KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is not only prepared to join peacekeeping forces in Palestine but is also strengthening its position as a key player in peacekeeping training and post-conflict stability efforts at the international level, says Adly Zahari.
The Deputy Defence Minister said Malaysia’s capabilities extend beyond military involvement to include humanitarian work, diplomatic negotiations and peacekeeping training recognised by the United Nations (UN).
He said the country’s ability to maintain peace after conflicts is a strength acknowledged by the international community, citing Malaysia’s role in easing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia recently.
“Malaysia is regarded as the UN’s regional training centre for this region. This not only proves our ability to produce highly skilled personnel but also makes us a reference point in peacekeeping training.
“The most important thing is not only resolving conflicts but also how we sustain peace afterwards.
“This is where Malaysia’s strategy must be shaped and reinforced,” he said during a question and answer session at Dewan Negara yesterday, Bernama reported.
He was responding to Senator Hussin Ismail, who asked about the government’s efforts and challenges in pushing for the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces to Palestine to stop the ongoing genocide.
Adly said the Malaysian Peacekeeping Centre trains local personnel and serves as a training hub for participants from Asean countries and beyond, in line with Malaysia’s role in promoting regional peace.
He said that Malaysia could assume a strategic role as a “diplomatic mouse deer” among global superpowers, capitalising on its strengths in negotiation and defence diplomacy. This aligns with proposals to establish platforms such as the World Humanitarian Forum.
He added that Malaysia’s participation in peacekeeping missions is not only based on Asean consensus but also requires wider support, including from over 70 countries involved in the Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System.
