Anwar slams Muslim nations' silence over Israeli attacks on Iran
LUMUT: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today condemned the silence of the international community, particularly Muslim-majority nations, over the recent Israeli attacks on Iran.
"A few days ago, Iran was attacked by Israel. They casually targeted and killed scientists and military officials.
"What kind of country behaves in such a barbaric, treacherous, and insane manner as Israel?
"There are over a billion Muslims, and many Islamic countries are wealthy, yet very few speak up to defend Iran," he said in his speech at the closing ceremony of the Madani Rakyat Programme at Lumut Waterfront here today.
Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Anwar said that Malaysia, as a sovereign and independent nation, must have the courage to stand up for justice, not only within its borders, but also in solidarity with oppressed nations around the world.
"That is why I told my colleagues in the Cabinet, Malaysia must build its own capacity.
"We are a sovereign country, and we must defend the rights of our friends, including Iran, which has long been oppressed.
"We support Iran's right to respond and to defend its national dignity," he said.
Highlighting Iran's resilience under prolonged economic sanctions, Anwar praised the country's commitment to education and technological advancement, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), despite being shut out by major global tech companies.
"While companies like Google and Microsoft are present in our country, they are not allowed into Iran.
" Yet Iran still manages to educate its youth, develop its AI sector, and sustain its economy under immense pressure," he said.
He also pointed out the hypocrisy of global powers and European nations who remain silent when Israel strikes, but react strongly when Iran retaliates.
"When Israel attacks, you remain silent. But when Iran responds, suddenly there's outrage. That's not our position," he said.
Anwar affirmed that the Madani government will continue to uphold its principles of justice and solidarity.
"Alhamdulillah, the leadership of this Madani government holds firmly to the principle of defending justice and the rights of all nations," he concluded.
It was reported that Iran struck Israel early Saturday with barrages of missiles after a massive onslaught targeted the Islamic republic's nuclear and military facilities, and killed several top generals.
Air raid sirens and explosions rang out across Israel overnight, with its military calling on residents to take refuge in bomb shelters Saturday morning.
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