MALAYSIA will use its forthcoming engagement with the United States to underscore its unwavering condemnation of Israeli aggression in the Middle East, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed.
Speaking to Malaysian media at the Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha, Anwar said he intends to raise the issue directly with President Donald Trump during their meeting at the ASEAN Summit in October.
"As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia is committed to amplifying the voice of solidarity for Palestine on this regional platform to draw the attention of global powers," Anwar said.
"We will use the opportunity during the meeting with President Trump to invite him to understand Malaysia’s firm position in the pursuit of justice, including for Gaza and Palestine," he added.
The emergency summit in Doha, attended by Anwar at the invitation of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, was convened in response to Israel’s recent military strikes on the Qatari capital on 9 September. Anwar said Malaysia’s presence signalled the unity of Islamic and Arab nations in condemning Israel’s actions and expressing full solidarity with Qatar.
Delivering his National Statement at the summit, Anwar urged for strong punitive measures to be imposed on Israel, citing ongoing violations of international law and acts of aggression against multiple nations.
He called on Arab and Islamic countries to move beyond mere statements and implement tangible action against Israel.
"Firstly, to cut all diplomatic relations, as some Arab nations have already done. Secondly, to halt all forms of trade with Israel. Thirdly, to utilise all diplomatic channels, particularly with nations close to the United States, to push for decisions aligned with international law, the United Nations, and universal humanitarian values," he said.
He added that the crisis was no longer confined to Palestine and Gaza alone, but increasingly involved other nations including Qatar, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Lebanon.
"Firstly, the issue of Gaza and Palestine, which continue to suffer extraordinary brutality. Secondly, this also involves several other nations such as Qatar, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Lebanon," he said.
"This shows that in today’s world, we are witnessing an unprecedented level of savagery and impudence."
The Prime Minister, accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Dr Zulkifli Hasan, stated that the Israeli strike on Doha represented a calculated attempt to undermine international peace efforts.
"To us, who enjoy a special relationship with the United States, there is a unique responsibility," Anwar said in his speech to the summit.
"When America seeks dialogue with Iran, Israel answers with bombs. When Washington encourages reconciliation with Hamas, Israel retaliates — here, in Doha."
"And today, as we convene, a flotilla once again sails towards Gaza, not carrying weapons, but bearing a promise of aid for the besieged people. It is a mission of compassion, and we must do everything possible to ensure it reaches its shores."
"To allow it to be turned back with violence is to betray the moral duty we have — to defend the weak, protect the oppressed, and feed the hungry."
"Condemnation will not stop missiles. Declarations will not liberate Palestine. Only resolute action can. Diplomatic ties must be cut. So too must trade relations," he said.
Anwar described Israel’s ongoing siege of Gaza and broader campaign across the region as part of a deliberate and systematic dismantling of international norms and order.
"The gravity of this crime is compounded by Qatar’s important role as a mediator. Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the country has patiently and wisely fostered dialogue."
"To attack Qatar is to openly sabotage these noble efforts for peace. This attack must be viewed as an assault on all of us. It is a deliberate offensive in pursuit of the Zionist agenda — one that threatens every nation."
"Meanwhile, Gaza is being razed before our eyes. Its people endure unprecedented devastation. Families are destroyed, hospitals lie in ruins, children are buried beneath the rubble."
"In the West Bank, colonial land seizures persist. The atrocities have expanded to include bombings in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iraq — and even Iran. This lawlessness reveals utter contempt for the very foundations of civilisation and global order," he said.
Calling for greater international resolve, Anwar declared that the time for moral clarity and decisive action had arrived.
"Israel has declared there will never be a Palestinian state. Let us be clear: this is a declaration of permanent apartheid. It is a rejection of every UN resolution and the right to self-determination."
"Our people are tired of rhetoric. They have seen us issue condemnation after condemnation, declaration after declaration, while Israel acts with impunity."
"When future generations ask whether we found the courage to act, we are not asking countries to go beyond their basic moral obligations," he added. - September 16, 2025
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