KUALA LUMPUR – Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir (Senator-BN) lambasted Western forces for their apparent backing of Israel’s attack on Palestine, expressing Malaysia’s disappointment over such “one-sided” actions.
Addressing the Dewan Rakyat today, Zambry recalled how Western powers had aided Ukraine when it faced the Russian invasion.
“Malaysia is very disappointed in the one-sided action taken to address (the Palestine-Israel conflict). While Western forces, as quick as lightning, helped Kiev defend itself from Moscow’s invasion, Palestinians continue to be marginalised without any defence.
“This clearly deviates from global humanitarian principles outlined in international laws.
“We were proud when the whole world stood together to abolish the apartheid regime in South Africa. Why are the administrators of the apartheid regime in Israel allowed to continue with policies that go against humanitarian norms?” he questioned.
Zambry said this when responding to a query from Tan Hong Pin (Bakri-PH), who asked the minister to state measures taken by the Malaysian government to help victims in Palestine, following Israel’s blocking of access to basic necessities such as electricity, food, water, and gas.
Yesterday, it was reported that the first plane carrying American ammunition for Israel’s offensive on Gaza landed in the country after the United States said it would send its ally new supplies of air defences, ammunition, and other security assistance to battle Hamas.
When pressed by Zakri Hassan (Kangar-PN) on whether Malaysia will issue a protest note over the US’ decision to aid Israel, Zambry stressed that Malaysia remains firm in its condemnation of the suffering endured by Palestinian citizens.
“We (Wisma Putra) will issue a statement to object to any acts that will worsen the situation (regarding the Palestine-Israel conflict).”
Besides that, the minister confirmed that authorities have identified the fifth Malaysian in the West Bank as a doctor married to a Palestinian man.
“We’re attempting to arrange an evacuation process for (the Malaysian doctor). We also have an eye on the Malaysian mother and her three children. Any updates on the matter will be made through official means,” he added.
Wisma Putra had yesterday reiterated Malaysia’s condemnation of “Israel’s excessive and indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas, as well as the regime’s actions to block basic supplies of water, electricity, and food”.
This came after Malaysia urged the United Nations Security Council to convene an emergency session to de-escalate the ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian fighters in and around the Gaza strip.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Tambun-PH) had also reiterated Malaysia’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people, calling on the international community to cease all actions perpetuating cruelty and oppression against the Palestinians.
The surge in violence followed a surprise attack by Hamas on Saturday, involving dozens of fighters infiltrating an Israeli city near the coastal enclave amid intense rocket fire. The aim of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood is to put an end to Israeli “violations”.
In turn, the Israeli army initiated Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “We are at war”. – October 12, 2023