9-11-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia has declared that his country will maintain its ties with Hamas and will not impose punitive measures on the group. Speaking in parliament on Tuesday, Anwar called on Malaysians to unanimously support the Palestinian cause. His statement came in response to a proposal by US lawmakers to sanction foreign supporters of Hamas.
Analysts note that Anwar’s stance aligns with the prevailing sentiment in Malaysia, where support for Palestinians has long been bipartisan and widespread. An opposition lawmaker had questioned Anwar about the government’s position following the recent decision by the US House of Representatives to impose sanctions on foreign supporters of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
“I will not accept any threats, including this… This action is unilateral and not valid because we, as members of the United Nations, only recognize decisions made by the UN Security Council,” Anwar asserted. Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim nation, has consistently advocated for the Palestinian cause. The country does not diplomatically recognize Israel and insists on a two-state solution before extending recognition. Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, frequently hosts conferences addressing Palestinian issues.
Anwar, 76, has been a vocal advocate for the Palestinian cause since his university days. Similar to many parts of the world, Israel’s retaliatory strikes on Gaza have prompted large gatherings and prayer rallies in Malaysia. However, there have also been instances of support for Hamas that have attracted attention. During Malaysia’s Palestine Solidarity Week at the end of October, a video featuring a group of teachers dressed as militants and brandishing toy rifles went viral on TikTok. In response, Anwar called on schools to monitor activities during the week.
Anwar’s political rival-turned-mentor, Mahathir Mohamad, has also expressed strong support for the Palestinian cause. Mahathir has criticized other nations for their silence on what he deems “Israeli war crimes.”
Given the rising influence of religious conservatism in Malaysia, Anwar cannot afford to be perceived as having weak views on the matter. Researchers Julia Lau and Francis Hutchinson from the Singapore-based think tank ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute recently emphasized this point. Moreover, Anwar is facing declining support from the Malay-Muslim community, as indicated by a recent poll conducted by Malaysian think tank Ilham Centre, which revealed an approval rating of only 24% among ethnic Malays. In contrast, he enjoys 88% support from the ethnic Chinese community and 81% from the ethnic Indian community.
Anwar has previously faced criticism for not adopting a stronger stance against Israel. In a 2012 interview, he stated that Malaysia should “protect the security [of Israel] but be firm in protecting the legitimate interests of the Palestinians.” He later clarified that his remarks were consistent with the two-state solution. However, in response to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, Anwar has taken a more assertive position.
He has rejected Western pressure to condemn Hamas, highlighting that the group was elected by the people of Gaza to govern the territory. At a pro-Palestinian rally last month, Anwar denounced Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip as “the height of barbarism in this world.”
During his recent address, Anwar called on the media not to label Hamas fighters as “militants,” drawing a comparison to the African National Congress (ANC) that fought against apartheid in South Africa. Anwar stated that the ANC and its former president, Nelson Mandela, were initially labeled as terrorists by the West, yet Malaysian authorities continued to support them. He stressed the importance of media outlets understanding the concerns and sensitivities of the Malaysian people, while recognizing the rights of Palestinians who have been dispossessed of their land, wealth, and dignity.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 10,300 people, including more than 4,100 children, have been killed in Gaza. The Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 resulted in the deaths of 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and over 200 people were taken hostage.
