08/10/2025

WEDNESDAY | OCT 8, 2025

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o ‘Number of UN members recognising sovereignty of Palestine has risen from 140 to 156’ Israel faces global isolation over Gaza war: Analysts

No alcohol at govt functions, says Anwar

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and his ministry (Motac) that alcohol must not be served at any official government function. He said Motac’s explanation that alcoholic beverages were served only after the official programme had ended was unacceptable, as the government maintains a clear policy prohibiting alcohol at official events. “Motac stated that the drinks were served after the official programme concluded. However, it was still within the same venue and considered part of the event. “We have given a firm warning to the minister and the ministry. This mistake must not be repeated. Regardless of the justification, it was completely inappropriate.” He was speaking to reporters at the Bunga Raya Complex after sending off visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Anwar also cautioned all Cabinet members and government agencies against treating the matter lightly. “I want to remind every member of the Cabinet and the entire government machinery that negligence on this issue will not be tolerated.” Anwar’s comments followed public outrage over alcohol being served during a dinner held in conjunction with the Global Travel Meet, which was attended by Tiong. Photos from the event, which have since been widely circulated online, show the minister and several guests holding glasses of wine and beer. On the issue, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming urged the public not to blow the matter out of proportion, adding that it could tarnish Malaysia’s image ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026). He said the dinner was a privately organised commercial event held in collaboration with the government to welcome international guests. “The event’s name itself, Global Travel Meet, clearly shows that it was an international commercial programme attended by participants from various backgrounds, including both Muslims and non-Muslims,” Nga said after officiating at the National Observance of World Habitat Day 2025 in Cyberjaya yesterday. “In events of such global nature, the serving of alcoholic beverages is commonly practised. “However, we have never, and will never, ask our Muslim friends to be involved in such matters.” Nga said Malaysia is a nation that respects diversity, adding that Malaysia Truly Asia is more than a slogan as it reflects unity in diversity and interfaith harmony. “We respect everyone, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and accord appropriate freedom to all our international guests.” He added that the Global Travel Meet secured investments and revenue worth about US$420 million (RM2 billion), calling it a positive outcome for the country. Nga urged all parties to focus on promoting Malaysia’s image as a harmonious, open and respectful nation that welcomes visitors from around the world. “If we continue to blow up issues such as this, it benefits no one. It would only harm the nation and our tourism sector.” The controversy erupted after Tiong came under fire for reports that alcoholic beverages were served at the dinner. Critics accused the ministry of being insensitive to Muslim attendees, with some even calling for Tiong’s resignation. Tiong later clarified that Tourism Malaysia had only played a facilitating role in the event, which was organised by the private sector, and had used the occasion to promote the VM2026 calendar.

PETALING JAYA: Two years into the devastating Gaza war that has killed tens of thousands and pushed the enclave to the brink of famine, political analysts say Israel now faces unprecedented global isolation as more nations recognise Palestine and condemn Tel Aviv’s actions as genocidal. The shift comes amid renewed outrage over Israel’s seizure of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) last week, a humanitarian convoy carrying aid to Gaza, in which 23 Malaysians were among about 400 people detained during a naval raid. International media reported that Israeli forces intercepted 41 ships in a 12-hour operation before towing them to the Ashdod Port in southern Israel. The Malaysians were later freed following intensive diplomatic efforts and were expected to return home yesterday. Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said global opinion has turned sharply against Israel, with even its traditional allies beginning to distance themselves. “In just two years, the geopolitical landscape has changed. The number of United Nations (UN) members recognising Palestine as a sovereign nation has risen from over 140 to 156, including key countries such as France, Australia, Canada, Spain and Ireland.” Azmi said even United States President Donald Trump, once a staunch ally of Israel, recently pledged to “reinstate Israel into the international community”, adding that the remark reflects how far Tel Aviv’s diplomatic standing has fallen. “Israel is now viewed as a pariah state and this is entirely the result of its own conduct in Gaza.” He added that without Washington’s backing, Israel would not be able to sustain its current actions. “No one expected more than 60,000 deaths or for Gaza City to be reduced to rubble. Israel’s actions are now openly compared to genocidal practices and global sentiment overwhelmingly favours Palestine, not just on religious grounds, but because of the sheer scale of the humanitarian disaster.” Azmi said Malaysia’s solidarity with Palestine has been consistent since the 1960s, and the GSF incident reaffirmed the Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

nation’s enduring commitment to humanitarian aid despite rising risks. He accused Israel of weaponising food and medicine, adding that aid is being restricted as part of a deliberate strategy to “break the Palestinian spirit”. “By denying basic necessities, Israel is committing acts that many in the international community now classify as genocide.” Azmi said the war was unlikely to spread beyond Gaza and the West Bank, as most Arab nations, including Iran, have no interest in escalation, though the US veto in the UN Security Council remains a major obstacle to peace. “President Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which pressures both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas through mediators such as Qatar and Egypt, may not be perfect but it shows a clear political intent to end the conflict.” He added that Trump’s expected attendance at the Asean Summit later this year offers a crucial opportunity for regional leaders to raise Southeast Asia’s humanitarian concerns directly with Washington. Meanwhile, Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Dr Oh Ei Sun said the two-year war in Gaza continues because Israel and Hamas remain adamantly committed to each other’s total annihilation, making it difficult for any party to resolve the conflict. He said global opinion towards Israel has shifted in recent months, with public sentiment and consequently elected governments in much of the Western world moving towards a more immediate recognition of Palestine. Oh said the prolonged war has further destabilised the Middle East, a region long unsettled by the Israeli Palestinian conflict. “It has spiralled into on-and-off armed clashes involving Israel on one side and groups such as Hezbollah, Iran and the Houthis on the other.” He added that the regional bloc must work closely with the US to have any meaningful impact on peace efforts in the Middle East. He also said the conflict is likely to continue intermittently until one side is decisively defeated, making pathways towards lasting peace or accountability for war crimes uncertain.

PM briefs Rulers on key national, regional developments

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

at the Asean Conference on Future-Ready Public Service yesterday. In his keynote address, Anwar urged Asean nations to build civil services that are efficient, technologically advanced and rooted in moral purpose and integrity. He said public service, although often overlooked, forms the foundation of civilisation and must evolve to meet modern challenges. “Public service is seldom glamorous, yet it is the unassuming architecture of civilisation. The question before us is how to make that architecture future-ready, strong enough to withstand shocks and flexible enough to serve citizens whose expectations are constantly changing.” He said Asean is facing shifting global

realities, from trade tensions and climate change to rising demands for transparency, adding that stability alone would not prepare the region for the future. He also said morality must anchor governance, and “progress without compassion or justice is hollow”. Highlighting Malaysia’s reform agenda, Anwar cited digital identity systems, data-driven subsidies and the National Energy Transition Roadmap as examples of how policies are being aligned to better serve citizens. He said a future-ready civil service must operate transparently, uphold integrity and use technology responsibly. “Digital government should lighten the citizen’s day, never add to the burden.”

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday briefed the Conference of Rulers at Istana Negara on key national and regional developments, including preparations for the upcoming 47th Asean Summit and Budget 2026. Anwar said the session also discussed the expected visit of United States President Donald Trump later this month and Malaysia’s position on Trump’s proposed Gaza peace plan. “It was a normal pre-council meeting of the Conference of Rulers discussing current developments, such as Trump’s upcoming visit, various policy issues and preparations for Budget 2026,” he told reporters after officiating