It’s premature for the government to decide on whether it will boycott the upcoming US-led Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum in San Francisco, California, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
This comes after Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal yesterday suggested the government boycott the 21-country economic forum as a sign of solidarity with Palestinians, as well as in protest of the US support of attacks by Israel.
"Wait and see. Too early for us to decide," Anwar told reporters in Dengkil today.
The finance minister is scheduled to lead Malaysia's delegation to the Apec forum to be held from Nov 14 to 16.
Anwar also said the government will not take into account any decisions made by Western countries in the Palestine-Israel conflict.
Instead, Malaysia will continue to focus on discussions towards ending the attacks on Gaza and channelling humanitarian aid.
"We don't care about what decisions others have made. Our stand is that Palestinians must be given their rights. On their land, their properties, their dignity.
"Most urgent is to stop the attacks and channel humanitarian aid. That is our focus now," he stressed when asked for comments on two resolutions on Palestine rejected by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
What about UN boycott?
On Wednesday, 10 out of 15 UNSC member countries reportedly voted in favour of a US resolution that called for a humanitarian pause to allow humanitarian aid access, the protection of civilians, and a stop to arming Hamas and other armed groups in the Gaza Strip.
Russia and China, however, vetoed the resolution.
After the failure of the US resolution, the UNSC then reportedly voted on a Russian-drafted text - which failed to gather sufficient support - for a humanitarian ceasefire and withdrawal of Israel’s order for civilians in Gaza to relocate south ahead of a ground assault.
Commenting further, Anwar said Malaysia has yet to decide on whether it will boycott the UN.
"We are now in cooperation with the Organisation of Islamic Countries and the Arab League.
"Every day there are discussions on current developments. But the priority is on humanitarian aid and stopping the attacks. That is the priority of Muslim countries," he added. - Mkini
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