MALAYSIA, MALDIVES UNITED IN CALL TO END GENOCIDE IN PALESTINE – PM ANWAR

PUTRAJAYA, April 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and the Maldives share common aspirations in upholding international commitments and working toward ending the genocide in Palestine, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.

At a joint press conference with Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Anwar praised Muizzu’s bold decision to bar Israeli passport holders from entering the Maldives, calling it a courageous and principled stand against ongoing violence.

The prime minister said Malaysia has never recognised Israel since its independence, mainly because of Israel’s refusal to respect human rights, honour international commitments and end the genocidal acts in Palestine, especially in Gaza.

“We (Malaysia and the Maldives) share the same sentiments and aspirations, and I have expressed on behalf of the government and the people of Malaysia that we certainly accord him (Maldives President) with high respect and accolades for his courage and principled stance,” Anwar said.

Muizzu, who arrived yesterday for a four-day official visit to Malaysia, was earlier accorded an official welcoming ceremony at the Perdana Putra Complex.

This marks Muizzu’s maiden visit to Malaysia since assuming the presidency in November 2023, following an invitation from Anwar.

Meanwhile, Muizzu said the Maldives stands firmly with Palestine in its fight for independence, with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the pre-1967 borders.

“We reaffirm our unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their legitimate quest for statehood.

“Palestinians deserve their own independent and sovereign state, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” he said.

In a joint statement, Anwar and Muizzu also strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms, reaffirming their commitment to rejecting terrorism and ensuring that all perpetrators are brought to justice.

-- BERNAMA