KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has been consistent in calling for a comprehensive peace solution for Gaza in every meeting with US President Donald Trump during the latter’s visit at the 47th Asean Summit, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said he took the opportunity during each engagement with the US leader to raise concerns over the Gaza issue.
Anwar said the term “comprehensive settlement” or “comprehensive solution” was highlighted to stress that a true resolution to the Gaza conflict must be holistic.
He elaborated that a comprehensive solution should not be limited to a ceasefire but one that recognises the sovereignty and rights of the people of Gaza and Palestine.
"Officially, I raised this issue three times, which received media coverage. But during the trip in The Beast (the nickname for Cadillac One, the American leader's limousine), there was a private conversation.
“During those three official occasions, I stressed the need for a comprehensive solution to the Gaza-Palestine problem.
"What mattered most to me, and what I found most meaningful, was the opportunity to speak heart-to-heart with President Donald Trump about the plight of Gaza and Palestine," he said during Prime Minister's question time in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Oct 30).
He was replying to a question from Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (PH-Ledang) who wanted to know if the government raised the issue of presenting a more comprehensive solution for the occupied Palestine issue instead of a cease-fire proposal based on a 20-point plan to end Israel’s war on the besieged Gaza Strip.
Anwar also said that he should make the most of Trump's visit to the country, as he has already used all opportunities to speak with other leaders.
“It is the US President who can seek help to solve the issue in Gaza. I do not know who else we should raise the matter to. I have met with French President Emmanuel Macron, Italy President Giorgia Meloni and the German Chancellor Olaf Shulz as well as other European leaders. I have exhausted all means.
“I have even met with (former US president) Joe Biden in San Francisco and spoke to him about the Gaza issue even though I know the risk of raising the matter,” he added.
The Tambun Member of Parliament also denied that he had agreed with the US' 20-point peace plan, during Trump’s visit.
“I have never mentioned it. I only said that I support the first phase of the plan, which stated for a cease-fire but we have stressed for a more comprehensive plan.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said Malaysia was also invited for a proposed meeting for Arab and Islamic countries to discuss the occupied Gaza issue.
“Two weeks ago, as I mentioned earlier, I had a conversation with the Egypt President (Abdel Fattah El-Sisi), who expressed his sense of responsibility as a neighbouring country to enhance the flow through the Rafah crossing particularly for humanitarian and medical aid trucks, as well as for development efforts.
“This initiative has also been well received by many other countries, including Qatar, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
“There is also a proposal for a meeting of Arab and Islamic nations to be held in Cairo, Egypt soon, and if circumstances permit, I intend to attend. This time, we have been invited,” he added.
