KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia was not invited to the recent Gaza peace summit in Egypt due to its conditional endorsement of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace framework, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told parliament on October 14. Anwar explained that only countries offering full support to the plan were invited, while Malaysia expressed reservations. “Our support was conditional on a comprehensive resolution for the return of Palestinians who were forcibly removed,” he said. This condition also encompasses Palestinian statehood rights and an end to ongoing violence in the West Bank.
The Prime Minister acknowledged domestic criticism of Malaysia’s stance but emphasized that halting the destruction and civilian casualties, including women and children in Gaza remains the foremost priority. He noted that several Middle Eastern and Muslim nations have accepted the plan. Anwar also revealed receiving a letter from Hamas negotiators on October 7 expressing support for Trump’s initiative. Malaysia’s current position supports the plan as a pathway to ending the war and facilitating the return of Palestinians to Gaza.
Highlighting Malaysia’s readiness to assist in United Nations peacekeeping efforts if called upon, Anwar said he planned telephone discussions with Egyptian authorities to facilitate aid and medical assistance via the Rafah crossing. “Instead of bringing Palestinians here, it is better that we go there to help,” he remarked. He reported that while 600 aid trucks were supposed to enter Gaza daily, only 167 trucks managed to do so on October 13, underscoring ongoing logistical challenges in delivering humanitarian support.