BUKIT JALIL, Oct 24 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said Malaysia will not be cowed in its condemnation of the Israeli aggression and occupation of Palestine.
In a fiery speech at the Solidarity with Palestine rally @ Axiata Arena Stadium, here, Anwar said the West stood to learn from Malaysia in respecting other races and religions.
“I am being criticised now, starting to be attacked by some circles in Europe, the United States and of course Israel. I said, as long as I am given a mandate by the people, I do not accept threats. We will still fight.
“I tell them, don’t ever dream of threatening us. Malaysia is a fiercely independent country. We decide what is right, we understand the meaning of freedom.
“Malaysians have been there (for Palestinians) until today. And we will continue without fear. Don’t ever threaten Malaysians. We have our rights to express ourselves. We condemn aggression, and still stay as a sovereign country,” he said.
“It is Malaysia that the United States of America and Europe must learn (from). We talk about humanity, justice, human rights for the Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. We respect them as they respect us,” he added.
He also called out the apparent selectiveness of Western countries in defending human rights.
“The level of aggression has reached the level of insanity. Women and children are butchered, hospitals and schools have been bombed. Where is the justice, humanity, and democratic rights that the West is talking about?
“Palestinians need to be treated as human beings too!” he said.
Anwar said it is the first time in the history of Malaysia that its leaders visit countries neighbouring Palestine to discuss the issue.
“Usually, we only give statements from afar, but this is the first time, seeing the spirit and pulse of Malaysians, I decided to go around the Arab world to express our position,” he said.
Anwar said he discussed the matter with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, the Egyptian president, the emir of Qatar, the president of Turkiye and several others.
He also said that Egypt has given him its commitment to help Malaysia in distributing humanitarian aid to the Palestinians.
Anwar then reminded Malaysians not to let the Israel-Palestine conflict polarise them.
“Don’t play up this issue to be divided. This is the time to be together to strengthen our unity, defend our freedom!” he said.
The rally was organised by Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) and Global Peace Malaysia (GPM).
It involved over 40 groups such as Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief (Mahar) and the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (Mapim) as well as non-Muslims organisations.
Thousands of participants showed up wearing white shirts and holding placards saying “Israel Cuak (Israel is scared)” in show of solidarity with Palestine.
The rally was also attended by representatives of several foreign embassies in Malaysia.
