Malaysia uneasy with New York Declaration's preconditions, says Foreign Minister

New Straits Times

4 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is "uneasy" with several conditions attached to the "New York Declaration," a document outlining a proposed peaceful settlement between Palestine and Israel.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said this was because the plan includes preconditions that contradict Malaysia's foreign policy, despite being endorsed by some countries.
"Although there are ongoing efforts to establish lasting peace through the creation of an independent Palestinian state, Malaysia must approach these with caution.
"We agree with the declaration's goal, which is to immediately establish an independent Palestinian state.
"However, we are not comfortable with the preconditions that have been set, as many of them are not in line with Malaysia's foreign policy," he told the Dewan Rakyat today, without elaborating on the specifics.
Mohamad was responding to Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PN for Sik), who asked about the government's efforts to urge the international community, particularly the United Nations (UN), to end the ongoing attacks on Gaza.
Meanwhile, Mohamad also questioned Israel's justification of its military actions as self-defence, especially in light of the rising number of civilian casualties.
"Malaysia has issued official statements to the UN, including at the UN General Assembly, the UN Human Rights Council and the UN Security Council.
"We have unequivocally condemned the killings, brutality and war crimes perpetrated by the Zionist regime.
"Although Israel claims these actions are acts of self-defence, we must question whether killing women and children can ever be justified as self-defence.
"If it is, then how many more lives must be lost to satisfy this justification?" he asked.
He said Malaysia would continue to urge the international community, particularly the UN, to act decisively to end the atrocities being committed in Gaza.
Mohamad added that Malaysia, through The Hague Group, continues to call for a permanent ceasefire as a prerequisite for achieving peace.
"We also urge the establishment of a humanitarian corridor in Gaza. It has been four months since aid access was shut down, with both entry points from Jordan and Egypt still closed.
"Imagine how the people are suffering, starving and opening supply centres in Gaza, calling residents to collect food.
"When large crowds gather, they are shot. Many die. This is the reality in Gaza. That is why we recently supported The Hague initiative, to ensure this is stopped," he said.