War means genocide, calls for peaceful solution: Mahathir Mohamad

In the context of ongoing global tensions, former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has called for a peaceful solution by stopping war. He said that war is not a solution to any problem, but rather a form of genocide.

In a statement issued on Friday (April 3), Mahathir said that he has always opposed war. According to him, taking human lives as a solution to any problem can never be acceptable. “War means killing people on a large scale, which is actually a form of genocide,” he put it.

He also said that it is truly surprising how states still accept war as a solution to conflict in the present day. Instead, solutions should be sought through dialogue and negotiations.

According to Mahathir, the powers involved in the conflict need to find a way out where there will be less loss of life and destruction. He questioned why when there is a less harmful and less expensive alternative, it will not be used.

He mentioned dialogue, third-party mediation and recourse to the courts as a way of solution. According to him, it is most reasonable to choose a peaceful path by using people's thinking and judgment.

It is worth noting that the conflict in the West Asia region has intensified since February 2026. The situation is becoming more complicated, especially as tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States increase. It is feared that if this conflict continues for a long time, it may have a negative impact on the global economy, supply chains and the cost of living.