Malaysian PM Calls Israel’s Gaza Actions ‘State Terrorism’, Declines to Label Pakistan as Sponsor of Terror

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has described Israel’s military actions in Gaza as “state terrorism”, while declining to use the same description for Pakistan when questioned about terrorism directed at India.

Ibrahim, who is visiting India for the BRICS Summit, made the remarks during an interview with NDTV’s Vishnu Som. He strongly criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza and called for an end to what he described as the “colonisation” of Palestine.

Ibrahim Condemns Israeli Actions in Gaza

Speaking about the conflict, Ibrahim said the issue goes beyond the October 7 Hamas attack, pointing to what he described as decades of Palestinian dispossession.

He said Malaysia and India share an understanding of the consequences of colonisation and argued that Palestine’s situation should not be accepted.

Ibrahim also condemned the continued Israeli military campaign in Gaza, describing the scale of civilian deaths and bombardment as unacceptable and characterising Israel’s actions as state terrorism.

Malaysian PM Asked About Pakistan’s Role in Terrorism

During the interview, Ibrahim was asked whether he would similarly describe Pakistan’s alleged involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack as state-sponsored terrorism.

The Malaysian Prime Minister declined to make such a statement, saying the issue was sensitive and that Malaysia maintains relations with both India and Pakistan.

Ibrahim also referred to his close relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi while explaining his position.

Says Intelligence Agencies Have Not Established State Sponsorship

When pressed about allegations of Pakistan-backed terrorism in India and the deaths linked to such attacks, Ibrahim said he would rely on assessments from his country's intelligence agencies.

He said Malaysian intelligence officials who engage with their Indian counterparts had not reported to him that the attacks had been conclusively established as state-sponsored terrorism originating from Pakistan.

At the same time, Ibrahim clarified that he was not denying the occurrence of terrorist attacks, but said a formal attribution of state sponsorship would require evidence and confirmation from intelligence authorities.

Ibrahim Backs Dialogue Between India and Pakistan

The Malaysian Prime Minister praised India, describing it as a country with a rich civilisation, culture and history.

He also expressed hope that outstanding issues between India and Pakistan could eventually be resolved, signalling support for dialogue despite the differences between the two neighbours.