PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim (picture) said Malaysia’s stance on the war in Gaza will not affect the country’s relations with its US and European investors.

Addressing concerns on Malaysia criticism of the Israelis attack on Israel, Anwar said investors will still prioritise their plan to invest in Malaysia and the government will continuously monitor the situation.

“However, at this juncture, I’d like to provide an explanation and assurance that I have met several key investors from the US.

“It appears that their priority is still placed on (Malaysia’s) political stability, clear economic policies, and expediting of approval processes, which is currently undertaken by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida),” he told the Dewan Rakyat during the Prime Minister’s Question Time today.

He was responding to Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading), who asked about the outcome of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Economic Leaders’ Week 2023 in the US recently.

Anwar then cited an RM63 billion in proposed investments secured from the US and there is another good outcome from the trade relationship between them and China – another major power who also invested in Malaysia.

“Next I stated, Malaysia as a small trading country needs to have a good trade relationship with major powers including the United States and China. Therefore I welcomed the bilateral meeting that was held between the two Presidents of the United States and China,” he said

In another matter, Anwar said it was unfair to compare the plight of Palestinians to that of minorities in Malaysia, adding that the war in Gaza was a humanitarian crisis.

“I wish to respond and make it clear that there are no local minorities being murdered in masses. There is also no destruction of churches and temples. So even if some disagree with our support for Palestine, it’s not fair, reasonable or sensible to draw this comparison,” he said.

Anwar said that both mosques and churches has been destroyed in Gaza citing the matter is not only targeting one religion.

“So, I reiterate, it is necessary for us to view this issue, whether it is brought up by Muslims from an Islamic perspective, or by Christians – it is a humanitarian issue that needs our understanding and empathy, so that more effective solutions can be made.” – TMR