Malaysia Renews Hamas Support, Defying Threat of US Sanctions
- Leader Anwar Ibrahim compares Hamas with Nelson Mandela
- Calls Palestinian resistance to Israel a ‘legitimate right’
Freedom for Palestine rally at Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 22.
Photographer: Annice Lyn/Getty Images
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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Palestinians had the right to defend themselves against Israel, and the Southeast Asian nation wouldn’t sever ties with Hamas because of US pressure.
US efforts to restrict external parties from supporting Hamas are unilateral and Malaysia will not recognize it, Anwar told Parliament on Tuesday. Malaysian leaders over the years have held regular communications with leaders of Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the US and European Union.