Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Defends Remarks on Israel
Kuala Lumpur, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim faced spirited exchanges in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday as he clarified recent comments on Israel and addressed concerns about government expenditure on international trips.
During his first parliamentary appearance after returning from an overseas trip on November 20, Anwar defended his remarks in a CNN interview, asserting that they had been misinterpreted.
Malaysia’s Long-Standing Stance on Israel
Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s unwavering policy of non-recognition of Israel, which he traced back to the era of the country’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman.
“In the context of the United Nations, Israel is regarded as a de facto state. However, Malaysia has never recognised it. From Tunku Abdul Rahman’s time to today, this position remains unchanged,” Anwar said.
He underscored his critical stance on Israel, labelling its actions as “barbaric, cruel, and violent,” and dismissed accusations of defending Israel as baseless.
The Prime Minister also pointed out that previous administrations allowed Israeli trade ships and aircraft access to Malaysia’s ports and airspace, urging critics to consider this history before politicising his remarks.
Calls for Unity and Contextual Understanding
Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin acknowledged Anwar’s commitment to supporting Palestine but called for unity among parliamentarians.
Paya Besar MP Datuk Shahar Abdullah supported Anwar’s appeal for contextual understanding, stating, “We must look at the full frame of the picture.”
However, the debate grew tense when Hamzah issued a sarcastic warning to Shahar, cautioning against posturing for political gain. Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul intervened, urging both sides to proceed with their questions.
Focus on Palestinian Plight
Anwar redirected the discussion to the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, condemning the ongoing suffering.
“The situation in Palestine is unbearable. While we argue here, they continue to suffer without hope for resolution,” he said.
Cost-Efficiency of Overseas Trips
Responding to queries about the expenses incurred during his recent international visits, Anwar highlighted a cost-saving strategy implemented by his government.
By collaborating with major Malaysian companies, such as Petronas, Sapura, and Proton, the government significantly reduced its travel expenses.
“These companies covered about 75% of our overseas travel costs by paying for their flight expenses. This demonstrates a new approach where public-private collaboration ensures cost efficiency,” Anwar said.
He added that while exact figures are pending, preliminary estimates confirm substantial savings.
Commitment to Transparency
Anwar’s remarks reflect his administration’s commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility while maintaining Malaysia’s strong stance on international and domestic issues. Despite the heated exchanges, the Prime Minister’s focus on addressing critical matters like Palestine and economic efficiency underscored his leadership in navigating complex political and global challenges.
