KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has adopted one of its firmest positions on Venezuela in defence of international law and has rejected any attempt to conquer Greenland as a violation of national sovereignty, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
He said that despite being a country of moderate strength, Malaysia has taken a clear and resolute stance on the Venezuela issue, guided by principle rather than power.
"In any such action, we take into account consultations with friends, neighbouring countries and partner nations.
"As someone entrusted with responsibility, my concern is not personal, but for the country,” he said during Ministers’ Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Jan 20).
Anwar was responding to Jimmy Puah Wee Tse (PH-Tebrau) on Malaysia’s position regarding Venezuela, Greenland and ties with Iran following the United States’ imposition of a 25 per cent tariff on countries maintaining relations with Iran.
The Prime Minister said Malaysia continues to maintain its relationship with the US despite criticism, but will speak out when actions violate international law.
"Malaysia does not agree with such actions as they contravene international law, and we have urged the US to return President Maduro and his wife to Venezuela. That is a clear and firm position,” he said.
On Greenland, Anwar said Malaysia rejects any effort to seize another country and aligns with the European Union and Denmark in prioritising negotiations to resolve disputes.
"As a free and sovereign nation, we cannot agree with the conquest of any country. That is our position,” he said.
On Iran, Anwar said Malaysia continues to maintain diplomatic relations with the country while managing ties through prudence and international engagement, stressing that Malaysia upholds Iran’s rights and sovereignty as a matter of principle.
"We must not appear weak, but neither should we take actions that jeopardise national interests,” he added. - Bernama
