KUALA LUMPUR: Despite Malaysia's firm stance on the ongoing atrocities in Palestine, diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the United States remain strong, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The prime minister told the Dewan Rakyat today that Malaysia will continue all comprehensive partnerships in investment, trade and diplomatic cooperation.
This, he said, included meetings between Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and US State Secretary Antony Blinken.
"I myself took the time to meet and discuss with Blinken, even though he is leaving office," said Anwar.
"Also, from January to October 2024, bilateral trade (between Malaysia and the US) increased by 29.1 per cent to RM264.28 billion."
Anwar, who is finance minister, added that this marked a significant increase compared with RM204.78 billion for the same period last year.
"There are 1,321 projects that have been implemented and are currently being managed, with a total investment of US$39 billion."
He was responding to a question from RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) during the Prime Minister's Question Time in Parliament today. He asked Anwar about the risk of trade sanctions from the US following Anwar's vocal stance in defending the rights of the Palestinian people.
Anwar also acknowledged concerns on the recent tariff hikes imposed by the US on Mexico, China and Canada.
"Our monitoring shows that these (tariff hikes) do not involve foreign policy issues, including matters related to Gaza or Palestine.
"It concerns the balance of payments between two countries where a deficit exists, as US President Donald Trump announced during his presidential campaign," said the Tambun member of parliament.
Anwar said Malaysia's position in demanding justice for the people of Palestine, especially in Gaza, had not changed, regardless of its cooperation with the US.
"We are establishing relations with the new US administration to the best of our ability.
"However, Malaysia, as an independent and sovereign nation, will continue to voice our stance on international issues, including violence, tyranny, oppression, and the occupation in Palestine and Gaza."
He said Malaysia's fight to demand justice for Palestinians was consistent with the country's stance to defend any global community against oppression and tyranny.
The stand, he added, transcended differences in religion, background, politics and ethnic groups, and was shared in meetings with foreign leaders.
He said during Sri Lanka's "dark history" under former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Tamil ethnic group was oppressed.
"I met them when I gave a lecture in Colombo and openly expressed this view.
"However, the administration in Sri Lanka has changed. We welcome the current government's stance in ending all forms of tyranny and discrimination against the Tamil, Hindu and Muslim people.
"Our position remains consistent, just as it was when supporting the struggles of Nelson Mandela in South Africa and elsewhere."