Anwar Ibrahim’s Civilisational Populism: The Gaza War and Malaysia

Syaza Shukri & Isyraf Hassan

References

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Bernama. (2025, October 5). “Netizens hail Anwar’s diplomacy in freeing Malaysian flotilla volunteers.” Free Malaysia Today. https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/10/05/netizens-hail-anwars-diplomacy-in-freeing-malaysian-flotilla-volunteers

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Chen, H. (2023, November 9). “Malaysia leader vows to maintain ties with Hamas, calls for solidarity with Palestinians.” CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-11-09-23#h_12cd954bbcc21f79993eaf29b0d386db

CNA. (2024, May 14). “Malaysia PM Anwar meets Hamas leaders in Qatar, urges Israel to stop atrocities against Palestinians.” https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-pm-anwar-ibrahim-meets-hamas-leaders-qatar-urge-israel-stop-atrocities-palestinians-4333791

Daily Sabah. (2023, October 22). “Erdoğan receives Malaysian PM to discuss Israel-Palestine conflict.” https://www.dailysabah.com/world/europe/russia-hits-ukraines-energy-facilities-as-zelenskyy-eyes-us-talks

Eatwell, R., & Goodwin, M. (2018). National populism: The revolt against liberal democracy. Pelican Books.

Fong, F. (2024, October 4). “[Watch] Palestinians Clash with Authorities at Wisma Transit, Public Sympathy Wanes.” The Rakyat Post. https://www.therakyatpost.com/news/malaysia/2024/10/04/watch-palestinians-clash-with-authorities-at-wisma-transit-public-sympathy-wanes/

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Hakim, L. (2023, December 20). “Govt bans Israeli-owned ships from docking in Malaysia.” New Straits Times. https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/12/992512/govt-bans-israeli-owned-ships-docking-malaysia

Hasram, K. & Suryana, A. (2025). “A comparative analysis of Indonesia and Malaysia’s foreign policy towards the persecution of Muslims.” Asian Security. DOI: 10.1080/14799855.2025.2552802

Hassan, H. (2024, May 9). “Malaysian govt accused of hypocrisy over presence of Israeli-linked defence firms at exhibition.” The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysian-govt-accused-of-hypocrisy-over-presence-of-israeli-linked-defence-firms-at-local-show

Hew Wai Weng. (2024). The Politics of Save Uyghur: China’s “Islamic Diplomacy” and Islamic Activism in Malaysia. Geopolitics Of Religious Soft Power Policy Brief #8. Berkley Center For Religion, Peace & World Affairs https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/publications/the-politics-of-save-uyghur-china-s-islamic-diplomacy-and-islamic-activism-in-malaysia

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Hortsmann, A. (2004). “Mapping the Terrain: Politics and Cultures of Islamization of Knowledge in Malaysia.” Kyoto Review of Southeast Asia, 5. https://kyotoreview.org/issue-5/mapping-the-terrain-politics-and-cultures-of-islamization-of-knowledge-in-malaysia/

Ibrahim, A. (1996). The Asian Renaissance. Times Books International.

Iskandar, I. M. & Sallehuddin, Q. (2025, February 10). “Erdogan's visit strengthens Türkiye-Malaysia partnership – Anwar.” New Straits Times. https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/02/1173186/erdogans-visit-strengthens-türkiye-malaysia-partnership-anwar

Jamie. (2025, February 1). “‘What kind of mindset is this?’ – PMX Criticises Those Telling Govt to Fix Domestic Issues Before Helping Rebuild Gaza.” World of Buzz. https://worldofbuzz.com/what-kind-of-mindset-is-this-pmx-criticises-those-telling-govt-to-fix-domestic-issues-before-helping-rebuild-gaza/

Krishnan, D. B. (2024, August 5). “‘Never surrender’: PM Anwar vows no end in quest to free Palestine from under Israel.” Malay Mail. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/08/05/never-surrender-pm-anwar-vows-no-end-in-quest-to-free-palestine-from-under-israel/146035

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Malay Mail. (2025, February 26). “PM Anwar hits out at critics who say he travels too much, insists frequent trips crucial for Malaysia’s investment growth.” https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/02/26/pm-anwar-hits-out-at-critics-who-say-he-travels-too-much-insists-frequent-trips-crucial-for-malaysias-investment-growth/168052

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Anwar Ibrahim’s Civilisational Populism: The Gaza War and Malaysia

Syaza Shukri & Isyraf Hassan

References

Achariam, T. (2025, January 16). “In The Courts 2024: Federal Court strikes out 16 Kelantan shariah laws, but state remains defiant.” The Edge. https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/739464

Alatas, S. I. (2020). “Islamic Attitudes towards Israel and Jews: A comparison of Malaysia and Indonesia.” Asia-Pacific Social Science Review, 20(3), pp. 153–162.

