Kazi Mahmood, IOL South East Asia Correspondent

KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) -  Malaysians woke up with the expectations that war on Iraq will start on this Thursday, March 20, and news break on local television and radio stations of the beginning of the bombing of Iraq left many of the people in Kuala Lumpur with a heavy heart and sadness over the fate of the people of Iraq.

While Malaysia’s government insisted that it was opposed to this war and questioned its legality, the people on the streets were arguing of the military role of the Muslim nations and the importance of the French and Russian objections to the war.

Many among the non-Muslims in this majority Muslim nation were concerned too over the impact this war will have on the world, saying they could not understand why the U.S. finally decided to do without the UN.

Analyzing the consequences of the war on the Muslim world, a flower seller in Masjid India said she believed this war will lead to other wars and that bloodshed will never end now since the U.S. was unilateral in its attack.

“I follow the international news very well and I believe President Bush made a blunder when he decided to go to war against Iraq. There is no basis for this war and I do hope that the war stretches over a long period and bring Bush down,” Zahiya who owns a stall in the busy street said.

Several students leaving their classes were seen rushing to cyber café’s and restaurants parlors where they have a TV broadcasting news to check over the latest events in Baghdad.

Reports that President Saddam Hussein was killed in the early morning strikes on the capital city of Iraq left many astounded in disbelief, saying it could be part of the U.S. propaganda to demoralize the troops and the people of Iraq.

“Though we do not support Saddam, there is this sympathy for him. He is alone on the field and the rest of the world can only watch and later bury him for good,” said a businessman who was sipping his coffee.

While some people were buying flowers to send to their loved ones for a special occasion, others were confused over the role of the Muslim world in this conflict.

“We can’t fully understand why the rest of the Muslim world did not send troops to Baghdad in a show of force, this could have deterred the U.S. from attacking,” said a man buying red roses.

Others said the Arab world in particular was useless and that they should not have allowed the U.S. to use their land to attack Iraq, “it defeats the purpose of being Muslims and shows there is no brotherhood,” said some students.

Still in Kuala Lumpur, on Wednesday 19, about 300 people gathered for a "solat hajat" or special prayers to God to avert a war in Iraq, at the Assyakirin Mosque at Kuala Lumpur City Center.

The "solat hajat" organized by the Peace Malaysia urged Muslims nationwide to offer special prayers for the protection of Muslims, in Iraq and Palestine, in the event of a war.

Also present at the event was Minister of Youth and Sports, and also patron of People's Alliance for Peace Malaysia, Hishammuddin Tun Hussein who proposed to continue with Peace Malaysia's campaign against war.

Hishammuddin said he would consult with the authorities before holding a peace procession.

He said Malaysia should always be prepared to practice unity at all times.

"Even though a super power state disregards the stance of an international association, at least the global community is able to voice their opposition to American plans. I am overwhelmed by the support shown by the local community, regardless of race or religion, towards the campaign against America's proposed attack on Iraq," he said as reported by Bernama.