IN today’s political landscape, where the allure of convenience often supersedes the weight of morality, few leaders have dared to stand firm against the tide of international pressure.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is one of them.
His unyielding support of the Palestinian people in the face of adversity serves as a reminder of what leadership steeped in principles looks like.
Kuala Lumpur’s recent Solidarity for Palestine gathering was more than just a demonstration of numbers or a collective outcry.
It encapsulated a profound moral message to the world, urging nations and their leaders to acknowledge the rights and dignity of the oppressed.
While Malaysia has had a longstanding historical inclination towards supporting the Palestinian cause, Anwar’s forthrightness in naming the ongoing violence in Gaza as the very “height of barbarism” showcases not just a political alignment, but an intrinsic commitment to justice and peace.
International politics is as much about tacit messages as it is about overt actions.
Figures like Lord Simon Isaacs, a stalwart in the Western political arena, have not held back in pressuring Malaysia.
Threats of severing economic ties, traditionally a powerful lever in international diplomacy, were wielded to coerce Malaysia into reconsidering its stance on Palestine.
This week, Anwar revealed three demarches from the US government to get Malaysia to change its stance and express sympathy for Israel – a country it does not have diplomatic relations with.
While many leaders might oscillate or recalibrate their position in light of such significant threats, Anwar seems to draw strength from them.
This unique resilience is a blend of moral duty and nationalistic commitment.
But it’s crucial to clarify that Anwar’s commitment isn’t born out of mere political alignment or religious affiliation. The Gaza situation, although wrapped in layers of historical and political complexity, is fundamentally a story of human tragedy.
And it is this narrative of humanity that guides Malaysia’s stance on Palestine.
The Kuala Lumpur gathering, for instance, was not an echo chamber of political or religious chants. It was a heartfelt plea, as expressed by a student participant, that the issue is as much about our shared humanity as it is about the nuances of politics or the doctrines of religion.
Lord Isaacs’ economic threats are emblematic of the complex challenges leaders face when navigating the waters of international relations.
Anwar’s refusal to bow to this bullying even when confronted with potential economic repercussions, offers a refreshing departure from the norm.
It speaks to his deep-rooted belief in the principles of human rights and dignity – as he himself has been subject to degrading treatment for 20 years – albeit they pale in comparison to the horrific treatment the Palestinian people have had and continue to endure.
In an era where fake news runs rampant and narratives are manipulated with alarming ease, taking a stand that might be unpopular with powerful global players is risky.
However, leadership, in its true essence, is about steering the ship through turbulent waters, not just calm seas. Anwar’s leadership ethos seems to resonate with this philosophy. His approach to the Palestinian crisis isn’t about gaining brownie points on the international stage; it’s about doing what he believes is right – irrespective of the challenges.
Granted even at home his fellow Malaysians are asking if this is the prudent position especially when the economy and the ringgit is taking a beating.
But the world needs more leaders who, even in the face of adversity, are willing to champion the cause of the marginalised and the oppressed.
As the global balance of power shifts and new alliances are formed, the importance of moral leadership becomes even more pronounced.
Nations and their leaders will constantly be challenged to evaluate their positions on myriad issues. However, it’s the principled stand, the commitment to justice and humanity, that will leave an indelible mark in the annals of history.
In summation, while Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s unwavering stance on the Gaza situation might not resonate with all stakeholders – global and domestic – it is a clarion call for leadership based on principles and integrity.
Anwar’s audacity to prioritise human rights over political and economic gains, paints a portrait of a leader who values principles over convenience. – November 4, 2023
Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin is the senior political secretary to the Prime Minister of Malaysia and PKR’s international bureau chairman