PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today he will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Economic Leaders’ Week 2023 in the US.
This is despite calls for Malaysia to boycott the summit because of the ongoing situation in Gaza.
Addressing the finance ministry staff in Putrajaya this morning, Anwar said all Asean leaders and other Apec member states will be attending the meeting.
“We do not agree with the United States’ position (on the Israel-Palestine conflict), but it is our priority to maintain diplomatic relations, while not budging from our position on championing justice,” he said.
“I understand that this decision will not be favourable to many, but even so, do not punish me by branding me as pro-Israel.”
Anwar had previously said Malaysia would decide whether or not to attend the Apec meeting based on the decision of its regional partners.
Yesterday, he said he was coordinating with several countries although they had stated their intention to attend the meeting, to be held in San Francisco from Nov 11 to 17.
Apec is a regional economic forum established in 1989 to leverage the growing interdependence of Asia-Pacific.
The 21 Apec member economies account for nearly 40% of the global population, nearly 50% of global trade, and more than 60% of US goods exports.
Apec’s 21 member economies are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the US and Vietnam.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.