KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8: Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, reaffirmed his nation’s unwavering support for Hamas, the Palestinian militant group ruling the Gaza Strip, despite recent proposals by U.S. lawmakers to sanction foreign supporters of Hamas. In a parliamentary address on Tuesday, Mr. Anwar emphasized the importance of Malaysian solidarity with the Palestinian cause and rejected any external pressure to change their stance.
Anwar’s Statement
During his speech, Mr. Anwar stated, “I will not accept any threats, including this… This action is unilateral and not valid, because we, as members of the United Nations, only recognize decisions made by the UN Security Council.” This declaration underscores Malaysia’s commitment to its long-standing advocacy for Palestinian rights.
Malaysia’s Stance on Palestine
Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim nation, has consistently supported the Palestinian cause. The country does not diplomatically recognize Israel and has made it clear that recognition will only happen once a two-state solution, one for Israelis and one for Palestinians, becomes a reality. Kuala Lumpur, the nation’s capital, frequently hosts conferences and events addressing Palestinian issues.
Prime Minister Anwar’s personal dedication to the Palestinian cause dates back to his university days, and he has remained a vocal supporter throughout his career. Malaysia has witnessed mass gatherings and prayer rallies in solidarity with Palestine, particularly following Israeli retaliatory strikes in Gaza.
Challenges and Political Landscape
Mr. Anwar’s firm stance is not without challenges. He has faced criticism in the past for not taking a stronger position against Israel, notably during a 2012 interview when he emphasized the need to protect Israel’s security. However, he has clarified that his remarks align with the principles of a two-state solution.
In light of ongoing tensions between Israel and Gaza, Anwar is taking a more robust stance. He rejected Western pressure to condemn Hamas, highlighting that the group was democratically elected to govern Gaza by its residents.
Anwar’s Words of Support
During his recent address, Prime Minister Anwar called upon media outlets not to label Hamas fighters as “militants.” He drew parallels to the African National Congress (ANC) and Nelson Mandela’s struggle against apartheid in South Africa, emphasizing that the ANC and Mandela were once labeled as terrorists by the West, yet Malaysia continued to support them.
Anwar stressed the importance of recognizing Palestinian rights and the historical dispossession of their land, wealth, and dignity. This commitment to the Palestinian cause is a testament to Malaysia’s unwavering support and solidarity with the oppressed.
While these statements have earned Mr. Anwar support among those who share his views, they also come at a time when he faces declining approval ratings among the Malay-Muslim community in Malaysia. Balancing political considerations and international diplomacy remains a complex challenge for the Prime Minister.
Malaysia’s continued support for Hamas and the Palestinian cause reflects the nation’s unwavering commitment to justice and the rights of the Palestinian people. It also highlights the intricate dynamics Prime Minister Anwar must navigate in a country where support for Palestine has long been widespread and bipartisan, and where the government faces the challenge of maintaining support from diverse ethnic communities.
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