Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has made a strong statement by affirming his nation’s support for Hamas, a Palestinian militant organization. This declaration comes in response to a recent proposal by US lawmakers to impose sanctions on foreign supporters of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Malaysia’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and its refusal to recognize Israel diplomatically have long been key aspects of its foreign policy.
Malaysia’s Unwavering Support for Palestinians
Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation, has consistently advocated for the Palestinian cause. It has refrained from recognizing Israel diplomatically, maintaining that no such recognition will occur until a two-state solution is achieved, providing a homeland for both Israelis and Palestinians. Kuala Lumpur, the country’s capital, frequently hosts conferences on Palestinian issues, emphasizing its commitment to the cause.
Read More: Malaysia picks Sultan Ibrahim to be next king
Anwar Ibrahim’s Longstanding Advocacy
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, at the age of 76, has been an advocate for the Palestinian cause since his university days. The ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict has prompted his strong stance, rejecting Western pressure to condemn Hamas. His statement underscores the importance of understanding the context and the sentiments of the people in the region. He called on media outlets not to label Hamas fighters as “militants,” drawing parallels to the African National Congress (ANC), which played a crucial role in ending apartheid in South Africa.
Political Expediency and Bipartisan Support
In Malaysia, support for the Palestinian cause has been bipartisan and widespread. The opposition lawmaker’s question to Anwar Ibrahim came in the wake of the US House of Representatives’ vote to sanction foreign supporters of Hamas. Anwar Ibrahim’s refusal to accept such threats aligns with the country’s stance of recognizing decisions made by the UN Security Council, indicating a commitment to multilateral diplomacy.
Mahathir Mohamad’s Influence
Anwar Ibrahim’s mentor-turned-political rival, Mahathir Mohamad, has also been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause. He has criticized other nations for their silence on what he refers to as “Israeli war crimes.” This political environment places Anwar in a position where he cannot afford to be seen as having weak views on this critical issue, especially given the rising influence of religious conservatism in Malaysia.
Challenges Faced by Anwar Ibrahim
Anwar Ibrahim faces multiple challenges as Prime Minister. Recent polling data from the Malaysian think tank Ilham Centre indicates a decreasing approval rating among ethnic Malays, with only 24% of their support. In contrast, he enjoys significant support from the ethnic Chinese and Indian communities, with 88% and 81% approval, respectively. This divergence in support adds pressure to his political position, making it crucial for him to stand firm on certain issues.
Tougher Stance Amid Ongoing Conflict
While Anwar Ibrahim had faced criticism in the past for not taking a stronger stance against Israel, his recent statements indicate a shift towards a more resolute position. He has rejected Western pressure to condemn Hamas, highlighting the group’s electoral legitimacy in Gaza. At a pro-Palestinian rally, he characterized Israeli military action in Gaza as “the height of barbarism in this world.” His rhetoric reflects Malaysia’s unwavering support for the rights of Palestinians in the face of displacement and conflict.
Read More: Malaysian Prime Minister Walks a Tightrope on Hamas Support
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s reaffirmation of support for Hamas and the Palestinian cause sends a strong message in a world marked by complex geopolitics and shifting alliances. His statement, in the face of US sanctions proposals, underscores Malaysia’s commitment to the Palestinian issue and its adherence to decisions made by the UN Security Council. Ibrahim’s stance also reflects the domestic political challenges he faces and the need to maintain support in a diverse and politically charged environment. As the Israel-Gaza conflict continues, Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause remains a steadfast element of its foreign policy.