Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad clarifies his statement on Kashmir

In what could be seen as a u-turn, Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said his statements at United Nations on issue of Kashmir was t in anyone's favour. Prime Minister sought to clarify his remarks which attracted sharp criticism from India with spokesperson for Ministry of External Affairs reminding Malaysia of “friendly” relations between two countries. Malaysian PM said Malaysian “stand is t in anyone's favour and that he only “asked two sides to negotiate” without using “force”. He added that his government's policy was t one of taking sides on matter but to solve problem amicably and also called for “negotiation and arbitration” to find a peaceful solution.

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‘Use court of law’

Addressing a press conference Malaysian PM stated that his “approach” on matter has t changed and he had informed Prime Minister Modi regarding same when y met in Vladivostok, Russia. Suggesting that row between India and Pakistan could have a legal way out, he advocated to “use court of law” for resolving long-standing rift.

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Kashmir 'invasion'

On September 30 in his speech at United Nations General Assembly, Malaysian PM had accused India of “invading” Kashmir and also referred to former state and w a union territory as a “country”. At 74th UNGA he had said: "w, despite UN resolution on Jammu and Kashmir, country has been invaded and occupied...re may be reasons for this action but it is still wrong. problem must be solved by peaceful means. India should work with Pakistan to resolve this problem. Igring UN would lead to or forms of disregard for UN and Rule of Law.”

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Raveesh Kumar reminds Malaysia of region's history

Soon after his statement spokesperson for Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar had responded by reminding Malaysia of region's history. "Pakistan invaded and illegally occupied parts of Jammu and Kashmir. government of Malaysia should bear in mind friendly relations between two countries and desist from making such remarks...We deeply regret se comments since y are t based on facts.”

PM's comment on Kashmir also triggered a social media campaign where netizens are calling to boycott Malaysia. Dr Mohamad responded to anger of people on social media by saying that it would t impact trade relations with country and that Prime Minister Modi could “contact him” if he felt “uncomfortable” with his statement.

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