the forum is aimed at raising Bri­tish awareness on the killings in war-torn Gaza.
The panel members were former British Cabinet minister Tony Benn, United States presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney, Rabbi Cohen and Palestinian Ambassador to Britain Prof Manuel Hassassian.
Dr Mahathir said there must be a global network to undertake the task as politicians would respond to anything that threatened their future.
He said that over time politicians would be forced to change their mindset and eventually oppose war, just like the slave trade.
“If we can make as many people as possible reject candidates who do not subscribe to our views, we can achieve our objective of making war a crime. That way, we can help to prevent more Gazas from happening and serve as a warning to Israel and other aggressive nations,” said Dr Mahathir, who is the foundation’s founder and chairman.
He admitted that the anti-war groups might be in the minority but that they could be the deciding factor in any election.
“We can make a difference. If you don’t reject war, we’re going to make you lose an election,” he said.
He cited the United States as an example where the Republicans and Democrats depended on a small but powerful group to win elections.
“Over time, the minority would grow bigger and eventually force governments to be formed by people who oppose war,” he said.
Dr Mahathir, however, said defensive wars like those by the Palestinians must continue to be fought to reclaim their land.
“Just like if Surrey is to be made part of the land for the Tamils from Sri Lanka, I think the locals would want to fight back to reclaim it,” he quipped.
McKinney said she supported Dr Mahathir’s proposal of people voting for peace and having candidates signing statements that they would not support war.