DENGKIL, Oct 27 — Malaysia will continue collaborating with the Arab League and the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to monitor the Palestinian-Israeli conflict’s developments, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“We are currently cooperating with the OIC and the Arab League, and there are daily discussions on current developments.
“However, the priority is mostly humanitarian (efforts) and stopping the attacks. That is the priority of Islamic countries,” he told the press after his lunch at Ramli Corner Selera Kampong today.
Anwar was asked whether Malaysia, along with the OIC and the Arab League, would boycott the United Nations (UN) following its Security Council’s (UNSC) decision to reject a resolution proposed by Russia calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Malaysia also stands firm on its position that the Palestinian people’s rights must be restored, even though the UNSC failed to decide on stopping the war.
“We do not care about other decisions. But our position is the Palestinian people’s rights must be respected. It is about their land, property, dignity, and, most urgently, stopping the attacks and providing humanitarian aid. That is our current priority.
“We continue to maintain relationships and take action together (with the OIC and the Arab League), but we expedite that when it comes to humanitarian assistance, food, medicine. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt has guaranteed that when humanitarian aid arrives from the (Malaysian) government, he will expedite its landing in Rafah,” he said.
At the UNSC meeting regarding the conflict in the Palestinian region, the failure to adopt Russia’s proposed resolution was because it could not garner the support of at least nine UNSC member states.
During the vote, the resolution was only accepted by four member states: Russia (proposer), China, Gabon, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The United States and the United Kingdom rejected the resolution, while nine member states decided to abstain. They include Albania, Brazil, Ecuador, France, Ghana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland.
Commenting on the ‘Minggu Solidariti Palestin’ (Palestine Solidarity Week) in schools and allegations that children were carrying toy guns during the programme, the Prime Minister said such matters must be controlled.
“We discussed this in the Cabinet meeting earlier today. First, we encourage the organisation of such programmes, but we will not force all schools to participate. Secondly, we need to ensure it does not become a problem,” he said.
Regarding allegations by a local company that rice prices in Malaysia are still high due to monopoly by Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas), Anwar said the government has thus far been able to ensure Bernas’ imported rice prices remain controlled and followed global prices.
— Bernama
