Malaysians Against the Genocide in Darfur

Dear Pak Lah,
We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the continuing mass killing and displacement of innocent civilians in Darfur, Sudan and call on the Malaysian government to act and pressure the central government in Khartoum to stop the atrocities.


BACKGROUND

April 13, named Global Day for Darfur marks the fifth anniversary of the genocide in Darfur, a western region of Sudan. Since the conflict in Darfur erupted in 2003, at least 200,000 people have died and more than 2.3 million people have been displaced from their homes. Most of the displaced Darfuris are now living in refugee camps in neighboring Chad and in a network of internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Darfur.

Although the conflict began five years ago, it has its roots in decades of neglect, oppression, drought and small-scale conflicts in Darfur. The current crisis began when two rebel groups attacked the central government in Khartoum. The two groups represented agrarian farmers who are mostly non-Arab black African Muslims from different tribes. In response to the rebel movement, the Khartoum government increased arms and support to local tribal and other militias, who are also known as the Janjaweed. Members of the Janjaweed are mostly Arab black African Muslims who herd cattle, camels and other livestock. Janjaweed mean devils on horseback and are thus named because members of the militia would arrive on horseback to systematically murder, torture and rape hundreds and thousands of Darfuris. In addition, armed bands of Janjaweed have destroyed food and water supplies, effectively wiping out entire villages.


WE, THE UNDERSIGNED

Call on the Malaysian government to

1) Use its economic leverage to urge Khartoum to stop all killings and genocidal activities, and to restore peace to the region so that Darfuris can return home.

Malaysia is currently the second largest investor in Sudan after China, and has great leverage with Sudan.

2) Withdraw all business dealings with the Khartoum government if the latter refuses to unequivocally stop the genocide.

Petronas, Malaysias state owned oil company, is a major player in Sudans oil industry. As of April 2007, Petronas had invested approximately RM 4.8 billion (or US$1.45 billion) in Sudan. Petronas involvement has also facilitated significant investment of other Malaysian companies in Sudan. Ranhill Berhad, Muhibbah Engineering Berhad, Kencana Petroleum Berhad, Kejuruteraan Samudra Timur Bhd, Scomi Group Berhad and PECD Berhad are other Malaysian companies that have major stakes in Sudans oil industry.

3) Stop providing military assistance and political protection to a genocidal Sudanese government.

Malaysia has also strengthened bilateral relations with Sudan. Malaysia has provided military assistance and political protection to Sudan. A memorandum of understanding between the two countries signed in February 2004 included an agreement to cooperate on military matters. Pak Lah, although you have expressed concern about the conflict in Darfur, you have not called for increased pressure on the Government of Sudan. Instead, you appealed to world Muslim leaders to provide help to the Sudanese government. When you visited Sudan in April 2007, you also urged western governments not to impose sanctions on Sudan.


We, the undersigned, as Malaysian citizens, want no part in the genocide in Darfur, and sincerely hope that your government will respect the wishes of the people you were elected to represent.



Thank you.