MALAYSIA was being criticised and attacked by major powers for defending the rights of Palestinians, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today.

But he said Malaysia was not intimidated by such threats.

“I have started a new (chapter) in history. I am being criticised now … attacked by some circles in Europe, the United States, and of course Israel.

“We have to be vigilant. I said as long as I hold the people’s mandate, I will not accept these threats. We fight and continue to fight,” Anwar said in a speech tonight at the “Malaysia Stands With Palestine” at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.

Anwar said those major powers cannot threaten Malaysia because it is an independent and sovereign country.

“Don’t ever think of threatening us. Malaysia is a fiercely independent country,” Anwar said to thunderous applause.

“We decide what is right. We understand the meaning of freedom. We are with the Palestinians and their struggles yesterday, today and tomorrow.

“Malaysians have been standing with Palestine since the time of (Yasser) Arafat (first president of Palestine) until today. We will continue without fear.

“Don’t ever threaten Malaysians. We have our right to express ourselves. We condemn aggression.

“I’ve received many warnings and threats but I responded by saying, you’ve picked on the wrong person,” he said.

Some 10,000 people attended the rally.

Meanwhile, government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said an emergency meeting on Palestine issues would be held at the United Nation General Assembly on Thursday.

Fahmi said the application to debate the plight of Palestine, made by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and supported by Malaysia, was approved.

“Malaysia will be involved and this is … recognition that Malaysia stands firm on the issue of freedom for Palestine and justice for its people after we witnessed the atrocities committed by the Israeli Zionist regime,” the communication and digital minister told reporters at Axiata Arena today. – October 24, 2023.