MALAYSIA’S unequivocal call for global powers to impose strong, coordinated sanctions on Israel is being recognised as a bold, principled and legally grounded message, one that repositions the country as a leading moral voice in the international arena.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his National Statement at the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha on Monday, urged member states to collectively sever diplomatic and trade ties with Israel in response to the regime’s ongoing aggression.
Associate Professor Dr Khoo Ying Hooi, an international relations analyst from Universiti Malaya, described Malaysia’s stance as “a high moral position” that holds major powers accountable and aligns firmly with the voice of the Global South.
“From the standpoint of international law, the Prime Minister’s call is well-founded,” Bernama quoted her saying. “The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has already issued provisional measures binding Israel, while the International Criminal Court (ICC) has initiated proceedings against individuals believed to be involved in war crimes.”
Dr Khoo pointed out that although robust enforcement mechanisms such as sanctions under Chapter VII of the UN Charter are frequently blocked by vetoes at the Security Council, Malaysia’s proposed measures remain practical and lawful.
“The most immediate and legitimate responses include downgrading or severing diplomatic ties, restricting official visits, and closing airspace and ports to Israeli entities,” she said.
“These actions would send a powerful symbolic message of international isolation. In economic terms, arms embargoes and export controls on dual-use goods are vital as they directly impact Israel’s military capacity.”
She added that targeted financial sanctions, such as asset freezes on individuals or companies involved in illegal settlements, could increase both the political and economic costs for the regime.
On the legal front, she said, cooperation with the ICC, universal jurisdiction prosecutions, and monitoring of ICJ compliance would further affirm that the Palestinian issue is not merely political, but one of legal accountability for war crimes.
Dr Khoo also noted that Malaysia’s strong position could shift the dynamics within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), especially if backed by concrete enforcement mechanisms.
“This could include establishing a task force to coordinate arms embargoes or naming entities complicit in illegal settlements. Such steps would elevate the OIC from being just a forum of condemnation to a bloc capable of meaningful action,” she said.
She also highlighted Malaysia’s unique opportunity as the incoming ASEAN Chair in 2025 to bridge Southeast Asian perspectives with the Muslim world and broaden the diplomatic platform for Palestine.
“Malaysia could propose the formation of an ASEAN-OIC Contact Group on Palestine to coordinate joint statements and actions at the UN General Assembly,” she suggested.
Additionally, ASEAN’s disaster response expertise via the AHA Centre could support humanitarian corridors into Gaza, while the OIC provides political and financial backing.
Malaysia could also lead efforts within ASEAN to uphold international legal norms, ensuring member states echo the ICJ and ICC rulings — in line with OIC’s calls.
“This approach strengthens Malaysia’s role as a bridge between Southeast Asia and the Islamic world, reinforces Anwar’s leadership, and enhances ASEAN’s credibility as a bloc sensitive to global humanitarian crises,” she said.
Meanwhile, Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah, Chairman of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia, said Anwar’s call also places moral pressure on US-aligned states to use their influence to stop Israeli violence.
“Malaysia continues to be seen as a strong, principled voice on Palestine, grounding its stance in international law and human rights,” he said.
Despite differences with Washington over Palestine, Mohd Faiz was confident that Malaysia’s broader bilateral relations with the United States — particularly in trade, investment, education and maritime security — would remain stable.
“Since Malaysia has framed its position within international legal norms and a humanitarian context, there is less risk of it being misconstrued as anti-American,” he said.
Mohd Faiz added that Anwar’s moral leadership in defending Palestine could shift international narratives, enhancing Malaysia’s reputation as a principled actor and champion of the Global South.
While acknowledging that some firms aligned with Israel or its allies might reconsider their dealings with Malaysia, he argued the country’s diverse economic ties across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America would help mitigate any fallout.
“This economic diversification provides Malaysia ample room to balance potential consequences,” he said. “Moreover, Malaysia’s consistent stance on international law and human rights could serve as a competitive advantage. Investors who share these values will see Malaysia as a principled, stable and trustworthy destination.”
In conjunction with Malaysia Day, Anwar reflected on the country’s domestic foundations, saying Malaysia draws its strength from the people’s shared commitment to justice, humanity and solidarity, anchored by strong national institutions and principled governance.
“This national day is a symbol and legacy of our forebears, who courageously opposed colonialism, resisted injustice and upheld the dignity of the nation in a unity that is diverse yet cohesive,” he said.
He added that 16 September is a reminder of the nation’s formation — the unification of different regions and cultures into a single Malaysian identity.
“This is the day we renew our commitment to celebrate our diversity as a blessing that strengthens our fraternity.
“The country was built through the blood, sweat and tears of earlier generations who lit the torch of freedom. It is our duty today to ensure that torch continues to burn brightly as a guide into the future.”
Calling on citizens to celebrate Malaysia Day with purpose, he urged all to “commit to a framework that upholds human dignity, rejects corruption, avoids division, and positions Malaysia as a credible leader in the region and the world.”
He said Malaysia must be continuously presented as a “just, prosperous and civil nation to be inherited by future generations — strong, dignified and united.” - September 16, 2025
