KUALA LUMPUR – Israel’s escalating aggression and repeated violations of international law demand stronger safeguards for Malaysia’s leaders and national security, according to Dr. Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin.
The security and political analyst, who is attached to Universiti Teknologi Mara’s (UiTM) Centre for Media and Information Warfare Studies, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s outspoken advocacy on Palestine has gained significant global attention.
“Israel has been continuously violating international law. Prime Minister Anwar’s stance has won support from European and ASEAN nations and other international partners,” he told Scoop when contacted.
Nirwandy stressed that the issue cannot be misinterpreted as a matter of political rhetoric.
“Israel’s brutality is evident, and Malaysia has built strong diplomatic relations with global powers that share our humanitarian position and support the people of Gaza.
“Anwar has been consistent in raising the issue on the world stage, and this leadership has strengthened Malaysia’s credibility internationally.
“At the same time, however, Israel has become more aggressive than before, and that aggression cannot be taken lightly,” he said.
He warned that Malaysia must be proactive in protecting its leadership and sovereignty.
“It is important that we take measures to protect both the Prime Minister and the nation. Precautionary steps must be put in place, and our intelligence and security systems strengthened to address both physical and non-physical threats.
“The protection of national leaders is no longer just a protocol matter; it is a national security priority,” Nirwandy said.
He added that Malaysia’s participation in international humanitarian efforts, including the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, reflects a wider global struggle for justice.
“This struggle is never just about Malaysia alone. It is part of a collective global effort to uphold humanitarian principles and resist the oppression faced by Palestinians.
“Malaysia’s role is to lead with moral clarity while ensuring that its people and leaders are safe,” he said.
Israel’s recent military actions underscore those concerns. Heavy bombardment in Gaza City has levelled residential towers and displaced thousands, while strikes in Yemen hit Houthi-held areas.
In Doha, a precision strike killed senior Hamas leaders and a Qatari officer, sparking strong condemnation across the Gulf.
The risks became more tangible after Israeli national Shalom Avitan was arrested in Kuala Lumpur in March 2024. He was found with six firearms and nearly 200 rounds of ammunition and was later jailed for seven years on firearms offences.
Authorities initially investigated whether he planned to target a businessman linked to Hamas.
Meanwhile, security analyst Munira Mustaffa, executive director of the Chasseur Group, said Malaysia’s pro-Palestine stance is unlikely to trigger direct Israeli strikes but could invite covert action.
“Any Israeli response would more likely manifest through subversive activities designed to discredit Malaysia or undermine its security partnerships,” she told Scoop.
Munira noted that Malaysia’s vulnerabilities are systemic: cyber and information security, economic espionage, and attempts to exploit ethnic and religious divides.
She urged strategic reforms, not knee-jerk reactions, with priority given to cyber intelligence and information warfare defence.
She added that Malaysia’s participation in the Five Power Defence Arrangements and regional intelligence-sharing remains vital.
“Transnational threats rarely respect borders. Regional cooperation strengthens our collective capacity to monitor and respond,” she said. – September 19, 2025