Anwar's tough talk to Biden: 'Major world powers can't just dictate our stance on Palestine'

KUALA LUMPUR - Major world powers including the United States cannot dictate Malaysia's stance in condemning Israel's attacks on Palestine, stressed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said he expressed firmness in front of US President Joe Biden during the 30th Economic Leaders' Meeting for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) recently held in the US.

He stressed the urgency of stopping the attacks, citing the ongoing harm to civilians, including children and women.

"I raised the issue of ongoing oppression... in the final session of the meeting.

"I had no choice but to express firmly that we were asked to condemn Russia on the issue of Ukraine but remained silent on the brutal killings, violence (occurring in Palestine).

"He (US) cannot dictate that we state our position... I said, it must begin with at least stopping the attacks now, because I mentioned, one more day means there are still children, women, and civilians who will become victims," he said during Prime Minister's Question and Answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Anwar made these remarks in response to Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading), who asked him to state the results of the Summit Meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Saudi Arabia regarding the crimes and genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people and what benefits resulted for the country during the visit to the APEC Summit in the US.

Anwar added that Malaysia's firm stance, however, does not affect the economy and foreign investment, especially from the US, as major investors, including Google Inc and Microsoft Inc, still prioritise Malaysia based on political stability and the government's clear economic policy.

He said this was evident when Malaysia successfully attracted direct foreign investment amounting to RM63.02 billion through the efforts of government representatives, including the Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, during the summit.

"Some expressed concern that our firm stance against the US and European countries would affect our economic position.

"So far, I want to assure you that after meeting with several major US investors, it seems that priority is still given to stable politics, clear economic policies, and an expedited approval process now handled by Mida (Malaysian Investment Development Authority)," he said.