Allers, C. (2014). Anwar Ibrahim: Evolution of a Muslim Democrat. Monsoon Books.

Allison, G. T. (1969). “Conceptual models and the Cuban missile crisis.” American Political Science Review, 63(3), 689-718.

AFP. (2025, March 8). “Muslim nations endorse alternative to Trump’s Gaza takeover plan.” The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/muslim-nations-endorse-alternative-to-trumps-gaza-takeover-plan

Anwar, Z. (1987). Islamic Revivalism in Malaysia: Dakwah among the Students. Pelanduk Publications.

Aziz, I. A. (2008). “Badawi Government Backs Israel: Ibrahim.” Palestine Chronicle. https://www.palestinechronicle.com/badawi-government-backs-israel-ibrahim/

Azizan, A. (2024, August 19). “Anwar should be Palestinian PM” Siti Kasim Slams Gov’t for Not Prioritising M’sians’ Needs.” World of Buzz. https://worldofbuzz.com/anwar-should-be-palestinian-pm-siti-kasim-slams-govt-for-not-prioritising-msians-needs/

Azmi, H. (2023, October 24). “‘Height of barbarism’: Malaysia’s Anwar slams Israel over Gaza strikes as thousands flock to pro-Palestinian rally.” South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3239053/height-barbarism-malaysias-anwar-slams-israel-over-gaza-strikes-thousands-flock-pro-palestine-rally

BBC. (2010, December 16). “Malaysia MPs suspend Anwar Ibrahim over Israel comment.” https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-12006491

Bernama. (2024, May 15). “Our approach is to be in contact with the political body of Hamas and not get involved in any military activities.” The Sun. https://thesun.my/world-news/meeting-with-hamas-may-cause-anxiety-but-m-sia-trying-to-help-in-peace-efforts-anwar-FC12453798

Bernama. (2025, October 5). “Netizens hail Anwar’s diplomacy in freeing Malaysian flotilla volunteers.” Free Malaysia Today. https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/10/05/netizens-hail-anwars-diplomacy-in-freeing-malaysian-flotilla-volunteers

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Brulé, D., & Mintz, A. (2010). “Foreign Policy Decision Making: Evolution, Models, and Methods.” In: Oxford Research Encyclopedia of International Studies.

Chen, H. (2023, November 9). “Malaysia leader vows to maintain ties with Hamas, calls for solidarity with Palestinians.” CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-11-09-23#h_12cd954bbcc21f79993eaf29b0d386db

CNA. (2024, May 14). “Malaysia PM Anwar meets Hamas leaders in Qatar, urges Israel to stop atrocities against Palestinians.” https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-pm-anwar-ibrahim-meets-hamas-leaders-qatar-urge-israel-stop-atrocities-palestinians-4333791

Daily Sabah. (2023, October 22). “Erdoğan receives Malaysian PM to discuss Israel-Palestine conflict.” https://www.dailysabah.com/world/europe/russia-hits-ukraines-energy-facilities-as-zelenskyy-eyes-us-talks

Eatwell, R., & Goodwin, M. (2018). National populism: The revolt against liberal democracy. Pelican Books.

Fong, F. (2024, October 4). “[Watch] Palestinians Clash with Authorities at Wisma Transit, Public Sympathy Wanes.” The Rakyat Post. https://www.therakyatpost.com/news/malaysia/2024/10/04/watch-palestinians-clash-with-authorities-at-wisma-transit-public-sympathy-wanes/

Gimino, G. (2025, June 23). “PM Anwar approval rating rises to 55% on the back of economic, political factors, says Merdeka Center.” The Star. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/06/23/pm-anwar-approval-rating-rises-to-55-on-the-back-of-economic-political-factors-says-merdeka-center

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Hakim, L. (2023, December 20). “Govt bans Israeli-owned ships from docking in Malaysia.” New Straits Times. https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/12/992512/govt-bans-israeli-owned-ships-docking-malaysia

Hasram, K. & Suryana, A. (2025). “A comparative analysis of Indonesia and Malaysia’s foreign policy towards the persecution of Muslims.” Asian Security. DOI: 10.1080/14799855.2025.2552802

Hassan, H. (2024, May 9). “Malaysian govt accused of hypocrisy over presence of Israeli-linked defence firms at exhibition.” The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysian-govt-accused-of-hypocrisy-over-presence-of-israeli-linked-defence-firms-at-local-show

