Malaysia champions Palestine with RM100 million aid, legal action, and humanitarian missions, reinforcing its stance on justice and sovereignty
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia sustained its vigorous advocacy for Palestinian rights throughout 2025, combining diplomatic pressure with direct humanitarian action.
The nation’s foreign policy, rooted in universal humanitarian values, has remained steadfast since the Gaza war began in October 2023.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim demanded punitive measures against Israel at the Arab-Islamic Emergency Summit in Qatar last September.
He condemned Israel’s refusal to recognise a free Palestinian state as blatant apartheid and a violation of United Nations resolutions.
Anwar reiterated this firm stance in discussions with world leaders, including United States President Donald Trump during the 47th ASEAN Summit.
Domestically, Malaysia announced a RM100 million humanitarian aid fund for Palestine at a major solidarity event at Dataran Merdeka in August.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan later highlighted the abuse of the UN Security Council veto at the 80th UN General Assembly in New York.
He outlined Malaysia’s three principles: concrete action against Israel, commitment to Palestinian sovereignty, and comprehensive UN reform.
Malaysia also helped establish The Hague Group to pursue legal action and comprehensive sanctions, including an arms embargo, against Israel.
The government reiterated that Israel’s illegal occupation has created one of modern history’s most severe humanitarian crises.
Malaysia joined the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of over 40 vessels from 44 countries aiming to deliver aid and break the Gaza blockade.
The Malaysian contingent, Sumud Nusantara, mobilised 34 volunteers including community leaders, celebrities, politicians and journalists.
International security cooperation, involving Italian and Spanish patrol vessels, was deployed to protect the flotilla from threats.
The convoy faced intense Israeli provocation, including drone attacks, before being intercepted in international waters in late August.
This led to the detention of 23 Malaysians alongside hundreds of foreign activists, sparking widespread public concern.
The Sumud Nusantara Command Centre in Sepang operated 24/7, providing real-time updates to families and the public during the crisis.
Thousands of Malaysians subsequently demonstrated near the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to protest Israel’s detention of the activists.
All 23 Malaysians were released in stages and returned on October 8 to an emotional welcome at a Gaza Solidarity Gathering at Axiata Arena.
Prime Minister Anwar greeted the returnees at the event, which was attended by thousands of supporters.
In the same week, seven more Malaysians from a separate Freedom Flotilla Coalition voyage were detained before being released five days later.
Malaysia’s struggle for Palestine transcends foreign policy, representing a shared moral duty with its people.
The nation’s commitment spans from diplomatic halls to the solidarity of its streets, carrying hope for Gaza into the new year.
As the Prime Minister affirmed, Malaysia will stand with Palestine yesterday, today and tomorrow. – Bernama
