KUALA LUMPUR – The government will continue to monitor developments in the conflict-stricken areas of the Middle East closely and take proactive measures to ensure the safety of Malaysians, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In a statement on Facebook today, the prime minister said the nation’s interests will always be the top priority. He also added that he chaired a National Security Council special meeting this morning to further discuss the grave situation.
Also present at the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Khaled Nordin, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, and other senior government officials.
He said considering the discussions held yesterday, the consecutive meetings held for two days, including today, demonstrate the serious attention of the Madani government to the Middle East issue, besides efforts taken to ensure Malaysia and its people are not affected by the situation.
In a related development, Anwar said Malaysia joined all of the civilised world to urge the Zionist Israeli regime not to aggravate an already extremely tense situation further.
“There are clear signs that the international community does not want to see a worsening situation.
“The launching of drones by Iran is a legitimate action following the barbarous attack by the Zionist regime of Israel on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus.
“We are pleased to note the assurances given by the Iranian government that unless further attacked by the Zionist Israeli regime, this will be their only reaction,” he said.
Anwar said the key to resolving this issue is the just and immediate resolution of the inhumane situation in Gaza.
“Therefore, global attention must be devoted fully to it, with no distractions. There must be a durable ceasefire which will enable the passage of humanitarian aid
“In this connection, Malaysia’s latest contribution of 100 containers (of humanitarian aid) is expected to leave Malaysia on April 27,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Higher Education Ministry (MoHE) will discuss with the relevant parties on further actions following the conflict. This includes considering the repatriation of Malaysian students from the countries involved.
In a statement today, MoHE said based on current records, there are 1,872 Malaysian students in Jordan, 37 in Syria and eight in Iran, with none reported in Lebanon and Iraq.
“The ministry acknowledges the ongoing situation in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran and Israel, which has indirect impact on neighbouring countries like Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq.
“MoHE is actively monitoring the situation through Education Malaysia offices in Jordan and Dubai, while maintaining regular communication with the Malaysian Embassies in Tehran, Iran and Amman, Jordan, to safeguard the safety and wellbeing of the students,” read the statement.
The statement also urged Malaysian students in affected countries to stay calm, stay informed about the ongoing situation and comply with authorities’ instructions.
For inquiries, students and parents can contact the Malaysian Embassy in Tehran, Iran, by phone at (+9821) 88072444 or (+9821) 88078606, or via email at [email protected] and [email protected].
The Malaysian Embassy in Amman, Jordan, can be reached at (+962) 6590 2400 or (+962) 78590 2400, or via email at [email protected] and [email protected]. – April 15, 2024