Amanah urges for emergency parliamentary sitting to be called over Middle East conflict

The Star

5 hours ago

PETALING JAYA: In response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East following large-scale military attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, Amanah has called on the government to convene an emergency parliamentary sitting.
Amanah vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar expressed deep concern over the situation, noting that the strikes have resulted in the loss of lives and the destruction of public infrastructure in Iran, while also posing a risk of a wider regional conflict that could threaten global stability, including in Southeast Asia.
"This is a serious development that warrants immediate attention. Parliament must not remain silent on matters involving universal justice, national sovereignty, and humanitarian concerns," he said in a statement on Sunday (June 22).
Mahfuz urged the Dewan Rakyat to convene a special sitting to deliberate on three key issues: Malaysia's official stance 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.
"As the country's highest democratic institution, Parliament must be the platform through which the voice of the Malaysian people is conveyed in a lawful and dignified manner," he said.
Mahfuz stressed that Malaysia must reaffirm its position as a principled, neutral nation that consistently rejects all forms of occupation, aggression, and violations of international law.
"Malaysia has a responsibility to continue playing an active role in promoting global peace through our involvement in the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and Asean," he said.
He added that Malaysians overwhelmingly oppose violence and support peaceful solutions, and as such, the government has both a moral and political obligation to speak clearly and with dignity on the international stage.
"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.