by HIDAYATH HISHAM / pic AFP

MALAYSIA is working with other countries to bring the issue of Israeli atrocities to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), said Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

He said the procedure had already started when an International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor opened an investigation into the Palestinian situation in March 2021 against alleged crimes committed by Israel since June 13, 2014.

Zambry said as the result of a pre-trial held in February 2021 to determine whether the ICC has jurisdiction over the Palestinian situation after its prosecutors decided that the statutory criteria under the Rome Statute were met to open an investigation against Israel.

“Therefore, the Palestinian situation is already in the ICC investigation process, Malaysia will always call and cooperate with the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and like-minded countries so that the United Nations (UN) can refer the issue of Israeli atrocities not only to the ICC, but to the ICJ,” he said during ministerial question time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Zambry said the UN has adopted a resolution requesting that the ICJ give an advisory opinion on issues related to Palestine on December 30, 2022.

“Furthermore, Malaysia has participated in submitting a written statement to obtain an advisory opinion on the Palestine issue which has been submitted to the ICJ registrar on 25 July 2023.

“The statement focuses on the violation of the rights of the Palestinian people. So, Malaysia also plans to participate in the oral session expected to take place on 19 February 2024 in the process of obtaining the ICJ’s advisory opinion on the Palestinian issue. This symbolizes the country’s continuous commitment in helping to find concrete solutions to the issues and conflicts in Palestine,” he said.

He was responding to a question by Ahmad Fadhli Shaary (PN-Pasir Mas) on what Malaysia has done on the Palestine-Israel conflict that is currently heating up.

Zambry also outlined Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent efforts to highlight the Palestine issue at the UN General Assembly, ASEAN-GCC meeting in Riyadh and engagements with leaders in Turkey and Egypt.

He said Malaysia has played a leading role on the Palestine issue since 1957 and is unafraid of threats from Israel. 

“Every Prime Minister plays their role, and in the context of our current PM, he has taken a step further to interact with Muslim leaders throughout the country, including non-Muslim countries,” Zambry stated.

The minister said Malaysia is trying hard through diplomacy to push for an immediate ceasefire, civilian protection, unimpeded humanitarian access and a just political solution.