Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warns of economic and security risks from West Asia violence, calling for renewed diplomatic efforts at a Malaysia-Turkiye dialogue.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today called for the immediate de-escalation of conflicts in West Asia and a renewed global commitment to diplomacy, warning that continued violence risks triggering far-reaching economic and security repercussions.
Delivering his keynote address at the Kuala Lumpur-Ankara Dialogue 2026, Anwar described the current situation in West Asia as a “harsh and dismal reality”, marked by the loss of thousands of lives, destruction of civilian infrastructure and indiscriminate attacks on critical facilities.
“As we gather to strengthen the linkages between Malaysia and Turkiye, we do so at a time when the world is once again confronted with a harsh and dismal reality, the tragedy of war in West Asia,” he said.
Anwar noted that the ongoing conflict has resulted in immense human suffering, with thousands of lives lost and innocent civilians, including school children, being massacred while seeking shelter in their classrooms, bridges are blown to smithereens, and oil as well as nuclear installations are bombed indiscriminately.
“The human and physical cost continues to mount, even as diplomatic efforts are being pursued to halt the violence and restore stability,” he said.
The Prime Minister also warned of a growing erosion of sovereignty and the weakening of international norms due to the increasing use of unrestrained military force.
“By the unmitigated recourse to military actions that are neither justified nor restrained, we are witnessing the disintegration of a principle that has long underpinned international stability,” he said.
Anwar said a rules-based international order must be applied consistently and not selectively, noting that its credibility depends on fairness, particularly during times of crisis.
“Let us be clear. A rules-based international order cannot be invoked selectively. It cannot protect some while denying others their legitimate rights. Its credibility rests entirely on its consistent and even-handed application, particularly in moments of crisis,” he stressed.
He also reiterated Malaysia’s firm stance in advocating restraint and dialogue, expressing solidarity with Turkiye’s diplomatic approach, which emphasises engagement over escalation, as well as efforts by other countries to facilitate negotiations.
At the same time, Anwar emphasised that diplomacy must be pursued with sincerity, warning that superficial ceasefires without genuine commitment to peace would only prolong conflict.
“What is required now is not the management of conflict but its resolution, a genuine commitment to de-escalation, anchored in mutual respect and a fervent desire for peace and stability consistent with international law,” he said.
Highlighting the broader implications of the conflict, the Prime Minister said the crisis is no longer confined to a specific region, with its effects already being felt globally, including in Southeast Asia.
“The Gulf, and in particular the Strait of Hormuz, remains central to global energy security.
“Any sustained disruption would not simply raise prices. It would reverberate across production systems, supply chains, and the daily cost of living for hundreds of millions across both advanced and developing economies,” he said.
— MORE