Leaders slam US strikes on Iran

Call for restraint: (From left) Anwar, Mahfuz and Abdul Hadi denounced US attacks on Iran, calling it a violation of international law and a threat to global peace.
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Malaysian political leaders stood together in their condemnation of the military strikes by the United States on Iran, describing the attacks as a violation of international law and a threat to global stability.
The leaders are calling for immediate international action, including intervention by the United Nations and the Organi­sation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
During a function in Kuching yesterday, Anwar urged the international community to apply pressure on Israel to stop its provocative and aggressive actions.
He said lasting peace could only be achieved if Israel ceases its violent conduct towards other countries.
'For genuine peace to be rea­lised, Israel must be pressured to stop being provocative and violent towards other nations,' he said.
Anwar said Malaysia has taken a fair and balanced stance on the issue.
'When you launch attacks and kill people, of course, there will be retaliation from Iran,' he said.
He also said the continued killing of civilians in Gaza, including women and children, and the la­test strikes on Iran, have wor­sened the situation, especially with foreign involvement from countries like the United States.
'Now they are attacking Iran, and Iran has chosen to fight back. The intervention by external powers such as the United States will only escalate the conflict further,' he added.
He also warned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz will have serious implications for the global economy.
Anwar said Malaysia must continue to speak out in defence of human rights and justice.
'For me, the most important thing is the sanctity of human life and justice. Stop the violence.
'People say Iran should not respond, but why is Israel allowed to act with such impunity?
'Malaysia is compelled to voice our position. We must not allow a sovereign and independent nation to be silenced when it comes to speaking out about human rights and justice,' he added.
Amanah vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar urged Putrajaya to convene an emergency parliamentary sitting to discuss the attacks.
He said the sitting should discuss Malaysia's official stand and diplomatic response to the conflict; the potential geopolitical and economic impacts on the country, including supply chains, oil prices and regional security; and possible humanitarian assistance that Malaysia could extend to Iranian civilians affected by the violence.
'Parliament should be the platform through which the voice of the Malaysian people is conveyed in a lawful and dignified manner.
'Malaysia has a responsibility to continue playing an active role in promoting global peace through our involvement in the UN, the OIC, the Non-Aligned Movement and Asean.
'I call on the Prime Minister to urgently consider the need for a special parliamentary sitting in defence of the values of justice and universal humanity,' he said.
PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang urged the UN Security Council and the OIC to take firm action to stop what he called an uncivilised act of aggression.
He warned that failure to act could further destabilise the region and endanger the prospects of global peace.
'The attack not only violates Iran's sovereignty but also constitutes a war crime that clearly breaches international law and the UN Charter.
'PAS is calling for strong and immediate action from the UN Security Council and the OIC to halt this aggression and to condemn the arrogance of the United States, which remains a staunch ally of the illegitimate Israeli regime,' he said.

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