PUTRAJAYA: Concerned that tensions in the Middle East will escalate, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for restraint to prevent a wider conflict among Muslim countries.
The Prime Minister said this was communicated during the second round of discussions with the leaders of Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Turkiye recently.
“We (Malaysia) expressed concern because while the perpetrators are Israel and their supporters, the impact is felt throughout the Muslim world, particularly the Middle East, Turkiye and Azerbaijan,” he said after officiating the launch of Mushaf Malaysia Madani here, Bernama reported.
The Prime Minister, however, said that Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had given him assurance that tensions arising from its conflict with Israel and the United States will not escalate into skirmishes among Muslim countries.
Malaysia would continue to advocate for a just resolution to the conflict to prevent the Middle East crisis from further escalating, Anwar added.
He also spoke on the importance of unity and cooperation between the nations of the region to sustain peace and prosperity.
“We have seen the sufferings of our brothers and sisters, not only in Iran, but across the region. Calamities are befalling the whole region, particularly affecting the poor.
“Some irresponsible parties are exploiting the case and using it as a political tool, weaponising it to attack,” he said.
