PM Anwar: Safety of Malaysians on GSF is top priority

LocalPolitics
1 May 2026 • 4:55 PM MYT
The Sun Daily
The Sun Daily

For the latest news and features from Malaysia and the rest of the world.

Image from: PM Anwar: Safety of Malaysians on GSF is top priority

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says the government views Israel’s detention of Global Sumud Flotilla participants in international waters with serious concern.

RAWANG: The safety of Malaysians taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 is the government’s top priority, after Israel detained mission participants in international waters yesterday.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government viewed the incident with serious concern, describing Israel’s action as a breach of humanitarian principles and international law.

“We naturally pray for the safety not only of Malaysians, but also of citizens from other countries caught up in the detention by the unjust Israeli regime, many of whom are being held in international waters.

READ MORE: Malaysia condemns Israeli interception of GSF vessels

“This is sheer madness and shows no respect at all for (humanitarian and international law) principles. They were still in international waters, not even inside Israel’s territory. That is the injustice that continues,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at Masjid Nurul Iman here today.

Anwar also condemned Israel’s continued provocative actions, including repeated attacks on areas such as Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, along with its deliberate efforts to block humanitarian aid.

He said Israel was not satisfied with killing women and children, attacking Iran, Lebanon and Gaza, and was now also blocking others who sought to help by bringing food, water, medicine and basic clothing instead of weapons.

On the government’s follow‑up measures, the Prime Minister said efforts had been stepped up on the diplomatic front, with the Foreign Ministry and friendly nations being contacted to find an immediate solution.

“…we are doing our best. I have already contacted the Foreign Ministry and we are contacting friendly countries. Whichever ones I can contact, I will contact, InsyaAllah,” he said.

Yesterday, Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) director-general, Datuk Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby, said 175 activists had been abducted and taken to Israel by sea on vessels belonging to the Zionist regime, including 10 Malaysians.