The communications and digital minister said Anwar’s involvement in the Palestinian issue could be clearly seen, given the latter’s participation in international negotiations and efforts to find a legal solution to the conflict.

“The prime minister has also denied the slander by some parties calling him weak on the Palestinian issue. A graphic has even linked him with the Israeli logo or flag.

“These accusations, to me, are malicious,” Bernama reported Fahmi as telling reporters after his ministry’s monthly gathering in Putrajaya.

The recent clashes in Palestine involving Hamas, the ruling authority in Gaza, and the Israeli regime have resulted in the loss of thousands of lives on both sides since Oct 7.

Earlier in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar also warned that stern action would be taken against any party linking him with Israel and issuing disrespectful statements.

He called on all parties and members of the public to show solidarity with Palestine, and not to use the issue as political material.

Fahmi also said the statement by home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail on Oct 24 had been misinterpreted by several parties as saying that the government planned to “physically” remove Palestinians from Gaza.

“What he meant was helping them get out of the hardship and misery they face due to the conflict. The prime minister had also made it clear today that that wasn’t what the home minister meant,” said Fahmi.