Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during an exclusive interview with US-based broadcaster Mehdi Hasan. - Photo courtesy of zeteo
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has strongly criticised Western nations for their perceived hypocrisy regarding the Gaza conflict, during an exclusive interview with US-based broadcaster and political commentator, Mehdi Hasan.
"The sheer hypocrisy of many countries in the West to condone what is happening in Gaza is shocking to me and appalling," the Prime Minister said during the interview.
He underscored Malaysia’s role in addressing these injustices, despite being a small nation.
"Malaysia is a small country, but it is a voice of conscience, and I represent the vast majority of Malaysians," he added.
Anwar specifically called out the United States for its contradictory stance on the conflict.
"The US supports a ceasefire, but at the same time, sends weapons. To me, that’s sheer hypocrisy from the US administration," he asserted.
He clarified Malaysia’s position on the matter, focusing on the Palestinian issue and the actions of Israel.
Anwar also addressed Malaysia’s stance on not allowing Israeli ships to dock in the country’s ports, explaining why the ban was not extended to ships from other countries, such as the US, which support Israel.
He explained that Malaysia must take a realistic approach; extending the ban to ships from other nations would involve confronting numerous countries.
Instead, Malaysia has focused on addressing the issue of Palestine and the actions directly perpetrated by Israel.
During the interview, Anwar recounted a discussion with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the Gaza issue.
"In March, during your visit to Germany, in front of Olaf Scholz, you fiercely criticised Europe's position on the genocide in Gaza where you pointed out that, ‘they are only concerned about one particular incident and one victim named Israel and forgetting the suffering of the Palestinians’," Mehdi asked.
Anwar praised Scholz for his politeness and the extensive two-hour conversation that followed. He described Scholz as a good friend, noting their frank exchange and mentioning Scholz's candidness in explaining his perspectives.
While Scholz understood his points, Anwar remarked there was a very provocative question during their discussion.
"I believe that my opinion represents many Europeans but certainly the younger ones, the students, and youth," he said.
On the topic of arrest warrants filed by the International Criminal Court, which included warrants for Israeli leaders and Hamas leaders, Anwar was asked about holding Hamas leaders accountable for war crimes.
Anwar stated his stance that the victim shouldn’t be prosecuted and highlighted that Hamas is an elected organisation representing its people.
When asked by Mehdi if someone could be pro-Palestinian without being pro-Hamas, Anwar replied: "Sure, but it is up to the Palestinians to decide who they want. I don’t necessarily share their views on many issues but I do understand the plight of these people. If one part of my country is being colonised, I wouldn't stop."
Mehdi also asked about Anwar’s visit with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in May before his death, which faced international criticism.
"You responded to the criticisms after he (Haniyeh) was killed, that those critics of yours, I quote, ‘failed to appreciate his deep desire for a peaceful Middle East.’ A lot of people would say, ‘Prime Minister, that’s an outrageous thing to say about a man who praised Oct 7, and the killings of Israeli civilians and even praised Osama Laden when he died’," Mehdi said.
Anwar replied that Hamas represents a portion of the Palestinian population, acknowledging that while not all Palestinians support Hamas, they are still part of the Palestinian community nonetheless.
"You don’t call victims and the colonised who decide to fight their colonial master as terrorists," said Anwar. – Bernama
