Politicians from across the divide have reacted with outrage to the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, with Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang among those condemning the Hamas leader’s assassination.

In a Facebook post, Hadi conveyed PAS’s condolences to Haniyeh’s family.

“May he be rewarded with a martyr’s blessings at Allah’s side. The whole world must condemn cowardly Israel, which is not only behind this attack, but also the ongoing war crimes in Gaza,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lee said the assassination in Tehran, Iran, showed a “blatant disregard for international law and the principles of sovereignty”.

“Such actions not only escalate regional tensions but also violate the norms of conduct and the protection of human rights.

The use of extrajudicial measures to target individuals, regardless of their affiliations, sets a dangerous precedent and compromises efforts toward peace and stability in the region, he said on Facebook.

Lee also called on the United Nations to condemn the assassination and assist in the investigation so that it can be concluded swiftly and openly.

Haniyeh was assassinated in the early hours of the morning, according to Hamas, which described the strike as a severe escalation that would not achieve its goals.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also confirmed the death of Haniyeh hours after he attended a swearing-in ceremony for the country’s new president, and said it was investigating.

Haniyeh had been the face of Hamas’s international diplomacy amid the war raging in Gaza, where three of his sons were killed in an Israeli airstrike.

Bersatu leader and former foreign minister Saifuddin Abdullah also expressed shock and dismay at Haniyeh’s death and condemned Israel for the attack, adding that he had once spoken through voice chat with the Hamas leader during his time in the ministry.

In a post on Facebook, Amanah president and agriculture and food security minister Mohamad Sabu also said he had received news of Sheikh Ismail Haniyeh’s passing and return to his Creator as a martyr.

PETALING JAYA: Immediate investigations must be carried out over the assassination of former Palestinian prime minister Ismail Haniyeh so that those responsible can be brought to justice, said Putrajaya.

Government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said the Cabinet, following its weekly meeting, has condemned the assassination of the Hamas chief in Tehran, Iran and it stands in solidarity with Palestinians.

“The Cabinet also expresses condolences to the family of the former Palestinian prime minister and we urged for immediate investigations so that those responsible can be brought to justice.

“The Malaysian government will continue voicing out support and cooperating with other countries in our efforts to push for Palestinians to be freed from any forms of oppression,” said Fahmi in a statement on Wednesday (July 31).

On Wednesday (July 31), Hamas said in a statement that Israel attacked Ismail’s residence in Tehran, Iran.

Ismail was in Tehran to attend the inauguration of the new Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday (July 30).

Also present in Tehran was Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul as Malaysia’s representative at the inauguration ceremony.

Malaysia strongly condemns the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Chief of the Political Bureau of Hamas and former Prime Minister of Palestine, and one of his bodyguards on 31 July 2024.

Malaysia extends our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family members, as well as to the leadership and people of Palestine.

Malaysia unequivocally condemns all acts of violence, including targeted assassination, and urges all peace-loving nations to join in denouncing such acts. The incident underscores the urgent need for de-escalation and reinforces the necessity for all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and pursue peaceful resolutions.

Malaysia urges for an immediate and thorough investigation into this assassination, and those responsible to be brought to justice. Malaysia also urges all parties to exercise restraint while facts surrounding the assassination are being established.

Malaysia stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people, and reaffirms its commitment to supporting their struggle for justice and self-determination. Malaysia recognises the role and contribution of the late Ismail Haniyeh to free Palestine and her people from the illegal Israeli occupation.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Johari Abdul is also in Tehran as Malaysia’s representative to the inauguration ceremony of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. All members of the Malaysian delegation are safe.