DAP has joined a chorus of international critics condemning a new law passed in Israel, which recognises it as a "nation-state of the Jewish people," as opposed to a "Jewish and democratic state."

Critics, including US-based Jewish groups, claim the new law marginalises Israel's Arab minority, and downgrades Arabic from an official language to a "special" standing.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng echoed this criticism in a statement today.

"The law is cruel, unfair, and undemocratic... it denies the rights of minorities, especially Arabs.

"The Arab identity, including their language, had been sidelined and denied through a racist legislative process.

"Minorities who have been treated as second-class citizens will now be sidelined even more,"  he said.

Lim also criticised the new law's declaration that the whole of Jerusalem was Israel's capital, which he said contradicted the UN's convention and international laws which recognises Palestine.

He said this move was against the principles of peace and humanity which are vital to restoring stability in the region.

"We urge the international community to unite and pressure Israel to repeal this racist and oppressive law, and give equal treatment to minorities in that country," he added.