Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) leaders to apply the same standards on Palestine as they did with the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war.
Speaking at a function in Shah Alam today, Anwar shared his experience at the Apec meeting in San Francisco earlier this month, sitting directly in front of US president Joe Biden.
Despite being a guest in the US, Anwar said he had no choice but to be frank in airing his views on the plight of Palestine.
"We were facing the US president. On my right was the US secretary of state (Antony Blinken). I had no choice (but to speak up) because in my mind were the mothers, babies and destroyed homes. Children became the victims.
"There are 32 million Malaysians who don't have the opportunity to get close to the US president," said Anwar.
The Biden administration has been one of the most vocal supporters of Israel's ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip which has incurred massive civilian casualties.
Be consistent in handling conflicts
Anwar said he told Apec leaders that they must be consistent in handling conflicts, citing the Russo-Ukrainian war as a comparison.
"I chose to use words that were factual although it would be uncomfortable. I said that in the case of the Russo-Ukrainian war, the West asked us to condemn Russia for invading Ukraine. Women and children became the victims.
"I asked them why when it came to Palestine, they were not consistent. Why the different standards? I told them not to force other countries to follow the tone set by powerful countries.
"I said you cannot dictate the language of discourse," said Anwar, who faced a flurry of allegations in Parliament that he was not doing enough for Palestine.
"To find the strength to speak up for the people is not easy. But Alhamdulillah, we did it, even if (some critics) are not appreciative, they should stop condemning us."
He also addressed criticism that he should focus on the plight of minorities in Malaysia before addressing the plight of Palestinians.
Anwar said the Palestinian plight was a humanitarian one that involved Muslims and non-Muslims.
He said in Malaysia, the children of minorities are not facing constant bombardment or having their land and homes seized.
"As I said in Parliament last night, mosques and churches were demolished (in the Gaza Strip)," he said. - Mkini
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