PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he represented Malaysians when he spoke to United States President Joe Biden on the crisis in Gaza.
Anwar said during the Apec Summit 2023 in San Francisco, he related to Biden the concerns of millions of Malaysians distraught by the atrocities suffered by the Palestinians in the hands of Israel.
"People asked me where did I get the courage and strength to speak about it in front of Biden, which is a rare occurrence.
"I answered it was because I understand the pulse of Malaysians, who want their leaders to carry their voices and I spoke the truth (about the situation in Gaza).
"That was what I did for you in front of the president of America," said Anwar in his speech at the Rural and Regional Development Ministry's Karnival Usahawan Desa at Anjung Floria, today.
Anwar said he told Biden that people were being killed and disposessed of their lands, belongings and even their dignity because of crimes committed by the Zionist regime.
Anwar said it was not enough to just ask for a ceasefire and ending violence but stressed that immediate medical and food aid must be channeled.
"Alhamdulilah, the asistance from Malaysia was given priority by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
"When I met him in Riyadh, he promised to fulfil the promise (to escalate sending of aid).
"Many parties wants to help but Malaysia was given the priority and we were one of the countries with the shortest waiting period to channel assistance to Gaza."
Anwar attributed the cooperation to the wisdom of good diplomatic ties with other countries and leaders.
He said Malaysians were able to enjoy visa free travel to China for 15-days starting Dec 1 was one of the examples.
"Apart from three European countries, Malaysia was given this privilege. This would not have happened without the effort of the Foreign Ministry," he said.
The China Embassy in Malaysia said the visa free travel, which will be in effect for one year, was to boost people-to-people exchanges between both countries.