Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announces a special cabinet meeting this Friday to assess fiscal risks and monitor the escalating West Asia conflict.

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will convene a special cabinet meeting this Friday to review the nation’s fiscal position and closely monitor developments in Iran following the escalating conflict in West Asia.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the move was prompted by rising regional tensions that could potentially affect the global economy, including Malaysia’s stability.

He stated the meeting would allow cabinet members to assess the fiscal situation, monitor real-time developments, and determine the government’s next course of action.

“The MADANI Government views seriously any direct challenges to the country’s economic stability and the well-being of Malaysians,” Anwar told a special press conference on the latest developments.

The Prime Minister, who is also Finance Minister, noted the conflict has now spread to involve several other countries in the region following attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran.

Anwar revealed he had proposed to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to ensure the conflict does not spill over to neighbouring countries, with attacks remaining focused on Israel.

“I thank the President of Iran and the Foreign Minister for giving firm assurances to avoid any spillover of attacks to neighbouring countries,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation to Gulf country leaders for allowing Malaysia to engage in discussions with them regarding the crisis.

At the same time, Anwar thanked members of parliament across party lines who voiced support and issued a joint statement on the attacks on Iran.

The Prime Minister also recorded his appreciation to the National Security Council, the Foreign Ministry, and Malaysian diplomatic missions in West Asia.

He further thanked security agencies and aviation authorities involved in efforts to bring home Malaysians stranded due to the conflict.

“Alhamdulillah, the first group of Malaysians evacuated from West Asia arrived safely in the country at around 12.30 pm today following the worsening security situation,” Anwar said.

A total of 163 Malaysians and seven non-citizen family members were evacuated from the conflict zone and returned on a specially chartered Malaysia Airlines aircraft.

 The Sun Malaysia