Malaysia will use its meeting with United States President Donald Trump at the Asean Summit next month as an opportunity to reiterate the country’s stand on the Gaza issue and Israel’s attacks on Qatar.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said as Asean chair, Malaysia was committed to bringing its voice of solidarity with Palestine to the regional platform to get the attention of major world leaders.
“In the meeting with President Trump, we will use the occasion to urge him to understand Malaysia’s clear and firm stance in the pursuit of justice, including for Gaza and Palestine,” he said during a press conference with Malaysian media at the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit here on Monday.
Anwar attended the summit at the invitation of the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as an immediate response to the Israeli aggression against Doha on Sept 9.
The prime minister said Malaysia’s support for the summit demonstrated the unity of Islamic and Arab nations in strongly condemning Israel’s actions and in expressing full solidarity with Qatar.
Earlier, in delivering Malaysia’s national statement at the summit, Anwar called for severe punitive measures against Israel, which continued to oppress the Palestinian people and persistently violated international law by attacking other countries.
He also stressed that the world, particularly Arab countries, must sever all diplomatic and trade relations with Israel.
Anwar said while many nations have strongly voiced their positions, mere statements and calls were not sufficient and must instead be followed up with decisive actions.
“First, sever all diplomatic relations, as has already begun among several Arab nations.
“Second, end all trade dealings with Israel.
“Third, employ every diplomatic wisdom at our disposal, particularly with countries close to the US, so that decisions are made in line with international law, the United Nations, and the demands of universal humanity,” he said.
Anwar said the issues raised at the summit were no longer solely about Gaza and Palestine, but also involved other countries targeted by Israel.
“Firstly, the question of Gaza and Palestine, which continues to be brutally assaulted.
“Secondly, it involves many countries such as Qatar, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Lebanon.
“This shows that in today’s world, there has never been such unprecedented greed and arrogance,” he added.
Anwar’s delegation included Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan and senior officials from the Foreign Ministry.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
