KUALA LUMPUR: The government and opposition blocs in the Malaysian Parliament on Monday (March 2) set aside political differences to stand in solidarity with the people and nation of Iran, hence becoming among the earliest parliaments to express a firm stance in strongly condemning the barbaric attack by the Zionist regime of Israel and the United States against the country.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described the rare bipartisan consensus as clear proof that Malaysia would not compromise on the dignity, sovereignty and independence of any nation.
"It moves me that although we differ on many issues, there is no division when it comes to sovereignty and the common good. This is a positive sign for our country.
"We are aware that when we speak the truth and defend justice, we may face consequences, including economic pressures arising from geopolitical developments and disruptions to oil supply and transport. But this is the voice of the Malaysian people, and come what may, we will face it together,” he said.
Anwar was winding up the debate on the motion condemning the attacks on Iran carried out by Israel with the support of the US, in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.
The US and Israel launched a series of strikes on targets in Iran on Saturday, including Tehran, with reports of civilian casualties. Iran retaliated with missile attacks on Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed following the strikes, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency.
Addressing the issue of "forced regime change”, Anwar described attempts to target a head of state and civilian facilities as extreme violence that violates international law and is unacceptable to any civilised society.
He said such actions reflected the arrogance of major powers seeking to determine the leadership of sovereign nations through force.
The Prime Minister said that the government remained vigilant against any threat, including external interference aimed at destabilising the administration and undermining national sovereignty.
Malaysia, he stressed, would not allow any foreign government or company to interfere in its affairs.
"Of course, we take note of recent threats still under investigation. We must not dismiss the possibility that such attempts could occur or persist. Vigilance and preparedness are essential. To assume everything is secure would be a grave weakness in our thinking.”
Anwar said this in reply to concerns raised by Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) on a statement by Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail that police were probing allegations of a coordinated plot to topple and sabotage the government.
The Prime Minister also gave assurance that a thorough investigation would be carried out, noting that the figures and data linked to the allegations were "deeply concerning”.
Recalling Malaysia’s early years of independence, Anwar said the country had faced a communist insurgency by the Malayan Communist Party, aided by foreign elements and rejected by the public.
"We must not allow such possibilities to recur and threaten our national security,” he added. - Bernama
