KUALA LUMPUR — Amanah vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar has urged the government to convene a special parliamentary sitting to address the Iran-Israel conflict, stating that Malaysia must clearly articulate its position and proposed course of action.
Mahfuz said the escalating crisis, now involving the United States, has already claimed lives and risks triggering wider regional instability that could threaten global peace — including in Southeast Asia.
“I urge the Malaysian Parliament to hold a special urgent sitting to discuss our stance on the conflict, and the diplomatic measures (we intend to take),” he said in a statement.
He added that such a session should also examine the conflict’s geopolitical and economic implications for Malaysia, including its impact on supply chains, oil prices, regional security, and humanitarian responses — particularly efforts to aid Iranian civilians affected by the war.
Mahfuz, a former Pokok Sena MP, stressed that Parliament, as the country’s highest democratic institution, must not remain silent on matters of universal justice, sovereignty, and humanity.
“Malaysian voices must be expressed through a respected and legitimate platform — the Dewan Rakyat,” he said. “Malaysia must reaffirm its long-standing position of rejecting colonisation, invasion, and the violation of international law.”
He also called for Malaysia to play a more active role in promoting peace through its involvement in multilateral platforms such as the United Nations (UN), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and Asean.
Mahfuz urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to seriously consider calling for the special sitting in the name of sovereignty, justice, and humanity.
The conflict between Iran and Israel intensified after US President Donald Trump claimed that American forces had conducted “very successful” strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, Al Jazeera reported.
Israel has also launched attacks on Iran’s military installations and nuclear sites, prompting Iran to retaliate by firing dozens of drones towards Israel. Iran’s health ministry reported over 400 deaths — including 54 women and children — since the start of Israel’s offensive.
Meanwhile, Wisma Putra confirmed that all Malaysians in Iran have been safely evacuated. The evacuees are expected to arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) tonight via Malaysia Airlines flight MH781.
The Foreign Ministry also announced yesterday that the Malaysian embassy in Tehran has been temporarily closed, with all diplomatic staff recalled home immediately. — June 22, 2025