Special Cabinet meeting this Friday over West Asia conflict, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR (March 11): The government will hold a special Cabinet meeting on Friday to review the country’s fiscal position and closely monitor developments in Iran following the conflict in West Asia.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the move was prompted by escalating tensions in the region that could potentially affect the global economy, including Malaysia.

“The meeting will provide Cabinet members the opportunity to review the country’s fiscal position, monitor developments in real time and determine the direction and next steps to be taken by the government.

“The Madani Government views seriously any direct challenges to the country’s economic stability and the well-being of Malaysians,” he told a special press conference on the latest developments in the West Asia conflict today.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the conflict, following attacks by Zionist Israel and the United States on Iran, has now spread to involve several other countries in the region.

Following that, the Prime Minister said he had proposed to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to ensure that the conflict in West Asia does not spill over to neighbouring countries, while attacks remain focused on Israel.

“I thank the President of Iran and the Foreign Minister (Abbas Araghchi) for giving firm assurances to avoid any spillover of attacks to neighbouring countries.

“In addition, I express appreciation to the leaders of Gulf countries for giving Malaysia the opportunity to engage in discussions with them,” he said.

At the same time, Anwar also expressed appreciation to members of parliament across party lines who voiced their support and issued a joint statement on the attacks on Iran.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also recorded his appreciation to the National Security Council (MKN), the Foreign Ministry, Malaysian diplomatic missions in West Asia, as well as security agencies and aviation authorities involved in efforts to bring home Malaysians stranded due to the conflict.

“Alhamdulillah, the first group of Malaysians evacuated from West Asia arrived safely in the country at around 12.30 pm today following the worsening security situation caused by attacks launched by the Zionist Israeli regime and the United States on Iran,” Anwar said.

A total of 163 Malaysians and seven non-citizen family members were evacuated from the conflict zone and returned on a Malaysia Airlines aircraft specially chartered by the Madani Government. – Bernama