Anwar warns against wider West Asia conflict as Gaza crisis deepens and rising fuel subsidies strain Malaysia’s finances

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has stressed the importance of preventing tensions in West Asia from escalating into a wider conflict among Muslim countries.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this position was communicated in a second round of discussions with leaders from Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Turkiye.

He expressed concern that while Israel and its supporters are the perpetrators, the impact is felt throughout the Muslim world.

“Now, because of the protracted warfare and continuous attacks, we are seeing ramifications across the world,” he said during the launch of the Mushaf Malaysia MADANI.

Anwar stated the Iranian Foreign Minister assured him tensions with Israel and the United States would not escalate into skirmishes among Muslim nations.

He described the situation as a difficult and complex one involving a sheer display of arrogance.

The Prime Minister also reiterated Malaysia’s concern over the plight of Palestinians in Gaza.

He warned against attempts by irresponsible elements to exploit the crisis as a political weapon.

“We have seen the sufferings of our brothers and sisters, not only in Iran, but across the region,” Anwar said.

He stressed that unity and cooperation were necessary to sustain peace and prosperity.

On the domestic front, Anwar said the situation has caused significant economic ramifications for Malaysia.

This includes higher subsidy commitments to maintain current fuel prices.

He noted that maintaining the RON95 petrol price is part of the government’s effort to ease the people’s burden.

“It’s costing us an additional subsidy of RM2 billion a month now to maintain the price,” Anwar revealed.

He added that if global prices rise further, the fiscal cost would increase accordingly.

Despite criticism, the government will continue to weigh implications while prioritising public welfare.

 The Sun Malaysia