KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA Oct 14, 2025 – Malaysia was not invited to the Gaza Summit in Sharm al-Sheikh due to its refusal to offer unconditional support for a proposed 20-point peace plan, Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed in a strongly worded statement on Tuesday.
The exclusion stems from Malaysia’s demand for a “comprehensive solution” that addresses core Palestinian rights, including the return of displaced Palestinians, recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state, and a complete end to Israeli Zionist occupation and oppression in the West Bank. Anwar criticized the 20-point plan, stating it fails to tackle Palestinian rights, state sovereignty, or the ongoing instruments of occupation.
“After careful review, the 20-point plan does not touch on the rights of the Palestinian people, their national sovereignty, or the continuing occupation,” Anwar said. “Therefore, Malaysia cannot endorse something that ignores these fundamental principles.”
The Prime Minister clarified that Malaysia’s position—voiced by himself and Foreign Minister—supports the initiative with “reservations,” not blind allegiance. Addressing critics who question the partial backing, Anwar emphasized the urgency: “We want an immediate halt to the destruction of property, the massacres—including of women and children. With Gaza facing famine and the world silent, we must seize any avenue to urgently stop the atrocities, as long as it does not compromise our principles and dignity.”
Anwar framed Malaysia’s absence from the summit not as withdrawal, but as a bold manifestation of national resolve. “Diplomacy for us is a vehicle to champion humanitarian values and the rights of oppressed nations, not merely ceremonies or protocol demands,” he added.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister pledged continued engagement through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), ASEAN, and partners like Japan, Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Efforts will focus on channeling aid and planning Gaza’s reconstruction once the war’s suffering ends, including rebuilding schools, hospitals, homes, and essential infrastructure.
The statement comes amid escalating global calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, where conflict has raged for over a year, displacing millions and causing widespread devastation. Malaysia has long positioned itself as a vocal advocate for Palestinian self-determination on the international stage.