'You picked the wrong person to threaten,' PM hits back at international criticism over support for Palestine

PETALING JAYA: Due to Malaysia's support towards Palestine in its ongoing conflict with Israel, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has revealed that he had received many attacks and criticism from the international community.

However, Anwar said he would not be cowed by it and that Malaysia would never waver from its support for Palestinians.

"I was criticised and some even attacked me from Europe, the United States and certainly Israel. We are aware of this.

"But as long as the people give me the mandate, I will not be threatened and we will continue speaking out," said Anwar during his speech at the Axiata Arena Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday (Oct 24) night.

"Don't even think of threatening us. Malaysia is a fiercely independent country. We decide what is right. We understand the meaning of freedom and we are with the Palestinians in their struggle," he said.

Anwar also said he received many threats over his stance in support of Palestine.

"But I'll tell you – you picked the wrong person," he said.

Earlier, Anwar said he came to the rally in Bukit Jalil right after arriving from Cairo, Egypt.

He said during his trip, he met various top Islamic leaders and had stressed the importance of speaking out for Palestine.

"The Muslim world must not be seen as fatigued. We must rise up and defend Palestine," he said.

He also spoke about his audience with Saudi Arabia's Prime Minister, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

"I told the Crown Prince that Saudi Arabia must lead the way and we will support them so that there is a stern voice defending Palestinians," he said.

According to Anwar, he also told Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a two-hour meeting that they need to take a common stance against Israel.

"We also spoke about how to face the United States and Europe that does not care about human rights," he said.

Anwar also criticised western leaders for condoning Israel's aggression despite speaking about democracy and human rights.

"Where is the justice, where are the democratic ideals and human rights that the West has been talking about? Where is the United Nations and the international voices?

"We are not asking for anything extra, we want the Arabs, the Palestinians and the people in Gaza to be treated as human beings.

"Nothing more, nothing less. Stop the killing, give them food and medicine. Give the babies the right to live," said Anwar.

Other leaders who spoke earlier included Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and Deputy Finance Minister Steven Sim.

Mohamad Hasan said the rally brought Malaysians from all walks of life to protest against the Israeli cruelty towards Palestinians.

"Imagine this, as we are here tonight, those Palestinians are being bombed.

"This is very inhumane, it's as if Palestinian lives are lesser than animals," he said.

Mohamad Hassan said the rally is important so that Malaysia can clearly state its stance in the ongoing conflict.

"This is not a crisis about religion –it is a humanitarian crisis," said Mohamad Hasan.