Malaysia calling for an immediate ceasefire, return to diplomatic table
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia stands in solidarity with Muslims and communities in the Middle East affected by tensions resulting from the attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, says the Prime Minister.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed hope that peace, justice and stability can soon be restored in the region.
Calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, he said this was urgently needed as it was dragging the Middle East to the brink of disaster.
He urged Israel, the United States and Iran to stop all provocative action and return to the diplomatic and dialogue table.
“Any provocative action will only trigger a bigger crisis, undermine regional stability and risk dragging more countries into a conflict that is difficult to contain,” Anwar added in a social media post, Bernama reported.
He described the tension in the Middle East resulting from the attacks on Iran as a great tragedy for Muslims.
“Rarely in human history have so many tragedies befallen the people. Decades of countries being colonised and raped, and land seized continue to happen before our eyes,” he added.
The United States and Israel launched a series of attacks on targets in Iran on Saturday, including Teheran, with reports of civilian casualties.
Iran carried out retaliatory missile attacks on Israeli territory as well as on US military facilities in the Middle East.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was confirmed killed on Saturday morning, it was reported.
Meanwhile, Anwar said allegations claiming that the Malaysian government failed to act over an incident involving the desecration of the Quran were unfounded, adding that a comprehensive investigation was being conducted.
He said in a country that upheld the rule of law, action must be guided by due legal process rather than emotional pressure or perceptions shaped on social media.
“This country is governed by the rule of law, not emotion and speculation,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He urged all parties to leave the matter to the authorities and refrain from making speculation or statements that could undermine public harmony.
“The government will ensure that justice is upheld and national peace is maintained,” he said.
On Feb 25, a Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah student was detained to assist in the investigation over suspicion of insulting Islam on social media. So far, 28 police reports have been received nationwide on the case.
On Friday, Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said police had completed the investigation papers for the case.
Kuantan police chief Asst Comm Ashari Abu Samah said the student’s remand has been extended till tomorrow following instructions from the deputy public prosecutor.
