PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA Oct 3, 2025 – Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim voiced qualified support for the United States’ proposed peace framework for Gaza, acknowledging its imperfections while stressing that the urgent priority must be halting the violence and safeguarding Palestinian lives in the war-torn enclave.
In a statement shared widely on social media, Anwar wrote: “The peace plan presented by the United States is not perfect, and we do not agree with the majority of it. However, our current priority is saving the lives of the Palestinian people.” He urged an end to endless debates, noting that “tens of thousands of lives have already been lost in Gaza,” and called on the international community to focus on “stopping Zionist oppression, ensuring food and water aid reaches those in need, and igniting hope for those still enduring.”
Anwar’s remarks come amid a flurry of international endorsements for President Donald Trump’s 20-point proposal, which includes an immediate ceasefire, Hamas’ disarmament, and a U.S.-led interim administration for Gaza. While leaders from Canada, France, and Europe have praised the plan’s potential to secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages and end the two-year conflict, Anwar framed regional backing from Arab and Islamic nations not as full-throated approval but as a “collective step to halt the bloodshed, reject expulsions, and give the people of Gaza the chance to return to their homeland.”
“We can continue to polemicize and argue here, but the fact is that those suffering are the tens of thousands of lives already lost in Gaza,” he added, underscoring Malaysia’s steadfast solidarity. “Malaysia will stand firm with Gaza, continue to monitor, continue to speak out, and continue to expose Zionist hypocrisy so that the remaining lives and dignity are protected.”
The statement drew immediate praise from pro-Palestinian activists on X, with users hailing Anwar’s “principled stance” and sharing clips of Gaza’s devastation to amplify his call for aid. Critics, however, questioned the endorsement’s sincerity, pointing to Malaysia’s vocal opposition to Israeli actions in the past and accusing the plan of favoring U.S. interests. One reply read: “Words are cheap—when will Malaysia lead on real sanctions against the occupiers?”
Anwar’s intervention adds to the diplomatic momentum building ahead of Trump’s Sunday deadline for Hamas to fully accept the proposal, with threats of escalation if unmet. As Israeli officials prepare responses post-Sabbath and airstrikes continue in Gaza City, the Malaysian leader’s message highlights the delicate balance between pragmatism and principle in the push for peace.