Hew Wai Weng. (2024). The Politics of Save Uyghur: China’s “Islamic Diplomacy” and Islamic Activism in Malaysia. Geopolitics Of Religious Soft Power Policy Brief #8. Berkley Center For Religion, Peace & World Affairs https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/publications/the-politics-of-save-uyghur-china-s-islamic-diplomacy-and-islamic-activism-in-malaysia

Hilmy, I. (2023, October 17). “Anwar reiterates unwavering support for Palestinian people in call with Hamas political bureau chief.” The Star. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/10/17/anwar-reiterates-unwavering-support-for-palestinian-people-in-call-with-hamas-political-bureau-chief

Hortsmann, A. (2004). “Mapping the Terrain: Politics and Cultures of Islamization of Knowledge in Malaysia.” Kyoto Review of Southeast Asia, 5. https://kyotoreview.org/issue-5/mapping-the-terrain-politics-and-cultures-of-islamization-of-knowledge-in-malaysia/

Ibrahim, A. (1996). The Asian Renaissance. Times Books International.

Iskandar, I. M. & Sallehuddin, Q. (2025, February 10). “Erdogan's visit strengthens Türkiye-Malaysia partnership – Anwar.” New Straits Times. https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/02/1173186/erdogans-visit-strengthens-türkiye-malaysia-partnership-anwar

Jamie. (2025, February 1). “‘What kind of mindset is this?’ – PMX Criticises Those Telling Govt to Fix Domestic Issues Before Helping Rebuild Gaza.” World of Buzz. https://worldofbuzz.com/what-kind-of-mindset-is-this-pmx-criticises-those-telling-govt-to-fix-domestic-issues-before-helping-rebuild-gaza/

Krishnan, D. B. (2024, August 5). “‘Never surrender’: PM Anwar vows no end in quest to free Palestine from under Israel.” Malay Mail. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/08/05/never-surrender-pm-anwar-vows-no-end-in-quest-to-free-palestine-from-under-israel/146035

Kuik, C. C., & Jamil, N. S. (2025). “The Future of Malaysia’s China Policy: Factors Determining Small-State Hedging.” In: Malaysia–China Relations: Progress, Partnership, Prospects (pp. 35-54).

Kuppusamy, B. (2003, October 22). “Debate rages over Mahathir's views on Jews.” South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/article/431894/debate-rages-over-mahathirs-views-jews

Liow, J. C. (2009). “The Malaysian State and the Bureaucratization of Islam.” In: Piety and Politics: Islamism in Contemporary Malaysia. Oxford Academic. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195377088.003.0003

Loh, B. Y. H. & Jalil, A. A. (2025, January 25). “Malaysians rethink support for Palestinian refugees after viral incidents.” South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3296212/malaysians-rethink-support-palestinian-refugees-after-viral-incidents

Malay Mail. (2024, August 16). “Mission accomplished: RMAF planes carrying 40 injured Palestinians and 80 of their relatives from Gaza touch down safely at Subang Air Base.” https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/08/16/mission-accomplished-rmaf-planes-carrying-40-injured-palestinians-and-80-of-their-relatives-from-gaza-touch-down-safely-at-subang-air-base/147218

Malay Mail. (2025, February 26). “PM Anwar hits out at critics who say he travels too much, insists frequent trips crucial for Malaysia’s investment growth.” https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/02/26/pm-anwar-hits-out-at-critics-who-say-he-travels-too-much-insists-frequent-trips-crucial-for-malaysias-investment-growth/168052

MalaysiaNow. (2024, November 21). “I said 'yes' in the context of Israel's UN membership, says Anwar defending answers in CNN interview.” https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2024/11/21/i-said-yes-in-the-context-of-israels-un-membership-says-anwar-defending-answers-in-cnn-interview

Malhi, A. (2010, December 2). “Global Gaza, Global Ummah.” Inside Story. https://insidestory.org.au/global-gaza-global-ummah/

Malik, M. & Shukri, S. F. M. (2018). “From political Islam to democrat Muslim: A comparison between Rashid Ghannouchi and Anwar Ibrahim.” Intellectual Discourse, 26(1), pp. 161-188.

Mudde, C. (2007). Populist Radical Right Parties in Europe. Cambridge University Press.

Mudde, C. & Kaltwasser, C. R. (2017). Populism: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.

