KUALA LUMPUR - In an unprecedented move, Malaysia embarked on a tour of Arab nations to voice its concerns about Israeli colonisation of Palestine.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attributed this decision to the overwhelming sentiments of Malaysians sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.
Addressing the Himpunan 1,000,000 Malaysia Bersama Palestine rally, Anwar revealed he met with leaders from Arab and Islamic nations including Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Bahrain, and Turkey.
"Traditionally, Malaysia has commented from a distance.
"For the first time, inspired by the passion of our people, I personally visited these Arab nations to assert our position," he said.
Anwar recalled a candid conversation with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Salman, during a brief visit.
"The primary focus was the situation in Gaza.
"I urged Saudi Arabia to step up and vocally support the rights of the Palestinian people and highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza," Anwar added.
He added that the dialogues were shared with Riyadh to ensure the Muslim world is perceived as proactive in championing the Palestinian cause.
Following Riyadh, Anwar travelled to Istanbul, Turkey, to strategise collective actions.