KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's diplomatic ties with the United States remain strong, sustaining a comprehensive partnership and cooperation, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He noted that despite US Secretary of State Antony John Blinken's impending departure from office, discussions and collaborations continue in areas of investment, trade, and diplomatic cooperation.
With a new US president and administration taking office, Malaysia expects these positive ties to continue.
"From January to October 2024, total bilateral trade between Malaysia and the United States saw a significant increase of 29.1% to RM264.28bil (US$57.76bil), up from RM204.78 bil (US$45.09bil), for the same period in 2023," Anwar said during Minister Questions Time at Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Nov 28).
He highlighted that 1,321 projects have been implemented and are ready to be managed, with a total investment amounting to US$39bil (RM173bil).
He was responding to RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) to ask the Prime Minister to state whether Malaysia faces any risk of trade sanctions from the United States due to the Prime Minister's outspoken stance in defending the rights of the Palestinian people and nation.
However, the Prime Minister expressed concerns about recent developments, including tariff-related actions for Mexico, Canada, and China.
He said that these issues do not involve fundamental foreign matters but rather payment matters between the two countries where there is a deficit, as incoming US President Donald Trump announced during his campaign.
"We are now conducting all relations with the new team to the best ability.
"However, as a neighbouring and sovereign country, our position on international issues, including terrorism, injustice, oppression, and colonisation in Palestine and Gaza will continue to be voiced.
"I do not believe that economic considerations, while very important, can affect our stance or reduce or maintain our stance in voicing the rights, demands, and justice for the people of Palestine, especially in Gaza," he added.
