Ukraine: PM expresses concern, but stops short of calling it an 'invasion'
Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has expressed Malaysia's "serious concern" over the ongoing Russian assault on Ukraine.
Ismail's statement did not use the term "invasion" and instead described the situation as an "escalation of conflict".
This is in stark contrast with Singapore and Indonesia.
Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has expressed Malaysia's "serious concern" over the ongoing Russian assault on Ukraine.
Ismail's statement did not use the term "invasion" and instead described the situation as an "escalation of conflict".
This is in stark contrast with Singapore and Indonesia.
Singapore said it was "gravely concerned" and "strongly condemns" the "unprovoked invasion" of Ukraine by Russia.
Similarly, Indonesia called the "military attack" by Russia "unacceptable".
Russia is not among Malaysia's top trade partners.
Ismail said Malaysia's position was that all parties concerned must take steps to de-escalate and prevent loss of lives and devastation.
“At this critical juncture, every effort should be redoubled to seek a peaceful and amicable solution to the conflict through dialogue and negotiation based on international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
"Malaysia will continue to support such efforts in the interest of maintaining regional and international peace and security, as well as promoting greater prosperity," he said in a statement.
He urged the United Nations Security Council to carry out its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.
Putin chose brutality and hostility
Meanwhile, the bi-partisan Select Committee for International Affairs described the situation in Ukraine as a "brutal invasion" by Russia.
The committee said the invasion had resulted in the death of 137 civilians and military personnel due to airstrikes.
"Thirteen border guards who refused to surrender to a Russian warship on an island in the Black Sea were massacred.
"The world mourns with the people of Ukraine who so courageously stood to defy all odds to defend their sovereign land," said the committee.
"It is most regrettable that in a time and age for dialogues and going back to the drawing board to reach a peaceful agreement, President Vladimir Putin chose brutality and hostility on a sovereign nation that has suffered for decades at the hands of famine, oppression, repression and the robbing of fundamental liberties and human rights by the powers that be."
The committee said it will convene a meeting next week and will invite Wisma Putra for a briefing on Malaysia's diplomatic relationship with Russia and Ukraine.
The committee has also pledged to make a courtesy call to the Ukrainian Ambassador, Olexander Nechyaylo, to express their deepest concerns on the safety and fate of "peace-loving" Ukrainians.
"We call upon the prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, representing the voice of concerned Malaysians, and as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to make a stand and to call out this act of tyranny and oppression by the Federation of Russia on Ukraine with no delay in a show of support and comfort to the people of Ukraine," said the committee.
The committee is chaired by Salahuddin Ayub (Harapan-Pulai). Members include Nazri Abdul Aziz (BN-Padang Rengas), Azizah Mohd Dun (PN-Beaufort), Che Abdullah Mat Nawi (PN-Tumpat), Tiong King Sing (GPS-Bintulu), Kasthuri Patto (Harapan-Batu Kawan), Sim Tze Tzin (Harapan-Bayan Baru) and Awang Husaini Sahari (Harapan-Putatan).
Report this comment
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.