PM Anwar Slams Western Double Standards Over Gaza, Lebanon

KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has criticised what he described as hypocrisy and double standards among segments of the international community, particularly in the West, over their failure to uphold democratic principles and justice in the face of ongoing violence by the Zionist regime in Gaza and southern Lebanon.

He said the democratic values and rhetoric often championed by European countries and the United States appear to have “disappeared” when it comes to the oppression of Palestinians and Lebanese civilians.

“I find the international community puzzling. If we expect Europe and the United States to uphold the spirit of democracy and justice, that spirit has completely faded.

“This is because when the people of Palestine in Gaza and southern Lebanon are oppressed, it clearly has no impact on them,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at Masjid Saidina Hamzah today.

The Prime Minister said he had contacted several world leaders, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, to express Malaysia’s firm position.

Anwar said the engagements aimed to strengthen unity among Muslim-majority countries to help end the ongoing violence and hostilities.

“That is what I conveyed. Malaysia will continue to defend the principles of freedom and speak the truth, whether for oppressed Muslims or other human beings.

“Our voice will remain firm and clear because so far there is still no sign of a resolution to the sustained attacks on Iran, southern Lebanon and Gaza,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also noted that the global supply crisis caused by geopolitical uncertainty is affecting regional economies, including Malaysia.

He said that although Malaysia continues to record strong economic growth and remains stable, it is still impacted by global volatility.

He therefore urged political leaders to exercise wisdom and restraint in governance and to focus fully on safeguarding the welfare of the people.

“Politics should not be driven by sentiment. It must be calm and guided by wisdom, focused on defending the people’s welfare, not descending into chaos as seen in some Western countries,” he added.

-- BERNAMA