KUALA LUMPUR: Condemning the attacks by the United States and Israel, Malaysian lawmakers from both sides of the divide stood united in solidarity with Iran and its people.
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.
“But this is the voice of the Malaysian people, and come what may, we will face it together,” he said in winding up the debate on the motion condemning the attacks at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
The Prime Minister said the intrusion into Iran’s sovereignty constitutes a clear breach of the international legal order and could drag the region into a broader conflict.
“The ongoing military actions risk causing a major escalation that threatens regional stability, particularly in the Gulf countries,” he said.
Malaysia, Anwar said, calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the conflict area.
“If there is a basis for dispute, it must return to the negotiating table constructively.”
The Prime Minister also gave his assurance that the safety of Malaysians stranded in affected countries in the Middle East will be of the utmost importance.
He told the august House there are more than 29,112 registered and unregistered citizens in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, adding that most of those stranded was due to the closure of airspace and flight disruptions
Most Malaysians in the Middle East are those who work and have settled there, or are tourists and umrah pilgrims.
“As a government, we are responsible for preserving and guaranteeing the safety of Malaysians. Wisma Putra is closely monitoring the situation,” he said, adding that Malaysian embassies in the affected countries are looking for the best way possible to bring home stranded citizens.
The Dewan Rakyat also observed a moment of silence over the deaths of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iranian citizens following the attacks.
“I would like to express condolences to the Republic of Islam Iran, to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s family; the leaders and the education community that were killed by the bomb attack by Israel and the United States.”
On Feb 28, the United States and Israel launched a series of attacks on targets in Iran, including Teheran, with reports of civilian casualties.
Iran carried out retaliatory missile attacks on Israeli territory as well as US military facilities throughout the Middle East.
Aside from Ali Khamenei, others who were killed include Defence Minister Gen Aziz Nasirzadeh and former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
