Malaysia is bracing for the global economic impact of a prolonged West Asia conflict, with high-level meetings focusing on coordinated mitigation strategies.
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is intensifying preparations to manage the economic implications of a prolonged conflict in West Asia.
A special National Security Council meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, focused on a comprehensive approach to the situation, which is expected to have global repercussions.
The meeting noted that recent developments, including a five-day halt in attacks, have led to a decline in international oil prices.
Malaysia views this window as an opportunity for “serious and sincere negotiations” between all involved parties.
A special National Economic Action Council meeting will convene tomorrow to deliberate on further specific measures.
The council stressed Malaysia will continue a proactive diplomatic role in conflict resolution, maintaining close relations with international counterparts.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held telephone conversations today with leaders from New Zealand, Japan, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.
“Malaysia has several key attributes to play this role,” the MKN statement said.
It cited the nation’s good relations with all major parties involved, except Israel, and its consistent, neutral stance which has earned it respect.
The meeting also emphasised national security, including monitoring intelligence agency activities and preventing fuel smuggling.
It reviewed the condition of the Malaysian peacekeeping forces (MALBATT) currently deployed in Lebanon.
The government pledged to continue taking proactive measures to ensure national security and safeguard public welfare during this period.
Regional tensions escalated significantly after the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Feb 28.