Malaysia will not be scared off from condemning Israel: Prime minister

By Merve Berker

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Tuesday that no one can intimidate and stop his country from condemning Israeli “aggression” and supporting Palestinians.

Ibrahim noted he has received criticism from “some circles in Europe, the US” along with Israel.

“I said as long as I am given a mandate by the people, I do not accept threats. We will still fight,” he said at a Solidarity with Palestine rally at Axiata Arena Stadium.

He wanted anyone to not even “dream of threatening” his country because Malaysians know what is freedom.

“Malaysians have been there (for Palestinians) until today,” he said. “And we will continue without fear.”

Malaysia condemns “aggression,” he said. “We talk about humanity, justice, human rights for the Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. We respect them as they respect us.”

Ibrahim criticized what has been going on between Israel and Palestine and the latest developments.

“The level of aggression has reached the level of insanity,” he said.

“Women and children are butchered, hospitals and schools have been bombed,” he said. “Where is the justice, humanity, and democratic rights that the West is talking about?”

Noting that Palestinians are “human beings too,” the Malaysian leader said Palestinians deserve to be treated as one, as well.

Israel has launched a relentless bombardment campaign on the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, putting the territory’s 2.3 million residents under total siege and a blockade of food, fuel and medical supplies.

More than 7,100 people have been killed in the latest conflict, including at least 5,791 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.