Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has offered to help broker peace between India and Pakistan amid escalating tensions between the neighbours following a deadly attack in Kashmir that left 26 people dead.
However, this has been met with ridicule from Urimai chairperson and political scientist P Ramasamy who described the offer as “bordering on the absurd”.
In a Facebook post today, Anwar revealed that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had postponed his official visit to Malaysia, which was scheduled for this Friday, amid the heightened tensions.
Condemning the attack in Kashmir and expressing support for an independent and transparent investigation to identify the perpetrators, Anwar stated that Malaysia remains open to playing a constructive role in promoting peace.
“We believe our close ties with both Pakistan and India place us in a position to support efforts towards regional peace and stability,” he said.
Anwar said Shehbaz informed him of the decision to postpone his visit during a phone call yesterday.
“I expressed my full understanding of the difficult circumstances Pakistan is facing and conveyed Malaysia’s hope that the situation will de-escalate swiftly,” he added.
Anwar said Shehbaz also reiterated his appreciation for Malaysia’s longstanding friendship and expressed his hope to expedite the signing of a memorandum of understanding under negotiation.
“I reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to facilitating the process. InsyaAllah, when the time is right, we look forward to welcoming PM Shehbaz to Malaysia in a spirit of peace and goodwill,” he said.
Unrealistic to be mediator
In a statement later, Ramasamy said that while Anwar’s diplomatic overture might appear noble, it lacked the necessary depth and realism to address such a deeply rooted conflict.
He pointed out that the India-Pakistan issue is not merely a diplomatic disagreement, but one embedded in “complex historical, political and religious dimensions” originating from the traumatic partition of 1947.
“It borders on the absurd for Anwar to claim that Malaysia can help cool tensions between India and Pakistan.
“The timing and context of his statement only highlight the disconnect between rhetoric and reality in Malaysia’s foreign policy under his leadership,” he said.
“Maintaining cordial relations with both countries is insufficient for Malaysia to play a credible mediating role,” he added.
‘At least Dr M forthright on issue’
Ramasamy further recalled the controversial relocation of a Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur and Anwar’s position on the issue, arguing that it has undermined his credibility as an impartial international figure.
“What Anwar needs most is not grand declarations, but honesty and transparency in articulating Malaysia’s international stance,” he added.
In a rare show of commendation, Ramasamy lauded former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad for his outspoken position on matters involving India and Pakistan.
“I did not always agree with Mahathir, but at least he was forthright about where he stood on issues involving India and Pakistan,” he added. - Mkini
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