PETALING JAYA – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed criticisms and negative perceptions regarding Malaysia’s international relations with Iran and China, nations often vilified by the West.
In an interview with Richard Walker, chief international editor of German news outlet DW, Anwar said that while some nations face scrutiny for their values, certain questionable aspects of Western and European nations are deemed acceptable.
“I do not view Iran from the prism of the West. Yes, there are excesses (from the nation), but I do not accept that rabid condemnation of the country,” Anwar said in the interview.
“We have excess in many countries in Europe, we know how the minorities are being treated, the growing fascism, what happened to the (African Americans) in America, they took decades to be recognised.
“Why is it fine for the United States (US), but when it comes to other countries, you have different standards?”
The prime minister highlighted Malaysia’s strong relationships with China, the US, and Germany, despite occasional disagreements with their policies.
Anwar’s remarks follow Walker’s inquiry into whether Malaysia seeks to enhance ties with Iran, a nation known for its support of Palestinian group Hamas and which is perceived as highly repressive.
Additionally, Anwar criticised the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), asserting Malaysia’s objection to its selective enforcement, whereby some nations are allowed to possess nuclear weapons while others are not.
The NPT is a treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and such technology, to encourage peaceful uses of nuclear energy and achieving nuclear disarmament.
Asked whether Anwar feared a possible war between China and the US, he highlighted that the respective countries’ leaders had a meeting during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit last year, adding that it provided a sense of peace for the region.
“I don’t completely disagree with the issue of heightened tensions. From our prism, we do not have the problem, so do not impose and influence us against (the nations),” he said, adding that both the US and China are important trade partners. – March 16, 2024