Malaysian PM Anwar blasts Western media for manipulating Gaza coverage

The PM also reiterated Malaysia's commitment to blocking companies registered in Israel from operating in Malaysia

KUALALUMPUR:

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has asserted that Western nations should refrain from lecturing the Muslim world on democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.

Speaking at the All-Malaysian Mosque Summit for al-Aqsa and Palestine, Anwar criticised the West for attempting to control international media narratives, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Anwar highlighted the need for the West to correct its portrayal of the Palestinian situation, emphasising that the unrest has persisted since 1948, not just since the Hamas attack on 7 October. "We need to be clear and cannot be determined by the Western countries that want to start the narrative on October 7," he stated. He added, "The continuous destruction in Palestine began in 1948, followed by the direct invasion of the al-Aqsa Mosque in 1969. This destruction, whether of infrastructure or human lives, continues today as genocide."

The Prime Minister also reiterated Malaysia's commitment to blocking companies registered in Israel from operating within the country, criticising the previous government for allowing direct trade with Israeli-linked firms. "Under the Madani Government, the decision was made unanimously by the Cabinet to stop all forms of direct trade with Israel," Anwar noted.

Anwar called for unity and strength within Malaysia, urging the government to act wisely and bolster the nation's cultural and artistic integrity without compromising its stance on Palestine. He questioned why previous administrations permitted trade with Israeli companies like ZIM, challenging those who criticise the current government's policies.

Also speaking at the event, Datuk Seri Ahmad Awang, co-chairman of the Malaysia Mosque Conference for Al-Aqsa and Palestine, reminded attendees of the significance of 21 August, designated by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as World Mosque Day, in memory of the 1969 attempt by a Zionist to burn down the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The summit, held at the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Mosque, saw the participation of around 700 representatives from mosques and NGOs, foreign ambassadors, scholars, and observers from various countries, all gathered to show solidarity and support for the Palestinian cause.