KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must be careful not to jeopardise trade ties with Taiwan, its fourth-largest trading partner, through remarks that could heighten tensions, says Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
The Opposition Leader said Malaysia, as a trading nation with a neutral foreign policy, should avoid making statements that could create unnecessary diplomatic friction.
He was referring to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks on Taiwan during an Al Jazeera interview in August, in which he reaffirmed Malaysia’s One China policy and said he viewed Taiwan as “part of China, period”.
“Taiwan is our fourth-largest trading partner. So, if it is our fourth-largest trading partner, we must be careful not to hurt their feelings,” Hamzah told a press conference at Parliament on Thursday (Nov 12).
Hamzah said his criticism was not about taking sides in the dispute between China and Taiwan, but about safeguarding Malaysia’s trade and economic interests.
Earlier, Anwar said Malaysia remained committed to maintaining strong economic ties with Taiwan while upholding its recognition of the One China policy.
He also said there had been no signs of Taiwanese investors withdrawing from Malaysia.
Anwar was responding in the Dewan Rakyat to reports that Taiwan had suspended investment talks with Malaysia following his remarks describing Taiwan as part of China.
He clarified that the postponed engagement involved the Malaysia-Taiwan Economic Cooperation Committee rather than formal trade negotiations, adding that Malaysia had asked for the meeting to resume.
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