BANGI, Oct 14 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has condemned the failure of the international order to address the suffering of the Palestinian people.
He said the international community should remain steadfast in upholding the principles of democracy and human rights, but its response to the plight of the Palestinians exposed contradictions in its commitment to fighting colonialism and imperialism.
“What is so hypocritical is the failure of the international community. I have to speak as prime minister, I understand that. But I have to express my utter disgust with the failure of the international order.
“We talk of democracy, whose democracy? We talk of human rights, which human? When human beings are treated as animals and slaves,” he said in his speech at the Sumud Nusantara Dinner, held in conjunction with the Global Sumud Congress 2026, here yesterday.
Anwar, who is also the Patron of Sumud Nusantara, also questioned whether the different treatment accorded to the Palestinian issue was influenced by the fact that Palestinians were Arabs or Muslims.
“To me, it does not matter. What is important is that they are human beings and we cannot allow this continued oppression, atrocities to be inflicted upon innocent lives,” he stressed.
The prime minister said Malaysia, having experienced colonialism understood the importance of resisting all forms of injustice, thus would continue to support efforts to assist the Palestinian people despite the risks and challenges involved.
He reaffirmed the Madani government’s full commitment to the Palestinian cause and urged all parties to continue contributing their time, effort and resources to help them (Palestinian).
“I know the risks and the problems, but what are they compared with the plight of Palestinian children who are crying out, hoping the world will hear them, yet the world remains deaf.
“It is deeply shameful if we say we cannot do anything because we are too caught up in our own world. So, take the necessary steps, no matter how small the effort, to help the people who have endured 70 years of suffering,” he added.
Anwar also expressed his appreciation to the international participants involved in the Global Sumud Movement, describing them as vital to ensure calls for justice for Palestine continued to resonate internationally.
“It means a lot because you are part of this international movement. But more importantly, you are part of a voice of conscience, of reason, clamoring for justice.
“You don’t show that you are giving up. You show your determination... you will have a voice of reason, a voice of conscience, a voice that calls for freedom and justice. May Allah guide us,” he added.
Also present were Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (Mapim) chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby, and Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. — Bernama