SEGAMAT: Malaysia has received assurances of long-term oil, gas and diesel supplies from Russia following discussions between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Anwar said he had raised the issue of future energy security during a meeting with Putin during a recent visit to Russia, seeking guarantees that Malaysia would continue to have access to stable energy supplies amid global uncertainties.
"I asked for assurances on oil, gas and diesel supplies so that Malaysians will not be affected in the future by any disruptions.
"President Putin agreed to work towards long-term supply arrangements for Malaysia," he said during the Program Madani Kita Bersama Kawasan Rukun Tetangga event here on Wednesday (June 24).
Anwar also highlighted his recent visit to Turkmenistan, describing the country as one of the world's major natural gas producers.
He said discussions with Turkmenistan's leadership had strengthened prospects for greater energy cooperation involving PETRONAS.
He said that Malaysia's political stability, economic clarity and spirit of unity had enhanced the country's standing internationally and helped build confidence among foreign partners.
He said securing future energy supplies was part of the government's efforts to safeguard the interests of future generations and strengthen the country's long-term energy security.
Meanwhile, when approached by reporters after the event, Anwar was asked about Barisan Nasional's newly announced candidates for the Johor election.
Smiling, he described them as "friends" before quipping, "Who asked them to fight (us)?"
He did not elaborate further.
