MALAYSIA has conceded the limits of its diplomatic reach in the escalating conflict involving Iran but pledged to continue mobilising its relationships with China, Russia and key regional groupings to press for an end to the violence.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat on Monday that while Kuala Lumpur lacks direct leverage, particularly in the absence of ties with Israel, it would persist in working through established channels and strategic partners.
“Statements have already been issued by both Russia and China. We will assist, though I humbly acknowledge our limitations,” he said.
“First, because we do not have any relations with Israel. Second, our capabilities may not extend to that level.
“But in any other way, whether through Asean, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), or our good relations with Arab countries, we will continue to provide cooperation wherever needed.”
His remarks came in response to Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, who observed that China and Russia, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, are pivotal to any meaningful diplomatic breakthrough and suggested Malaysia’s influence would be amplified through alignment with those powers.
Anwar agreed that Malaysia’s role is necessarily circumscribed but maintained that engagement remains essential.
“It is difficult for us to play any role other than maintaining harmonious relations with Arab countries, Iran, and other Islamic nations beyond Asean,” he said.
The Prime Minister revealed that Malaysia continues to sustain diplomatic relations with Iran despite the complications posed by international sanctions and regulatory frameworks.
He said he had personally contacted Iran’s President twice, including during a meeting in Beijing, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
“Although there are limitations and at times difficulties due to international regulations, decisions, and sanctions, we have agreed to enhance cooperation and relations, including in education, investment, and trade.”
Anwar said Malaysia had also conveyed its stance through diplomatic channels, including to the Iranian ambassador, but emphasised that Parliament’s collective position carried particular force.
“I believe this parliamentary statement, representing all parties, is stronger than what we might otherwise convey. This will be sent to the embassy, as it reflects the firm position of our country,” he said.
Rare Bipartisan Stand Behind Anwar’s Emergency Motion on Iran
The lower house of Parliament has unanimously endorsed an emergency motion by the Prime Minister condemning the United States and Israel over attacks on Iran, in a rare display of unity between government and opposition benches.
The motion, debated in the Dewan Rakyat today, saw members from across the political spectrum rally behind the government’s position, reaffirming Malaysia’s stance on the primacy of international law and the protection of state sovereignty.
During the debate, Syahredzan Johan (PH–Bangi) urged members of the Government Backbenchers Club to demonstrate solidarity through concrete measures, including a boycott of events organised by the US Embassy in Malaysia.
"For ministers, they may have obligations to attend, but for us in the Government Backbenchers Club (BBC), we need to take action. We should boycott the US Embassy.
"Now, with this war, it will certainly affect our economy.
"So perhaps what we can do as BBC MPs without government positions is simply not attend any invitations from the US Embassy, such as Independence Day events.
"We want to show that we can no longer accept what they are doing," he said.
Syahredzan made the remarks while participating in a debate initiated by Suhaizan Kaiat (PH–Pulai) on the security situation in Iran and the broader West Asia region, as outlined earlier by the Prime Minister.
He cautioned that Malaysia could face renewed economic strain similar to the reciprocal tariffs imposed by Washington last year.
Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, chairman of the Government Backbenchers Club, called for Malaysia to spearhead international efforts by strengthening the collective voice of ASEAN, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Non-Aligned Movement at the United Nations in pressing for an immediate ceasefire in Iran.
She said humanitarian corridors must be opened without conditions and that accountability for alleged war crimes must be pursued.
"Human lives are being destroyed before the eyes of the world. The actions of the US and Israel, attacking a sovereign country, trample international law and blatantly violate it to satisfy their hegemonic desires.
"If we remain silent and allow these principles of law to be flagrantly violated, we are sending a very dangerous message," she said.
Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin threw his support behind the motion, criticising Washington’s actions as aligned solely with Israeli interests and dismissive of wider regional stability.
"When the Prime Minister strongly condemned Israel and the US, we in the opposition fully support that statement.
"We see that what President Donald Trump did was purely for his own interests, without considering the global situation.
"That is why many have described Trump as arrogant and conceited, as if only he can determine the future of the world," he said.
The debate followed reports of a 12-day aerial conflict in June between Israel and Iran, alongside repeated warnings issued by Washington and Tel Aviv towards Tehran.
Iranian state television on Sunday confirmed the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, signalling a sharp escalation in the crisis. - March 2, 2026
