Economic considerations don't limit M'sia's stance on Gaza conflict: PM

PARLIAMENT | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said economic considerations, although very important, will not constrain Malaysia’s stance in voicing the demands and justice of the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza.

He said Malaysia as an independent and sovereign country will continue to voice its stance on international issues including the oppression and tyranny in Gaza.

Taking Malaysia’s relationship with the United States, the prime minister said that diplomatically it is still good and both countries continue all comprehensive partnerships and cooperation including meetings with American leaders.

“From January to October 2024, the total bilateral trade between Malaysia and the United States increased by 29.1 percent to RM264.28 billion, a relatively high increase of US$57.76 billion from RM204.78 billion or US$45.09 billion for the same period in 2023,” he said during the Minister’s Question Time session at the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a question from RSN Rayer (Harapan-Jelutong) on whether Malaysia faces any risk of trade sanctions from the United States due to the prime minister’s outspokenness in defending the rights of the Palestinian people and state.

However, Anwar said Malaysia would continue to monitor the latest developments in US policy.

“We are also concerned about the latest developments including the tariff hikes for Mexico, Canada and China. So far, we have been monitoring, it does not involve foreign policy issues including Gaza or Palestine.

“It involves the balance of payments issue between the two countries where there is a deficit,” he said.

Previously, US President-elect Donald Trump announced that he would impose high import tariffs on all goods from Mexico and Canada as well as additional tariffs on goods from China as soon as he returns to the White House.

- Bernama

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