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Muhyiddin warns of 'modern-day imperialism' after recent US actions
PARLIAMENT | Muhyiddin Yassin (PN-Pagoh) has voiced concern over what he described as increasingly aggressive geopolitical behaviour by the United States, warning that global power rivalries are eroding the rules-based international order.
Debating the royal address, the former prime minister said recent US actions – including military and political pressure on Venezuela, its posture towards Greenland, and continued tensions with Iran – reflected “a tendency toward modern-day imperialism by major powers”.
“These developments signal a major fracture in...
PARLIAMENT | Muhyiddin Yassin (PN-Pagoh) has voiced concern over what he described as the United States’ increasingly aggressive geopolitical behaviour, warning that global power rivalries are eroding the rules-based international order.
Debating the royal address, the former prime minister said recent US actions – including military and political pressure on Venezuela, its posture towards Greenland, and continued tensions with Iran – reflected “a tendency toward modern-day imperialism by major powers”.
“These developments signal a major fracture in the rules-based international order. Competition among major powers is now increasingly unrestrained by legal and moral limits,” said the Bersatu president.
He added that national sovereignty could no longer rely solely on international norms for protection, but instead required stronger domestic preparedness.
“In this context, and in line with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s royal address, Malaysia must strengthen its capacity to safeguard national security and sovereignty, whether through principled and dignified diplomacy, defence preparedness, economic strength, or overall national resilience,” he said.
‘Reject false peace’
Muhyiddin also raised alarm over what he called indirect US influence over Palestine through the formation of a “Board of Peace” - promoted as a “key element” of the second phase of a plan to end the war in Gaza.
“Although wrapped in the rhetoric of peace, this development must be examined critically, as experience shows that peace initiatives driven outside the framework of international law often become instruments of domination by major powers,” he said.
He stressed that Malaysia must remain firm in defending multilateralism while being realistic about growing global instability.
“Malaysia must remain consistent in defending genuine multilateralism, rejecting false peace, and at the same time ensuring that the nation is prepared to defend its own sovereignty in an increasingly uncertain world,” he added.
From the backbenchers, Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan on Monday reaffirmed a personal stance to reject invitations to events hosted by the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur as a sign of protest against global actions sanctioned by US President Donald Trump.
On Jan 23, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia would find it difficult to express early support for the proposed Board of Peace without clear and firm guarantees regarding the fate of Palestinians, especially in Gaza.
He said Malaysia gave its views on the matter and continues to follow related developments, particularly how there has yet to be a complete halt to the brutal and barbaric attacks by the Israeli regime, and the restoration of humanitarian aid, Bernama reported.
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