Q&A with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Malaysia’s Role Supporting Gaza and the Power of Religious Diplomacy
Malaysia has taken robust steps in supporting Gaza while positioning religious harmony at the center of its diplomacy. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sat down for an interview following the landmark 2025 International Summit of Religious Leaders in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting Malaysia’s humanitarian drive and vision for interfaith leadership in resolving global conflicts
Q: Malaysia has earned recognition for its commitment to Gaza. What concrete actions has your government taken recently?
Anwar Ibrahim:Malaysia regards support for Palestine and Gaza as both a moral and humanitarian imperative. We’ve increased humanitarian aid to Gaza—most recently, we committed an additional RM100 million, bringing our total to RM200 million in just the past two years. This is in response to the tragic crisis in Gaza, and we will never abandon its people. Our assistance goes beyond money—we work with NGOs to ensure food, medicine, and reconstruction support reach where they are needed most.
Q: How is Malaysia able to champion Palestinian rights on the global stage?
Anwar Ibrahim:Malaysia uses every diplomatic forum available. At the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and as ASEAN’s chair, we advocate for a lasting ceasefire, the protection of Palestinian rights, and humanitarian relief. We collaborate closely with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and regional partners for unified action. Importantly, we stand firm regardless of political pressure, keeping our commitments rooted in universal humanitarian principles.
Q: In what ways does faith influence Malaysia’s foreign policy and humanitarian action?
Anwar Ibrahim:Malaysia’s Muslim majority—alongside significant Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, and other communities—gives us a unique perspective. Faith compels us to seek justice and uplift the oppressed. The recent International Summit of Religious Leaders in Kuala Lumpur, attended by figures from more than 54 countries, demonstrates how faith leaders, not just politicians, must stand at the forefront of promoting peace and human dignity, especially for places like Gaza.
Q: How does the summit with global religious leaders contribute to peace efforts?
Anwar Ibrahim:The summit is a crucial forum to create consensus among religious leaders. As I told participants, religious voices are vital because politics often fail to address core human values. When faith leaders unite—regardless of creed—they remind the world that justice, compassion, and peace must take priority over hatred or indifference. This summit places an obligation upon religious communities to oppose violence and foster mutual respect.
Q: How does Malaysia’s experience of religious diversity contribute to its diplomatic approach?
Anwar Ibrahim:Malaysia demonstrates that peaceful coexistence is attainable. Despite differences, Malaysians continue to engage in dialogue, find common ground, and protect social harmony. Our success story is a message to the world: collective peace is possible when dialogue and respect prevail. This is the model we strive to export—as an example and as an invitation to others.
Q: What message do you hope to send to the world regarding Malaysia’s support for Gaza?
Anwar Ibrahim:Our message is simple: peace, mercy, and understanding. Malaysia’s support for Gaza isn’t only about religious solidarity but about defending justice and compassion for all humanity. We unite people—across faiths and borders—for a better world, and we shall not waver in our support for Gaza or in our broader quest for enduring justice.
Malaysia’s leadership—anchored in humanitarian values and religious inclusiveness—is being watched across the Muslim world and beyond, as new hopes are pinned on faith-based diplomacy to help deliver justice for Gaza and build a more peaceful, inclusive global order.
Follow the latest news on Google News
