KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian politics should not be driven by sentiment, instead, it should be guided by calmness, wisdom and a focus on safeguarding the welfare of the people, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said this amid growing global tensions, where he noted that ongoing violence involving Gaza, southern Lebanon and Iran continued to affect many, including Malaysians.
Anwar stressed that political leaders must remain rational and should avoid emulating the instability seen in some Western countries.
"The effects of this situation are being felt even in our region," he said, adding that this was despite countries having strong economic records and peaceful conditions.
He noted that the uncertain global economic climate is a contributing factor and expressed hope for wisdom and sound judgement among world political leaders.
"That is why our politics should not be driven by sentiment. We must remain calm, exercise wisdom and focus on safeguarding the welfare of the people," he said.
Anwar was speaking to reporters after performing Friday prayers at Masjid Saidina Hamzah here on Friday (May 29).
He reiterated Malaysia’s firm stance in defending the rights of oppressed communities, particularly Palestinians.
"If we are to rely on Europe and America to uphold the spirit of democracy and justice, that hope appears to have completely faded," he said.
He added that the oppression of people in Gaza and southern Lebanon seems to have little impact on those regions and this reflects the hypocrisy of the Western world.
"Imagine if this were happening to a Jewish person. I do not support such injustice in any form, but I want to show that our anger stems from the fact that this oppression continues unabated," he said.
The Prime Minister called for unity among Islamic countries to put an end to the violence.
He said he was recently in contact with the President of Iran, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the President of Turkiye and the Saudi Crown Prince.
"As for Malaysia, we will continue to uphold the principle of freedom and speak firmly for what is right," he said. This applies to oppressed Muslims or any other people.
Anwar noted that Malaysia's voice will remain outspoken as there appears to be no resolution to the repeated attacks. These include repercussions that continue uncontrollably in Iran, Lebanon and Gaza.
