PARIS, July 12, 2025 – Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has once again drawn international attention with his forthright comments on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during an interview with France 24. In a segment that has since gone viral on social media, Anwar challenged Western perceptions and policies, particularly regarding the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Anwar’s interview, conducted in a formal setting with the French news outlet, saw him questioning the narrative that frames the conflict as starting solely with the events of October 7, 2023.
“You must think people are idiots to believe thousands of children and babies are Hamas operators,” he stated, emphasizing the humanitarian toll of the conflict. His remarks come at a time when Malaysia has taken a firm stance against Israeli actions, including a policy announced in December 2023 to bar Israeli-flagged ships from docking at Malaysian ports.
The Prime Minister’s comments are part of a broader critique of what he perceives as double standards in Western foreign policy.
“Why does France condone that Arab lands can be colonized?” he asked, invoking historical colonial practices and questioning the consistency of international responses to the conflict. This rhetoric aligns with Malaysia’s recent foreign policy shifts under Anwar, which have focused on ASEAN, the Middle East, and major-power relations, as noted in a year-end review by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia.
The interview has sparked a range of reactions globally. Supporters praise Anwar for his bold stance, seeing it as a reflection of growing public sentiment against the conflict, especially in the West, where there has been significant protest activity. Critics, however, argue that his statements could strain diplomatic relations, particularly with Western nations and Israel, which Malaysia does not formally recognize.
Anwar’s approach has been advised to be tempered, especially concerning U.S. policies on Gaza, indicating the delicate balance Malaysia must maintain in its international relations. Despite this, his comments resonate with a global audience increasingly critical of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where reports of civilian casualties, including children, have been a focal point of international concern.
The interview’s timing is significant, coinciding with heightened global scrutiny of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict following the ICJ’s order in January 2024 for Israel to take measures to prevent genocide in Gaza. Anwar’s statements echo those of other international leaders and organizations calling for a ceasefire and addressing the root causes of the conflict.
As Malaysia continues to navigate its role on the world stage, Anwar’s interview with France 24 underscores a commitment to voicing dissent against perceived injustices, a stance that could shape the country’s foreign policy trajectory in the coming years. The international community watches closely as these developments unfold, with the potential for further diplomatic repercussions and shifts in global alliances.