PUTRAJAYA – Malaysia will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Organisation’s (Apec) Leaders’ Meeting later this month in San Francisco and use the opportunity to speak about justice for Palestine, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
He acknowledged that this decision may not be welcomed by some quarters, but stressed that he, as prime minister, must attend, in Malaysia’s best interests.
“Even though we don’t support the United States’ stand (on Israel), we also need to take care of peace and diplomatic ties.
“So I have decided to attend Apec, which will also be attended by all Asian countries, at (US President Joe) Biden’s invitation.
“This decision may not sit well with some quarters, but don’t say I am pro-Israel. As prime minister, I have to attend, to guard our country’s security and economic interests. I will not move from our stand (on Palestine),” Anwar, who is also finance minister, said this morning when addressing ministry staff at their monthly assembly.
Anwar said he has been having discussions with leaders of various countries on the Israel-Palestine war and has urged all of them to work at finding a solution.
He spoke of how he used these sessions with other leaders to state Malaysia’s stand against Israel and the need for justice for Palestinians.
“In my four-eyed talks, I say, you are a democracy, it’s your decision to support Israel, but stop these killings. (They) say, yes, we are saying it.
“But I say, no, the focus is to punish Hamas, and you expect us to do the same. We cannot do that because our priority is to secure peace and justice for Palestinians.”
Anwar also told of how he spoke up to US Vice-President Kamala Harris in front of other leaders at the Asean Summit in Jakarta recently, questioning the US’ “hypocrisy” over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict.
“I said you criticise Russia… for breaking the United Nations. I agree with that. But why the hypocrisy when it comes to Israel?”
Anwar said yesterday that Malaysia would decide whether to attend the Apec Leaders’ Meeting, which will be held from November 11 to 17, after coordinating with other countries involved.
The issue of a boycott of the meeting was previously raised in the Dewan Rakyat by Perikatan Nasional MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal. – November 7, 2023