Anwar’s Palestine Dilemma

Murray Hunter : With the Israel-Palestine crisis taking prime attention of late, there is heavy reporting of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s comments and position. Malaysians are witnessing a foreign policy dilemma.

The Israel-Palestinian crisis is much more complex than US-China competition for primacy within the Indo-Pacific region. Malaysia got it right through taking a neutral position between the two superpowers. The Palestinian issue is an extremely emotional one, especially within the Malay cohort of voters that Anwar will need to win over next election to survive as prime minister. The domestic effect of any stand upon the Israeli-Palestine crisis will influence party politics and support.

Anwar recently made the revelation that he was threatened by certain ‘western’ powers’ for his outspoken advocacy for the Palestinian people, and to refrain from criticism of Israel. Dr. Musa Mohd. Norden, a well-known supporter of Anwar, directed protestors last week in stop showing placards that criticised Israel and its leadership, at a rally last week. This was met with much anger by net-citizens. There is every chance this was to appease Malaysians, and put them behind Anwar.

Anwar is also heavily criticised for declaring “Palestinian Solidarity Week’ in schools across Malaysia. The Sarawak government has stated they will not comply with the directive in their schools. There is fear that such a program will provide an unbalanced view of the conflict and only build up unnecessary hate. Some critics go as far as saying this is a sign of a crack in the Unity coalition.

Anwar recently admitted that the war will get worse, and it is difficult for him to do anything. He would if he could. Under different circumstances Anwar could have.

Paradox is becoming dilemma

Over the last two decades, Anwar has developed close relationships with leaders and policy-makers across Europe and the United States. Anwar has also kept close relationships with the leaders of the radicalized Islamic would. This flows from his days of his presidency of the ABIM Muslim Youth League, which was strongly influenced by the doctrines of the Muslim Brotherhood, at the time.

Anwar has a strong rapport with a number of leaders across the world.

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