DETRACTORS have joined the fray to tick off Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for meddling in the India-Pakistan armed skirmish following the recent Pahalgam terror attack which claimed the lives of 26 mostly Hindu tourists.
This came about after Malaysiakini ran an article headlined “Indian Media Slams ‘Absurd’ Anwar, Says Unqualified to Mediate” yesterday (May 6) afternoon citing Indian news portal Firstpost which is renowned for its fearless journalism in national and international affairs.
In it, no-nonsense news anchor Palki Sharma criticised both Iran and Malaysia for offering to mediate, arguing that neither nation is neutral – and therefore unqualified – to act as peace brokers.
“Same with Malaysia. Their PM says he ‘understands Pakistan’s difficulties’. How absurd is that?” Sharma has hit out.
“The terror attack happened in India but Malaysia understands Pakistan’s difficulties … These are not neutral mediators; they have taken Pakistan’s side quite frequently.”
On Monday (May 5), PMX had a phone conversation with his Pakistan counterpart Shehbaz Sharif who conveyed his decision to postpone his official visit to Malaysia – originally scheduled for this Friday (May 9) – in light of recent tensions following the attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
While strongly condemning any form of violence and affirmed Malaysia’s support for an independent and transparent investigation to identify those responsible, PMX has expressed Malaysia’s openness to playing a constructive role should the need arise.
Zakir Naik
Interestingly, many Malaysians cannot agree better with New Delhi’s stance that it “wants partners, not preachers” as nations such as the US, Russia, Iran and Türkiye have also come forward offering to minimise the temperatures.
This is where controversial global celebrity preacher and Indian citizen Zakir Naik was reduced to a ‘pawn’ to illustrate PMX’s sincerity – if ever he is able to become a neutral peace broker.
“You’re keeping a wanted Indian citizen and then you think you can go a mediate Indians problem,” fumed one netizen.
“This PMX really think he’s a global hero … every issue wanna meddle and put his hand (into) but his own citizens are suffering [sic]. Poda dei.”
Another commenter chipped in with a witty thought: “Why not show India your sincerity and impartiality by sending them a hantaran (dowry?) like Zakar Naik?”
One netizen cautioned PMX against insulting India which is an “upcoming economic superpower”.
Another questioned PMX’s own flip-flop stance of trying to convey “soft diplomacy wrapped in ummah loyalty whereby India sees through such charade”.
The bottom line is PMX better clean up his own rubbish-laden backyard first before poking his nose on other people’s problems. – May 7, 2025