Muiz, W. A. (2024, June 7). “Bersatu Youth chief criticises government's claim on BlackRock's role in improving Malaysian airports.” Sinar Daily. https://www.sinardaily.my/article/218702/focus/national/bersatu-youth-chief-criticises-governments-claim-on-blackrocks-role-in-improving-malaysian-airports

Musa, M. F. (2023, December 26). “Anwar Ibrahim’s Visit to Saudi Arabia: Is His Foot in the Door?” Fulcrum. https://fulcrum.sg/2023-top-10-anwar-ibrahims-visit-to-saudi-arabia-is-his-foot-in-the-door/

Nabila, D. (2022, November 25). “Turkey president congratulates Anwar during press conference.” New Straits Times. https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2022/11/854787/turkey-president-congratulates-anwar-during%C2%A0-press-conference

Nizam, F. (2023, September 23). “Anwar on Malaysia's stand on LGBTQ+ issue: We have to respect the consensus of the people [NSTTV].” New Straits Times. https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/09/958574/anwar-malaysias-stand-lgbtq-issue-we-have-respect-consensus-people-nsttv

Nugali, N. (2023, October 21). “When Saudi Arabia takes the lead on Palestine, the ‘impact is powerful,’ Malaysia PM tells Arab News.” Arab News. https://www.arabnews.com/node/2395466/saudi-arabia

Pew Research Center. (2006, April 7). Islam in Southeast Asia. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2006/04/07/islam-in-southeast-asia/

Putnam, R. D. (1988). “Diplomacy and Domestic Politics: The Logic of Two-level Games.” International Organization, 42(3), 427–60. doi:10.1017/S0020818300027697.

Reuters. (2025, September 9). “Reaction to Israel's attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar.” https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/reaction-israels-attack-hamas-leaders-qatar-2025-09-09/

Salem, S. (2013, January 22). “Malaysian leader visits Gaza in boost to Hamas.” Reuters.https://www.reuters.com/article/world/malaysian-leader-visits-gaza-in-boost-to-hamas-idUSBRE90L0KI/

Snyder, R. C., Bruck, H. W., Sapin, B., Hudson, V., Chollet, D., & Goldgeier, J. (2003). Foreign policy decision making. Palgrave Macmillan US.

Solhi, F. (2025, February 3). “Malaysia sends strong signal to global community with Gaza reconstruction plans.” The Malaysian Reserve. https://themalaysianreserve.com/2025/02/03/malaysia-sends-strong-signal-to-global-community-with-gaza-reconstruction-plans/

The Star. (2025, October 8). “Malaysians flood Axiata Arena in solidarity with Gaza.” https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/10/08/malaysians-flood-axiata-arena-in-solidarity-with-gaza

Strangio, S. (2023, October 25). “Malaysian PM Leads Large Pro-Palestine Rally in Kuala Kumpur.” The Diplomat. https://thediplomat.com/2023/10/malaysian-pm-leads-large-pro-palestine-rally-in-kuala-kumpur/

Vasudeva, F. (2025). “Political Deification and Religious Populism in Modi’s India.” Populism, 8, p. 133-160.

Wah, L. C. (2023). “Explaining Interactions Between Malaysia's Dewan Rakyat and Foreign Affairs: A Study of Parliamentary Behaviour Between 1959 and 2019.” Kajian Malaysia: Journal of Malaysian Studies, 41(1).

Wajner, D. F. (2022). “The Populist Way Out: Why Contemporary Populist Leaders Seek Transnational Legitimation.” British Journal of Politics and International Relations, 24(3),416–436.

Weyland, K. (2001). “Clarifying a contested concept: Populism in the study of Latin American politics.” Comparative Politics, 34(1), 1-22.

Yavuz, M. H. (2020). “Erdoğan’s Neo-Ottomanism.” In: Nostalgia for the Empire: The Politics of Neo-Ottomanism.Oxford Academic. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780197512289.003.0007.

Yegar, M. (2006). “Malaysia: Anti-Semitism Without Jews.” Jewish Political Studies Review, 18(3/4), pp. 81-97.

Yilmaz, B. (2025, October 9). “Gaza death toll from Israeli war rises to 67,200 as ceasefire deal set to take effect.” Anadolu Agency. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/gaza-death-toll-from-israeli-war-rises-to-67-200-as-ceasefire-deal-set-to-take-effect/3712459

Yilmaz, I. (2023). Civilisational Populism in Democratic Nation-States. Palgrave-Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-4262-6

Yilmaz, I. & Morieson, N. (2022). “Civilisational Populism: Definition, Literature, Theory, and Practice.” Religions, 13(11), 1026. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13111026

Yilmaz, I. & Morieson, N. (2023a). Religions and the Global Rise of Civilisational Populism. Palgrave Macmillan Singapore.

Yilmaz, I. & Morieson, N. (2023b). “Turkey: Islamist Civilizational Populism.” In: Yilmaz, I. (eds) Civilizational Populism in Democratic Nation-States. Palgrave Studies in Populisms. Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-4262-6_4

Anwar Ibrahim’s Civilisational Populism: The Gaza War and Malaysia

Syaza Shukri & Isyraf Hassan

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