KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has slammed American political commentator Bill O’Reilly for his “arrogant” and “ignorant” remarks belittling Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Southeast Asia.
Speaking after attending the Finance Ministry’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration today, Anwar said O’Reilly’s comments revealed a lack of understanding about Asia, Asean, and regional developments.
“It reflects the extremism and arrogance of someone who is, in fact, shallow and ignorant. They assume only their group and their country are the most successful,” said Anwar.
“Clearly, he has no understanding whatsoever of Asia, Asean, or the latest developments here.”
Anwar was responding to a viral video in which O’Reilly mocked Xi’s official visit to Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia, claiming the three countries were incapable of supporting China economically.
“Hey President Xi, let me just break it to you. Those folks have no money at all. They’re not going to buy your stuff. I don’t know why you’re going there. The Malays aren’t gonna buy your stuff – they don’t have any money,” O’Reilly said in the video.
Xi began his state visit to Malaysia on April 15 at the invitation of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim.
This marks the Chinese president’s second official visit to Malaysia in 12 years, following his 2013 trip, which elevated bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Malaysia and China established diplomatic relations on May 31, 1974, and last year commemorated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.
China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years since 2009.
Bilateral trade totalled RM484.12 billion in 2024, accounting for 16.8% of Malaysia’s overall global trade value of RM2.88 trillion.
Commenting further, Anwar described O’Reilly’s remarks as symptomatic of a mindset still trapped in imperialist and colonialist thinking.
“This is what we refer to in the social sciences as a trapped way of thinking – still burdened by imperialism and colonialism,” he said. – April 18, 2025