In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Please End the Sufferings of Iraqis

We oppose any attack on Iraq and call upon Singaporeans to do likewise.

Numerous reports by international agencies and non-governmental organizations have highlighted the humanitarian crisis resulting from the sanctions against Iraq. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights reported in September 2000 that it:

"believes that the current sanctions regime is having a disproportionately negative impact on the enjoyment of human rights by the Iraqi population. OHCHR considers that the time has come for the extent and nature of the sanctions regime on Iraq to be reexamined"

The report of the second panel established president of the Security Council (S/1999/100 concerning the current humanitarian situation in Iraq, UN document S/1999/356) stated;

"In marked contrast to the prevailing situation prior to the events of 1990-91, the infant mortality rates in Iraq today are among the highest in the world, low infant birth weight affects at least 23% of all births, chronic malnutrition affects every fourth child under five years of age, only 41% of the population has regular access to clean water, 83% of all schools need substantial repairs"

In our view, the plight of the Iraqis who have been deprived of adequate food and health care for over 10 years is against the principle of justice. These innocent people should not be victimised because of their leaders.

We support the view that all lives are precious whether they are Iraqis, Americans or Israelis. Unfortunately in any attack, the innocent suffer and die at the expense of the guilty party. We should not continue to condone such acts. Millions of innocent lives have been killed since the sanctions began and we should expect another humanitarian crisis if the intended attacks are not avoided. It is thus imperative upon United Nations (UN) and the international world to act and avoid such human calamity to happen.

We abhor any form of violence by any individual or groups on any individual or groups. The call against any form of terrorism is a call to all, individuals, groups and governments alike. Indeed, it is expected of the strong to protect the weak, and not to oppress those who are in need of protection. Abu Bakar al-Siddiq, the Caliph after Prophet Muhammad, said on his appointment as the caliph:

"I have been given the responsibility of ruling you. I will consider the weakest among you strong until I claim for them whatever is their due. The strongest amongst you I will consider weak until I have taken from them whatever is due from them. "

As such, we appeal to the Singapore government to oppose or at least abstain from supporting any possible collective attacks on Iraq.

We would like the government of Singapore to support diplomatic resolutions as a civilised way to end this impasse with Iraq. Singapore would not be alone, as many other countries have expressed their own reservations against the proposed attack.

We would also like to call upon Singaporeans and the government to support the call to end the economic sanctions on the people of Iraq.

We appeal to all fellow Singaporeans to maintain peace and social harmony by observing the law and expressing their opinion on the issue through proper channels such as via letters to media, community, national leaders, Singapore government's feedback unit and Prime Minister's Office. We also call upon all to observe civility and ethics of shared global basic human rights.

In response to prevailing suffering of civilian Iraqis, we would like to appeal to all Singaporeans to come forward to donate through MERCY Relief and other humanitarian relief agencies. These funds will be used for medical and developmental programmes to help the people of Iraq rebuild their future.

May our deeds for humanity be a testimony in our lifetime.

In Peace we live, Together we Achieve.

Joint statement of
PERGAS
PERDAUS
MUHAMMADIYAH
CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ISLAMIC STUDIES

Contact persons:

Zhulkeflee Ismail, Manager, PERGAS

Abdul Rahman Sukir, General Secretary, MUHAMMADIYAH ASSOCIATION

Muhammad Haniff Hassan, Manager (Secretariat) PERDAUS

Ridzuan Wu, Chairman, CCIS (Centre for Contemporary Islamic Studies)