KUALA LUMPUR: The worsening situation in Palestine and the role Malaysia to help ease the conflict in the country were the main topics of debate in the Dewan Rakyat this week.
The week's sitting also saw the winding up of the debate on the Supply Bill 2024 by 25 ministries and three ministers in the Prime Minister's Department with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who is also the Finance Minister closing the winding up session before Budget 2024 was passed at the policy level with a majority vote.
On the situation in Palestine, the focus is on Malaysia's stance which strongly rejects all forms of violence and condemns the act of killing innocent people and taking women and children as hostages in Palestine.
With the permission of the Speaker of the House, Anwar who delivered a seven-minute speech in English for the international audience, also condemned the bombing of civilians, homes, hospitals and the massacre of innocent people, children, women and men by the Israeli army.
"... this criminal act clearly violates the norms of international law. Israel's actions in cutting food, water, humanitarian aid and electricity supplies are in violation of international law," he said.
The Prime Minister also revealed that following Malaysia's insistence on the issue, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received three 'demarches' from the United States government on Oct 13, 18 and 30 asking the country not to continue its stance, especially Malaysia's refusal to consider Hamas as a terrorist organisation.
Anwar also reminded the people not to politicise the Palestinian-Israeli conflict or allow the issue to be used to divide the people of Malaysia.
Still on Palestine, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2024 for the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday said the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) are ready if there is a decision or mandate to be deployed as peacekeeping troops to Palestine.
Mohamad said he would also bring up issues related to Palestine at the discussion session with the ASEAN Defence Ministers next week as a side topic to hear the voices of the countries in the region regarding the conflict.
Also discussing the same issue, the Parliamentary Caucus on Palestine recommended that the government summons the ambassadors of countries who oppose the United Nations (UN) resolution for the implementation of a ceasefire and humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir when winding up the debate for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday also did not avoid touching on the Palestinian issue when he said Malaysia will not stop engaging with other countries to garner support for the Palestinian cause and strongly condemning the cruelty of the Zionist regime. .
He said Malaysia needs to continue influencing efforts not only with the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) but also the Group of 77 Nations (G77) and Non-Aligned Nations (NAM) to help the Palestinians in Gaza.
Besides that, the Dewan Rakyat sitting also witnessed Anwar as the Leader of the 15th Parliament, congratulating the Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar who was elected as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
"I would also like to congratulate and pledge our allegiance to His Majesty. The House also congratulated the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah, for being elected as Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Nov 03 2023
PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also reminded the people not to politicise the Palestinian-Israeli conflict or allow the issue to be used to divide the people of Malaysia. - BERNAMA
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.