Malaysia Withholds Early Support for Gaza Peace Initiative
Malaysia will not offer early support for the proposed Gaza 'Board of Peace' without clear and firm guarantees for Palestinians, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated on Friday, January 23, 2026. The Prime Minister emphasized that such guarantees must include the recognition of Palestinian rights, a complete cessation of attacks by the Israeli regime, and the assured restoration of humanitarian aid to the region.
Speaking after prayers at Surau Al Amin in Bandar Baru Bangi, Anwar Ibrahim highlighted that the Malaysian government has yet to receive comprehensive information regarding the establishment and mandate of the board. This cautious stance aligns with Malaysia's long-standing position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which advocates for Palestinian statehood based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Concerns Over the 'Board of Peace' Structure and Mandate
The 'Board of Peace' was initially proposed by former United States President Donald Trump, announced on January 16, 2026, as a key component of a broader plan to end the conflict in the Palestinian territories. It was formally established in January 2026 during the 56th World Economic Forum.
However, Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has voiced concerns, noting that the proposed committee operates outside the auspices of the United Nations (UN) and is instead an initiative led by the United States and its partners. Concerns also extend to the potential involvement of the Israeli Prime Minister and former United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair, whose past actions and perceived stance on Palestinian issues have been viewed as opaque.
Malaysia's Consistent Advocacy for Palestine
Malaysia's position on the Palestinian cause has been consistent for decades, rooted in humanitarian principles. The nation has actively advocated for Palestinians in various international forums. In October 2025, Malaysia similarly offered only conditional support for a broader Gaza ceasefire deal, also proposed by Donald Trump, leading to its exclusion from the signing ceremony. At that time, Anwar Ibrahim noted that the 20-point peace plan did not adequately address the rights of the Palestinian people, their statehood, or the ongoing occupation in the West Bank.
The Malaysian government maintains that any peace initiative must genuinely address the fundamental rights and needs of the Palestinian people to gain its support.
5 Comments
Bella Ciao
Firm guarantees for Palestinians are non-negotiable. Malaysia's principles are strong.
Comandante
It's understandable that Malaysia wants strong assurances for Palestinians, especially given past failures, though one wonders if any peace initiative can satisfy all demands immediately.
Bermudez
Always critical, never constructive. This stance isolates Malaysia.
Africa
Malaysia's commitment to Palestinian rights is commendable, but demanding comprehensive guarantees upfront might make it harder to even get a seat at the table for negotiations.
Muchacho
The article highlights Malaysia's consistent support for Palestine, which is admirable, but it also raises questions about whether their firm stance could inadvertently hinder broader, albeit imperfect, peace efforts.