KUALA LUMPUR: Machang member of parliament Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan today said the demarche notices received by Malaysia from the United States do not imply any threats.
"When the prime minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) uses demarche, a French term, it refers to the official diplomatic stance of the government asked by any country on an issue.
"Hence, it is not a threat but the United States is asking us officially on our stance (on the issue of Palestine-Israel).
"The term being 'threatened' is a serious term. It is a threat to the country and the country's safety, as the threat is made against the prime minister.
"He perceived it (demarche) as a threat, but I don't think it is accurate. It has a serious impact on our foreign relations with any country that is seen as threatening to us regarding our stance on Palestine.
"If we follow Malaysia's foreign policy, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is more outspoken, bolder, and firmer on this issue, but never once he said he was threatened.
"I have asked him (Anwar) to name other countries that are threatening us, but no answer from him," he said during a press conference held in parliament today.
As such, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal said Wisma Putra must give their response, by naming the countries that were threatening Malaysia over the issue.
"In this matter, we have agreed to protect and defend the country and the prime minister."
He also said; "If possible, please boycott the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Economic Leaders' Week (which will be held next month in San Francisco, California)."
"This is to reiterate our stance and solidarity with Palestine."