“I will be holding a special meeting this evening to discuss the (ongoing conflict) with several relevant ministers and officials,” he told reporters after an event here.

“What is happening there (the Middle East) will affect the world’s peace and economy.”

When asked about the potential evacuation of Malaysians from Iran and the region, Anwar said the matter would also be discussed at the same meeting.

On Akmal’s comment

Anwar said he would not entertain statements such as that of Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, who branded a minister “stupid” for linking boycotts to the loss of income of a married couple working for a fast-food chain.

“I won’t entertain such statements. It’s completely, to my mind, not the proper context of our unity government. We should work together,” he told reporters.

Akmal had called for a boycott of the KK Mart chain over socks bearing the word “Allah”. He later criticised housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming for attempting to blame the hardship faced by a married couple on those pushing for boycotts.

Nga, a DAP vice-chairman, had shared a news clipping of a married couple in their 50s, who had suffered a loss of income at a fast-food chain facing a prolonged boycott in relation to the Palestinian cause and Israel’s war on Gaza.

Haj preparations to go on

Separately, religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar said Tabung Haji will proceed with preparations for the coming haj pilgrimage season on June 14-19 despite the rising tensions in the Middle East.

Na’im said Putrajaya was working closely with the Saudi government to ensure the safety of Malaysian haj and umrah pilgrims.