Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Khaled Nordin pointed out that Malaysia cannot unilaterally decide to withdraw Malaysia’s peacekeeping contingent 850-13 stationed in Lebanon, as they are under the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
He said that the mission of the Malaysian peacekeeping force is managed by the United Nations, including matters of command and withdrawal of the troops.
“When we agreed to participate in this mission, the assignment and command of the troops belonged to the United Nations.”
He said this to reporters today (28th) after attending the launch ceremony of Mushtaq Plantation Company's JanaVeteran project.
Mohamad Khaled mentioned that any decisions, including the withdrawal of personnel, must go through United Nations-level procedures and deliberations to ensure compliance with the mission mandate.
Speaking on the security situation, he said that members of the Malaysian peacekeeping force had encountered the Israel Defense Forces, but the situation was under control and no unfortunate incidents occurred.
He said the government’s current top priority is to ensure the safety of personnel while they are carrying out their duties.
He said security measures have also been strengthened, including reassessing on-site operations based on the current situation.
“If necessary, certain tasks can be postponed or personnel movement can be restricted as a precautionary measure.”
Currently, more than 500 Malaysian peacekeeping force members are stationed in Lebanon under the UNIFIL mission.
On March 25, Mohamad Khaled mentioned that several explosions had occurred near the UNIFIL headquarters in southern Lebanon, but no Malaysian peacekeeping personnel were injured.
He said these incidents were triggered by escalating tensions between the Israel Defense Forces and Hezbollah in Lebanon.