Malaysia must prepare for prolonged Middle East conflict, says MKN

 The National Security Council says Putrajaya will also seek to play a proactive role in efforts to resolve it.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today held telephone conversations with the leaders of New Zealand, Japan, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

PETALING JAYA:

 Malaysia must prepare to face the economic effects of a prolonged conflict in the Middle East, says the National Security Council (MKN).

In a statement posted on Facebook tonight, it said its special meeting today, chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, would be followed by a special meeting of the National Economic Action Council tomorrow.

“The government will adopt a comprehensive and coordinated approach to address the situation,” it said.

MKN said Malaysia would play a proactive role in contributing to the conflict’s resolution, and that Anwar, foreign minister Mohamad Hasan and various security agency heads were already in touch with their foreign counterparts.

“Except for Israel, Malaysia has good relations with all the main players in this issue; its consistent position, neutrality and candour have lent the nation respect.

“For example, today the prime minister held telephone conversations with the leaders of New Zealand, Japan, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates,” the statement read.

The government also welcomed the ongoing ceasefire, saying the pause should be used for serious and sincere negotiations, and noting that it had led to a fall in international oil prices.

Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz following the US-Israel strikes earlier this month, leading to crude oil prices surging to around US$100 (RM395.65) per barrel. - FMT