KUALA LUMPUR: The Muslim world should not look to the West to understand democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.
Instead, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it should build on its own inner strengths.
The prime minister said the narrative of the Muslim community should also be that Israel has launched their continued attacks and genocide towards Palestine since 1948, and not since Oct 7, 2023, following the Hamas attack as depicted by the Western world.
He said the international community must strive and make every effort not only to correct this narrative but also to raise widespread awareness among the Muslim community that the continued destruction has been happening since 1948.
Anwar said the continued attacks by Israel are the failure of a system that is strongly influenced by the United States.
"From the experience of Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi, this is what we must pay attention to - building inner strength, enlightenment, and understanding of Islam; cultivating the wisdom to foster a spirit of brotherhood and unity.
"(This includes) setting aside minor differences and straightening out the fundamental principles, namely building the strength of faith and morality in individuals, families, society, and the nation.
"This is why we have framed the philosophy of a Madani nation, as it incorporates what we consider lacking, namely the aspects of values, ethics, and humanity.
"Only with that strength can we help (the Palestinians)," he said in his keynote speech at the nationwide mosque muktamar for Al-Aqsa and Palestine.
He added that Israel is also taking advantage of the delayed ceasefire negotiations to continue their attacks on Palestine.
"That's why, when asked about peace efforts last week, the Qatari Prime Minister called to inform me about the latest developments in the peace efforts, which we welcome because all efforts to stop the brutal Zionist attacks need to be supported.
"However, I expressed my concerns. On that same day, US Secretary of State Blinken departed for Tel Aviv for negotiations, and the Qatari Prime Minister and the Iranian President will continue to keep in touch to update on the developments.
"We understand the difficulties because all these negotiations are merely excuses for the Zionist regime to continue their attacks. That's why I say the West doesn't need to teach us the meaning of democracy, human rights, or sustainable development. What lesson is there?
"As explained by the Mufti of Perlis, what gives us inner strength is understanding the meaning of unity, commitment, and determination in the struggle, and building strength," he said.
He added the Malaysian government since 1957 has consistently supported the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.