KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for the immediate release of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who were seized by the United States earlier.
Dubbing the US operation of “unusual scope and nature”, Anwar said the action violated international law and amounted to an unlawful use of force against a sovereign state.
“President Maduro and his wife must be released without any undue delay. Whatever may be the reasons, the forcible removal of a sitting head of government through external action sets a dangerous precedent.
“It erodes fundamental restraints on the use of power between states and weakens the legal framework that underpins international order,” the premier said in a statement on Facebook today.
US President Donald Trump said Maduro and his wife were “captured and flown out of the Country” early Saturday morning amid a “large scale strike” by the U.S. He added that the U.S would “run” Venezuela on a temporary basis during the transition.
Maduro is set to face federal charges related to drug trafficking and working with gangs designated as terrorist organizations – charges he deny.
Elaborating, Anwar said it is up for the people of Venezuela to determine their own political future.
He also warned that as history has shown, abrupt changes in leadership brought about through external force has done more harm than good, what more in a country already grappling with prolonged economic hardship and deep social strain.
“Malaysia regards respect for international law and sovereignty as paramount to peaceful relations between states.
“Constructive engagement, dialogue and de-escalation remain the most credible path towards an outcome that protects civilians and allows Venezuelans to pursue their legitimate aspirations without further harm,” said Anwar.– January 4, 2025