KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his gratitude to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for allowing Malaysian oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
"Now we are in the process of releasing the Malaysian oil tankers and the workers involved so that they can continue their journey home," he said in a special address broadcast live on local television on Thursday (March 26).
Anwar said he had earlier contacted Pezeshkian and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to discuss tensions in West Asia.
He also spoke for the third time with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier on Thursday to obtain details on efforts to seek peace following the conflict triggered by attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran.
"However, it is not easy as Iran believes it has been deceived repeatedly and finds it difficult to accept moves towards peace without binding agreements and security guarantees for the country.
"The repercussions have also spread to Lebanon, where more than one million people have lost their homes and property. And do not forget, the root cause involving Palestine and Gaza remains unresolved, and the disaster has only worsened their suffering," he said.
Anwar said the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and disruptions to global oil and gas supplies have the potential to impact Malaysia. However, the country is in a relatively better position due to the capability of national energy company Petronas in managing supply and energy stability.
He said Malaysia would continue to play an active role in supporting regional peace efforts while ensuring that the interests and safety of the people, as well as the national economy, remain protected.
"The government has taken a firm stance against the injustices, oppression and aggression carried out by Israel and the United States. However, the situation has become more complex as Iran's response not only affects Israel but also has spillover effects on Gulf countries," he said.
The Prime Minister said Malaysia is grateful to remain peaceful and stable, but is not immune to the effects of the conflict given its close ties with Iran and Gulf countries in trade, investment, education and culture. – Bernama
