BANGI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed deep disappointment over the international order's failure to address the Palestinian cause, describing it as a failure to uphold democracy and human rights.
Anwar questioned the consistency of the international community in upholding these principles, saying Palestinians should not be subjected to different standards of treatment.
"What is so hypocritical is the failure of the international community. I have to speak as the prime minister, and I understand that.
"But I have to express my utter disgust with the failure of the international order. What order is there without democracy and human rights, when human beings are treated like animals and slaves?" he said in his speech at the Sumud Nusantara Dinner today.
The dinner was held in conjunction with the Global Sumud Congress 2026.
Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, Youth and Sports Minister Dr Taufiq Johari, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Sumud Nusantara Command Centre director-general Datuk Dr Ahmad Sani Araby.
Anwar said generations in formerly colonised countries had fought colonialism and imperialism because they opposed injustice, oppression and colonisation.
"Now, we are in a society that condones the very same principles we fought against for decades under colonialism and imperialism," he said.
Citing Gaza, Anwar said the suffering of Palestinians should not be viewed as a recent development, but understood in the context of decades of oppression.
"Some say it has only happened in the past few years, but those who understand history know that this oppression has continued for 70 years.
"What is the problem? Is it because they are the Arabs, Palestinians and Muslims? There is no answer.
"Why is it that, when it comes to the Palestinian cause, there is a different set of arrangements, judgments and decisions?" he said.
Anwar added that he had raised the issue with counterparts in Europe, the United States and elsewhere, questioning whether Palestinians were being treated differently because of their religious or ethnic identities.
"To me, it does not matter. What is important is that they are human beings, and they cannot be colonised," he said.
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