PM: Sending troops to back Palestine not 'simple decision'

 

PARLIAMENT | Malaysia sending its troops to help Palestine in its ongoing conflict with Israel is not a simple task, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Speaking at the Dewan Rakyat, he said such a decision is not for Malaysia to make alone as any form of assistance to Palestine can only be delivered with the permission of the neighbouring countries.

“There were some in Malaysia who complained that we (the government) refused to send in our military (to Gaza).

“The leadership of our Armed Forces asked me to deliver a message: that it is unfair for anyone to say this in their messaging or tazkirah (religious sermon).

“(Because) this is not a simple decision for us to make. Sending any troops, including for the purpose of a peacekeeping mission or to deliver humanitarian aid, must be agreed upon by the (Palestine’s) neighbouring countries.

“Without their agreement, we cannot even land our aircraft. So I hope they can understand this, do not confuse the rakyat,” he said when proposing a special motion to discuss the issue of Palestine this morning.

Adding further, the prime minister said should the need arise, Malaysia would make a collective decision with its allies and neighbours to do “whatever is necessary” to save Palestinians from Israel’s atrocities.

The ongoing killings of Palestinians, especially in Gaza, will escalate into a genocide if there is no intervention, Anwar (above) said.

He also called out the United States and Western countries for being “hypocritical” when it comes to the Palestine issue, saying those countries could not even agree to deliver humanitarian aid to victims in Gaza.

“I want to state clearly here that something must be done quickly.

“The West and European countries are being hypocritical. They strongly criticised Russia in its war against Ukraine, but (now) they allow an atrocity to continue (in Gaza).”

Anwar added that he gave a full mandate to Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir to discuss with friendly countries and neighbours and decide on what needs to be done to speed up humanitarian assistance to Palestine.