LUMUT: Malaysia is committed to defend the rights of oppressed nations, including Iran, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister lamented the silence of other wealthy Islamic countries.
"Islamic countries are rich but they are not strong. When it comes to defending Iran, not many dare to speak up.
"That is why I told my Cabinet colleagues that Malaysia must be capable.
"We are an independent sovereign nation and we must defend the rights of Iran," he said in his speech at the closing of the Madani Rakyat programme held at the Lumut Waterfront here on Sunday (June 15).
Anwar also criticised the hypocrisy of international powers over the recent Israeli strikes on Iran, which killed several scientists and military personnel.
"When Iran retaliates to defend its dignity, European nations are quick to condemn.
"Where were those voices when Israel launched its initial attack?" he asked.
Anwar also praised Iran's resilience in the face of the long-standing economic sanctions, noting that the country had succeeded in developing its own capabilities in education, technology and defence without the support of major international corporations.
He said that Malaysia, under the Madani government, would remain principled and defend justice on the international stage.
Anwar said if Muslim countries remained divided, they would only become weaker.
"This is why Gaza continues to be humiliated, occupied and bombed. Cities are reduced to rubble but the world remains silent," he said.
