PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim today said Malaysia could only deploy troops to Palestine, including for peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, after receiving consensus from neighbouring countries.

In a briefing on the latest developments of the Israel-Palestine crisis at the Dewan Rakyat today, Anwar said without the consensus, aircraft carrying Malaysian peacekeepers or humanitarian assistance would not be allowed to land.

“Certain parties in Malaysia claim we refuse to send our military forces. Our military leaders have also asked me to explain it is not fair for any party to touch on this matter.

“This is not a simple decision to make. I hope there will be better understanding, so that we don’t confuse the people,” he said.

Anwar called on all Malaysians and Muslims to unite and pray for the safety of all Palestinians who continue being oppressed by the Israeli regime.

Anwar said Foreign Minister Zambry Abd Kadir would leave for Jeddah tonight at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation for a conference.

The prime minister said he would also attend the Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit on Thursday, and discuss actions that must be taken against Israel’s atrocities against Palestinians.

“Prince Mohammed contacted me a few days ago and requested I stay one more day until October 21 to hold discussions in Saudi Arabia.

“I will discuss with some of our friends – the UAE, Qatar, Egypt and Turkiye – whether there is a need to hold other meetings with other countries’ leaders,” he said.

Anwar said he gave Zambry a full mandate to discuss and make decisions on humanitarian aid for Palestinians following Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

He said Malaysia would stand by any country that expressed solidarity and sympathy for Palestine.

“Our stance is clear, politics in Palestine is the politics of dispossession. They (the Palestinians) have been dispossessed of their land and property. We must restore their rights to their homeland,” he said.

Anwar said Malaysia has had a relationship with Hamas since the group won the elections, adding that he disagreed with Europe’s decision to continue putting Hamas under pressure.

He said the government has so far contributed RM10 million in early humanitarian and medical relief to Palestinians.

“God willing, this Thursday before I leave for Saudi Arabia, as much as RM100 million (from government-linked companies) will be channelled to the humanitarian aid fund for Gaza,” he said. – Bernama, October 16, 2023.