CYBERJAYA: Malaysia participated in a high-level virtual international summit involving France and the United Kingdom aimed at setting up a multinational force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said Malaysia’s participation in the summit came at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“Our position is that there must be freedom of navigation. At the same time, we cannot deny Iran’s rights or ignore our concerns over actions taken by Israel and the United States against Iran.
“We will adopt a position that is balanced and independent,” Anwar told reporters after attending Friday prayers yesterday.
He added that Malaysia was represented at the summit by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
It was reported that the proposed plan, branded the “Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative”, does not include the United States.
Macron’s office said participants would contribute “each according to their capabilities”, stressing that options to ensure safe passage through the strait would depend on the security situation after a lasting ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Anwar reiterated that Malaysia will only supply fuel to Australia if it has sufficient reserves to do so.
He said the matter was discussed with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, reaffirming the reciprocal needs of both countries.
He said the talks touched on Malaysia’s need for phosphate minerals, while Australia needed urea from Malaysia.
“They also require diesel, but we said that we are unable to supply it as we must prioritise domestic needs,” Anwar added.
He noted that certain quarters had accused the government of wanting to sell oil to others following Albanese’s recent official visit to Malaysia.
“If there is surplus oil, we said we could consider it, but at present, there isn’t.
“The allegations, however, suggest otherwise, which I do not think is appropriate,” he said.
