KUALA LUMPUR: Minimal impact on the Malaysian economy so far, following the Iran-Israel conflict, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In a statement, Anwar said as such, the government would continue to closely monitor and take proactive measures to ensure the security, welfare and well-being of all Malaysians concerning the situation in the Middle East despite its minimal impact on the country's economy.
"To date, the impact on the Malaysian economy has been minimal, with the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange opening only slightly lower, reflecting regional trends.
"Nonetheless, the Madani government will continue to monitor this situation very closely and take proactive measures. The interests of the country will be our primary consideration.
Anwar said he had earlier chaired a National Security Council special meeting attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Khaled Nordin, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali and other senior government officials.
The purpose of the meeting, he said, was to further discuss the grave situation in the Middle East, building on discussions held yesterday.
He also said the government was pleased with the assurances given by the Iranian government that unless further attacked by the Zionist Israeli regime, the drone attacks would be their only reaction.
"The launching of the drones by Iran is a legitimate act following the barbarous attack on the Israeli Zionist regime against the Iranian embassy in Damascus.
"We join all of the civilised world to urge the Zionist Israeli regime not to aggravate an already extremely tense situation further.
"There are clear signs indicating that the world has no desire to see a worsening of the situation," Anwar said.
He added that the key to resolving this issue would be the just and immediate resolution of the inhumane situation in Gaza.
"Therefore, global attention must be devoted fully to it, with no distractions. There must be a durable ceasefire which will enable the passage of humanitarian aid."
As such, Anwar added, Malaysia would contribute 100 containers of aid which are expected to leave the country on April 27.
On Saturday, Iran launched drones and missiles towards military sites on Israeli territory in response to an April 1 attack by Israel on Iran's consulate in Damascus, Syria.