KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim makes the decision to tour Arab countries recently to fight and express Malaysia's firm stance on the plight of the Palestinian people.
He said the passion shown by Malaysians in fighting for the rights of Palestine encouraged him to do so because he did not want to simply make a written statement.
"The Crown Prince who is also the Saudi Arabia Prime Minister Mohammed Salman invited me to make a one-day visit for a heart-to-heart discussion with the main topic is about Gaza.
"I told them, we (Malaysians) are united in giving strong support so that there is a firm voice and agree that this time the Muslim world should not look weak and stand up to defend the rights of Palestine.
"For two hours, I discussed the measures to be taken and the attitude of the United States (US) and the European Union (EU) which do not care about humanity at all," he said.
He said this while speaking at the Himpunan Malaysia Bersama Palestin held at the Axiata Arena Stadium, Bukit Jalil here on Tuesday.
Anwar was accompanied by his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and also present were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
He added that in addition to Istanbul, he went to Cairo to meet Egypt President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi because the country played a big role at the Rafah border.
"I tell them, where is their humanity and basic rights? We want the Palestinian people to be treated as they deserve, to stop killing and to be fed. Is this request too much?
"From what he said, 200 containers brought into Gaza will be allowed right now and the reason for closing the border gate is because he does not want Israel to force the Palestinians out.
"Egypt also expressed its support and will help send aid from any country such as Turkey, Malaysia and others," he said.