Malaysia, Brunei Urge Decisive Global Action To End Impunity In Palestine

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Brunei urge the international community to act decisively to end the cycle of impunity in Palestine.

The two countries are pressing for immediate humanitarian access, a permanent ceasefire, and renewed efforts to address the root causes of decades-long occupation and aggression by the occupying power.

Reaffirming their steadfast support and unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei emphasised that a just solution must be pursued peacefully in line with international laws and United Nations (UN) resolutions.

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In a joint statement after the 26th Annual Leaders’ Consultation (ALC) here on Wednesday, the two leaders welcomed growing global recognition of Palestine as a step towards an independent state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

They urged all remaining countries to extend such recognition.

“Both leaders emphasised that the Palestinian issue remains at the core of the conflict in the Middle East and expressed their grave concern over the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip caused by the continued acts of genocide and ethnic cleansing committed by Israel, the occupying power.

“They condemned in the strongest possible terms the indiscriminate violence and complete blockade of humanitarian access and delivery of aid to the Palestinian people, which have resulted in mass casualties, widespread forced displacement, systematic starvation, and critical shortages of life-saving supplies,” the statement read.

Both leaders condemned the occupying power’s unlawful bid to fully seize Gaza and pursue a “Greater Israel” agenda, calling it a flagrant breach of international law and an affront to humanity and the rules-based order.

Anwar and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah also discussed recent developments in Myanmar and voiced deep concern over the ongoing violence and worsening humanitarian crisis.

They reaffirmed ASEAN’s unified position for the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) to remain the primary framework for addressing the political situation, and urged all parties to ensure its full and effective implementation.

“Both leaders supported an immediate, nationwide, and permanent ceasefire as a necessary step towards creating a conducive environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and inclusive national dialogue,” read the statement. 

They further reaffirmed their commitment to work closely within ASEAN and with external partners to encourage progress in the implementation of the 5PC.

Brunei praised Malaysia's steady effort as ASEAN Chair in creating a peaceful and durable Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned solution, including a visit to the country by the foreign ministers of Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand proposed for Sept 19.

On regional security, Malaysia and Brunei lauded the recent ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand following escalations at the border between the two countries as a reflection of ASEAN’s principles of mutual respect, non-interference, and peaceful dispute resolution. 

“In the spirit of ASEAN solidarity and good neighbourliness, both leaders called upon all parties to continue to uphold the ceasefire, engage in constructive dialogue, and work towards a sustainable and peaceful resolution,” it read. 

On the subject of peace and stability in the South China Sea, Brunei expressed support for Malaysia’s role as the ASEAN-China Dialogue Coordinator in pushing for the early conclusion of a substantive Code of Conduct to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Malaysia and Brunei remain committed to the ASEAN principles of centrality and unity in promoting regional peace, stability, and development amidst global uncertainties. 

The two leaders pledged to fully and effectively implement the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit in May.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah also extended his warmest congratulations to the Prime Minister and the Malaysian people on Malaysia’s upcoming 68th Independence Day celebrations on Aug 31.

The leaders expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of their discussions and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through the continued implementation of the Exchange of Letters.

Brunei will host the 27th ALC in 2026.

-- BERNAMA