KUALA LUMPUR: Any proposal for a military alliance of Muslim countries should be considered carefully to ensure the objectives of peace are achieved, says Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin.
He added that in Malaysia's view, any such cooperation should be comprehensive and not solely focused on military aspects.
Mohamad also noted that the country was ready to support any United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission in Palestine, should one be established.
"A holistic approach that also encompasses humanitarian assistance and capacity-building is essential to ensure that the objectives of peace and well-being can be achieved.
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"Malaysia remains consistent in supporting the Palestinian people’s struggle through a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital," he said during Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Oct 9).
Nurul Amin Hamid (PN-Padang Terap) wanted to know Malaysia's official stance following the Prime Minister of Iraq's call for the establishment of a military alliance of Islamic countries to counter Israel's oppressive policies.
Mohamad said Malaysia is among the countries actively supporting international peacekeeping missions under the UN banner.
"Since 2007, the Malaysian Armed Forces, through the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt), have participated in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.
"Such participation reflects Malaysia’s continued commitment to UN peacekeeping efforts and reaffirms the nation’s stance in supporting regional and international peace and security," he added.
Given the country’s peacekeeping efforts to date, Alamin said Malaysia is prepared to participate in any similar operations in Palestine, should they be established under the UN mandate.
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Asked about Malaysia’s stance on the 20-point peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, Alamin said the country welcomes all peacekeeping efforts to ensure a ceasefire and the channelling of aid into Gaza.
"It was just reported by the US President on Oct 8 that Hamas and Israel have agreed on the first phase of the 20-point peace plan, which includes a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli military to an agreed parameter, and the exchange of prisoners as well as the delivery of aid into Gaza.
"We will continue to make use of our good relations and intermediary countries such as Qatar and Turkiye.
"Malaysia hopes that detailed negotiations will be held on matters not yet outlined in the 20 points.
"These talks are expected to serve as the starting point towards a full ceasefire and the next phase of the peace process," he said in reply to a supplementary question from Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan (BN-Kuala Pilah).
Trump announced on social media late on Wednesday that Hamas had agreed to release all the hostages being held inside Gaza "very soon", while Israel has agreed to a phased withdrawal of its ground forces to "an agreed-upon line".
Hamas has reportedly confirmed the deal, calling on the international community to ensure that Israel abides by the terms.
