KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has told off PAS Ulama Chief Datuk Ahmad Yahya for claiming the government is following the Western and Israeli narrative in the ongoing Palestinian conflict.
Anwar sternly said that action will be taken against those who continue to make such statements, which he described as rude.
“Listen, so that the PAS Ulama Chief will stop using its party mouthpiece Harakah Daily in linking me with Israel.
“This is a ‘biadap’ (rude) statement that is immoral by someone wearing ‘serban’ (Islamic headgear). I strongly deny such claims and if it is repeated, I will take stern action,” said Anwar during Prime Minister’s Question Time in Parliament on Tuesday (Nov 7).
Anwar was referring to an article by Ahmad published by Harakah Daily on Nov 6 which was accompanied by a photo of Anwar with an image of the Israel flag behind him.
He then said that the government is working relentlessly on the issue as the Palestinian death toll continues to rise.
“We asked the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to hold a summit.
“We also lobbied China, Russia, Brazil, Ireland, Bolivia and there were discussions with Japanese PM Fumio Kishida and the Netherlands ambassador, as well as (a meeting) next week with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng,” said Anwar.
Anwar reiterated that Malaysia has strongly supported the Palestinian cause and all political parties should set aside their differences to unite for the cause.
“Regardless of parties, we should support this so that Malaysia and the world knows that Malaysia supports Palestine in one voice. This is a clear stance from us,” added Anwar.
In the article by Ahmad, he also claimed that Anwar’s leadership was apologetic towards the Palestinian cause and it is crucial to show strong support towards Hamas
The death toll of Palestinians stands at over 10,000 as of Nov 7.