23-9-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, revealed that China has provided assurance that it will engage in ongoing negotiations with Southeast Asian nations regarding territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The commitment aims to prevent actions that could potentially escalate tensions in the region.
In an interview with CNN, which was broadcast on Saturday (Sep 23), Anwar stated that Chinese Premier Li Qiang personally conveyed the assurance to him. This comes after China released a controversial map last month featuring a “10-dash line,” which seemingly expanded its territorial claims in the disputed waters. Malaysia, along with several other Southeast Asian countries, rejected the validity of the map.
Anwar emphasized that Premier Li was resolute in expressing China’s commitment to peaceful negotiations and its intention to avoid any actions that could strain relationships with neighboring countries. He described the assurance as “clear and categorical,” providing reassurance to Malaysia and its regional partners.
The Malaysian Prime Minister also expressed concerns about escalating tensions as China asserts its sovereignty claims over Taiwan. He urged both parties to exercise restraint and refrain from engaging in unnecessary provocations that could have ripple effects throughout the region.
During the interview, Anwar also addressed doubts raised regarding his commitment to democratic reforms. Critics questioned his government’s handling of corruption cases involving key allies, the filing of sedition charges against opposition leaders, and increased scrutiny of Malaysia’s LGBTQ community.
Anwar stated that he would not interfere in the decisions made by Malaysia’s attorney general, emphasizing the importance of respecting laws related to seditious remarks concerning the country’s monarchy. While reiterating Malaysia’s stance against LGBTQ rights, he expressed that individuals from the LGBTQ community should not face harassment. Furthermore, he openly criticized his government’s decision to ban Swatch watches celebrating the Pride movement.
Earlier this year, Malaysia’s home ministry confiscated and subsequently prohibited the sale of rainbow-colored watches from Swatch’s ‘Pride collection,’ citing potential harm to morality and public interest. Possessing or selling the banned items could result in up to three years of imprisonment and a fine.
Anwar acknowledged that there were instances of excesses in the country’s approach but emphasized that there exists a consensus among Malaysians against LGBTQ rights. He acknowledged the need for a balance between respecting societal norms and ensuring the well-being of marginalized communities.
