Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim asserts Malaysia’s strong diplomatic voice on global issues has secured tangible benefits, including safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
JOHOR BAHRU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for recognition of his administration’s diplomatic efforts in strengthening relations with Iran and taking a firm stance on the Gaza conflict.
He expressed hope that the government’s work would be credited rather than disputed, arguing that its clear position had yielded concrete results.
The Prime Minister stated that Malaysia’s firm stance, including protesting Israeli and United States attacks on Iran, helped secure safe passage for Malaysian vessels through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
“Do you think it was easy to persuade the Iranian President to let our ship pass through the Strait of Hormuz,” Anwar said during his speech at the Johor Keadilan Convention.
He contrasted his government’s engagement with Iran with that of previous administrations, highlighting the ability to communicate directly and propose parliamentary motions against the attacks.
Anwar expressed disappointment that the opposition seemed to dismiss these efforts while simultaneously criticising his past meeting with former US President Donald Trump.
“It’s true that I negotiated but I do not sacrifice the interest of this country, I negotiated in the car The Beast with Donald Trump, I am not apologetic,” he stated.
He detailed telling Trump about his meetings with Hamas leaders to convey the suffering of Palestinians, including children killed in attacks and issues of land confiscation.
The Prime Minister said he delivered a similar message to President Joe Biden, criticising Western hypocrisy and the ongoing oppression in Gaza.
He asserted that these actions reflect Malaysia’s reform principles, establishing it as a nation willing to voice strong positions on global geopolitical issues.
Shifting focus to domestic affairs, Anwar credited federal government support for Johor’s significant economic achievements.
He cited the revival of the Forest City project, assistance for the long-delayed Maharani port, and full federal backing for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
Anwar revealed his personal involvement in finalising the JS-SEZ agreement, including repeated discussions with then-Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
He pledged continued federal support for Johor regardless of its state leadership, while acknowledging the role of the state government machinery.
The Prime Minister invited scrutiny of the policy record over the past three years as evidence of the federal government’s contributions.
Johor attracted a record RM110 billion in investments last year, the highest in the country’s history.