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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia’s unwavering stance on the Gaza conflict and broader Middle East issues, declaring that no amount of pressure or threat of trade retaliation from the United States will sway the country from voicing its principles.
“Regardless of the impact, threats or objections towards our stance on Palestine, Gaza, or our good relations with Iran, this will not change our firm position as an independent and sovereign country in voicing our views,” Anwar told Parliament today during Ministerial Question Time.
His remarks came in response to concerns raised by Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (MUDA–Muar), who questioned whether Malaysia’s vocal criticism of Israeli aggression and support for the Palestinian cause might provoke Washington to impose punitive tariffs — similar to measures previously taken against Brazil under former President Donald Trump.
Anwar confirmed that Malaysia is still in active negotiations with the US over a proposed 25 percent tariff on Malaysian exports, particularly in the crucial electrical and electronics (E&E) and semiconductor sectors, which make up 60 percent of Malaysia’s exports to the US. The talks are expected to conclude in August.
“We are not at the final stage of negotiations yet, but the concerns are valid,” Anwar said. “We hope, God willing, these discussions will reach a favourable resolution.”
He added that the tariff level proposed for Malaysia remains lower than those imposed on regional peers like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. However, Malaysia considers the move unjustified as it is unilateral and inconsistent with World Trade Organization (WTO) principles and existing international agreements.
In referencing the Brazilian case, Anwar said, “The 50 percent tariff imposed on Brazil followed President Lula’s strong condemnation of the genocide in Gaza. This suggests that punitive trade measures can sometimes be politically motivated, even when labelled as economic.”
Anwar also mentioned that recent discussions with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Mark Rubio touched on the matter, but tariffs were “not the main focus” of those engagements.
Responding to a separate question from Mohd Sany Hamzan (PH–Hulu Langat) regarding Malaysia’s plans to address regional instability in the Middle East, Anwar stated that Malaysia has consistently taken a firm and vocal position at multilateral forums, including the United Nations (UN), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Arab League.
“Malaysia has done its utmost to voice its views firmly… but Israel’s tyranny and violence have not ceased. It is no longer just Gaza; now it includes attacks on Iran, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon,” he said.
On matters of national security, the Prime Minister also addressed concerns raised by Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN–Machang) regarding the alleged infiltration of Mossad agents in Malaysia.
Anwar confirmed that the government, through the Home Ministry and security agencies, had taken additional precautionary steps, particularly following evidence that foreign intelligence operatives had entered Malaysia and in some cases, exploited local connections.
“In the latest briefing by our intelligence agencies, there is genuine concern about national security, particularly since it has been proven that Mossad agents are present and have used, or colluded with, Malaysian spouses,” he said.
Anwar added that Malaysia welcomes bipartisan support and suggestions from Members of Parliament to strengthen its diplomatic posture, humanitarian efforts, and regional alliances amid growing geopolitical tensions. - July 22, 2025