CYBERJAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has refuted allegations that Malaysia is selling fuel supply at will following his meeting with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, stressing that the priority is to meet domestic needs.
The Prime Minister said he discussed the matter with Albanese and noted various allegations against the government claiming Malaysia intends to sell oil at will.
"We have explained that we require certain resources from them, this must be understood.
"We need phosphate from them, while they need urea from us.
"They also require diesel, but we said we are unable to supply it as we must prioritise domestic needs," Anwar told reporters after prayers at Surau Bomba here on Friday (April 17).
"If there is surplus oil, we said we could consider it, but at present, there isn’t," said Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister.
"The allegations, however, suggest otherwise, which I do not think is appropriate."
On Thursday (April 16), Anwar said that Malaysia would prioritise domestic demand before considering providing Australia with excess fuel.
Anwar said that both countries will assess their respective domestic energy requirements and explore areas where they can support each other on a mutually beneficial basis.
"There are resources we require from Australia, and likewise, products that Australia needs from Malaysia. This cooperation will ultimately benefit both nations," he said.
He also said that French President Emmanuel Macron invited Malaysia to take part in a virtual international summit with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to establish a multinational force to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
Anwar said that Malaysia will be represented by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
"Our position is that there must be freedom of navigation. At the same time, we cannot deny Iran’s rights, nor ignore our concerns over actions taken by Israel and the United States against Iran.
"We will adopt a position that is balanced and independent."
