MALAYSIA is awaiting formal authorisation from the United Nations before deploying a peacekeeping contingent to Gaza, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said on Tuesday.
He said Malaysia’s intention had already been conveyed to the UN Security Council, and a mission can only be finalised once an official mandate is issued.
“We have always been prepared to send peacekeepers for international assignments and have a battalion ready for such missions.
“To deploy our forces to Gaza, we must also take into account the consent of the Palestinian people, consistent with Malaysia’s position that emphasises a comprehensive resolution, as peace in Palestine requires a holistic approach,” he said.
Adly was speaking to reporters after the oral question session at the Third (Budget) Meeting of the Fourth Term of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
He reaffirmed Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to international peacekeeping, noting that 150 members of the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) 850-12 are currently serving in Lebanon, with their mission expected to conclude at the end of 2026.
“Our forces are always prepared to be mobilised to any location requiring an international peacekeeping mission,” he said.
Earlier, Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar stated that the Malaysian Armed Forces were still awaiting official UN instructions regarding any potential Gaza deployment.
Mohd Nizam added that the military remains at a high state of readiness to be deployed should the mission be authorised. - December 9, 2025
