Malaysia to criticise Board of Peace if Palestine interests harmed

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — Malaysia has decided not to join the US-backed Board of Peace, but will continue to monitor its activities and criticize any actions that undermine Palestinian rights, the Dewan Rakyat was informed. Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni stated that the government is evaluating the BOP's developments, including its scope, implementation and potential impact on achieving lasting peace in West Asia.

"If the Board of Peace takes any action that contradicts the interests of the Palestinian people, Malaysia will consistently voice its criticism," he said during a question-and-answer session. His remarks came in response to a supplementary question from Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PN-Sik) concerning Malaysia's diplomatic efforts to prevent the BOP from undermining Palestinian self-determination and to address the growth of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Lukanisman also assured that Malaysia will persist in applying pressure via the United Nations and other multilateral platforms to safeguard Palestinian rights and justice. The deputy minister, however, admitted to the challenges posed by the misuse of veto powers, which have impeded stronger international action to protect Palestinians.

When asked about establishing an independent and credible mechanism to monitor the Gaza ceasefire, Lukanisman said Malaysia would keep raising the issue through the UN, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). He mentioned that the Foreign Ministry had already issued an official statement condemning Israel's ceasefire violations, restrictions on humanitarian aid and actions that have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.