KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on critics to acknowledge Malaysia’s diplomatic efforts on Iran and the Gaza conflict, stressing that the government’s firm stance has delivered tangible outcomes, including securing safe passage for Malaysian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking at the Johor PKR Convention, Anwar said Malaysia’s outspoken position, including its protests against Israeli and United States actions involving Iran, has strengthened bilateral ties with Tehran.
“Do you think it was easy to persuade the Iranian President to let our ship pass through the Strait of Hormuz? I’m not saying the previous government was not friendly with Iran, but it’s not like what we have now.
“We can call repeatedly, we can propose in Parliament to oppose the Israeli and US attacks on Iran.
“See how many countries in the world have made statements as strong as Malaysia did on the Iran war, so give the government some credit. The opposition, in not giving credit, thought it was easy,” he said, according to Bernama.
Also present were Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, PKR vice president R. Ramanan, and Johor PKR chief Zaliha Mustafa.
Anwar expressed disappointment over continued criticism, particularly surrounding his engagement with former US President Donald Trump, including a meeting held in the presidential vehicle known as “The Beast”.
“It’s true that I negotiated, but I do not sacrifice the interests of this country. I negotiated in the car, ‘The Beast’ with Donald Trump. I am not apologetic,” he said.
He added that he had raised Malaysia’s concerns directly with Trump, including highlighting the plight of Palestinians and his engagements with Hamas leaders.
“I said all this to President Donald Trump. I did it because I came from the spirit of justice reform. We have many leaders who talk great things, but do they dare to face it?” he said.
Anwar noted that he had also conveyed similar views to former US President Joe Biden, criticising what he described as Western hypocrisy and continued oppression in Gaza.
He said Malaysia’s consistent stance reflects its reform-driven principles, positioning the country among those willing to speak firmly on global geopolitical issues.
On domestic matters, Anwar credited federal policies for Johor’s strong economic performance, citing the revival of the Forest City project, support for the long-delayed Maharani port, and the development of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
He said he was personally involved in negotiations to advance the JS-SEZ, including multiple discussions with former Singapore prime minister Lee Hsien Loong.
“Whoever leads the government, I as Prime Minister and PKR president will help Johor. I am not denying the role of the Johor state government, but this is a matter of policy and facts,” he said.
Johor recorded RM110 billion in investments last year, its highest on record, underscoring the state’s growing economic momentum.— April 5, 2026