Malaysia Stands Firm In Speaking Truth On Global Stage – Anwar

KOTA BHARU, April 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia remains firm in its independent and sovereign position to speak the truth at the international level, even if it is difficult for some countries and major world powers to accept, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said this courageous stance is reflected in Malaysia’s position on the West Asian conflict, particularly the United States-backed Israeli attacks on Iran.

“In my discussion with the President of Iran (Masoud Pezeshkian), he expressed appreciation to the federal government and the Malaysian Parliament for condemning the attacks by Israel and the United States, and for giving strong support in safeguarding the right to freedom in Iran.

“We extended condolences over the martyrdom of several key religious leaders and Iranian military personnel, as well as schoolchildren. Just imagine if this had happened in the West, the whole world would be in uproar for weeks and months condemning the attacks.

“But when it happens to an Islamic country, many remain silent. I was deeply affected when schoolchildren were killed; almost no country issued statements expressing sympathy for the children and their families or condemning these attacks by Israel and the United States,” he said when speaking at the opening of the new LTSIP terminal here today.

Also present were Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

On negotiations to resolve the crisis arising from the Israel-US attacks on Iran, Anwar said Malaysia is providing strong support to such efforts through close cooperation with Pakistan, the Gulf states and Turkiye.

However, he warned that any negotiations must not sideline justice by merely demanding Iran’s surrender, but must instead take into account the root cause of the tensions, namely the actions of the Zionist regime.

Anwar also expressed gratitude for the strong cross-party solidarity in Malaysia in condemning the injustices, which has received appreciation from the President of Iran.

The Prime Minister also reminded the public to closely follow developments in the global energy crisis stemming from the West Asian conflict, as the situation is unlikely to be resolved in the near term.

He said that even if peace is achieved, the related economic impact will not recover within just a few months.

“As mentioned by the Emir of Qatar, gas plants and gas companies in Qatar that have been damaged or destroyed will take time to recover.

“They may be able to begin limited operations by the end of the year, but it will take at least one year to reach minimum operations and three years for full operations,” he said.

-- BERNAMA