KUCHING: The Middle East conflict could disrupt international security if it is not properly addressed, said International Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) chairman Datuk Dr Mustapha Ahmad Merican.
He said looking at the Iran and Israel crisis, it is not impossible that a larger war could occur.
“Airspace and national borders need to be tightened as security measures.
“To address the conflict in the region, the parties involved need to refrain from retaliating against attacks and avoid provoking each other, opting for diplomatic solutions instead,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
Iran launched retaliatory attacks on Israel on April 13, responding to Israel’s bombing of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus, Syria, on April 1.
He said the conflict can have implications in the world in general and in Malaysia in particular.
“Economically, it puts pressure on inflation as the cost of living increases, financial markets become uncertain, commodity prices rise, and so on.”
He added the prices of goods may increase due to what is currently happening in the Middle East.
“However, the increase in prices is also related to several other factors, and the proactive steps taken by the government in addressing the issue should be commended,” he said.
In terms of security, he said the matter affects international relations, thus making it difficult to establish strategic cooperation for the country’s future.
“Most importantly, international law must be respected by all parties to ensure international peace and security are not threatened,” he said.
Dr Mustapha said he believed that whenever international issues arise in the world today, the Malaysian government will ensure the country remains stable and secure, and the well-being of Malaysian citizens at home and abroad is safeguarded.
“I also hope that all Malaysians in Iran stay in touch with the Malaysian embassy there.
“This is to facilitate necessary actions by the Malaysian embassy if the conflict in the Middle East worsens,” he said.
