Malaysia Adopts Trade Plan To Counter External Pressures Amid Pro-Palestine Stance

KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 (Bernama) -- The government has formulated a comprehensive trade strategy to safeguard the nation’s economic stability from external pressures following its firm stance on the Palestinian cause on the global stage.

Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the approach was adopted to ensure Malaysia is prepared for any potential economic or political pressure resulting from its outspoken stance on the humanitarian situation in Palestine.

“We will ensure that Wisma Putra continues to play its role in maintaining (strong diplomatic) relations with other countries...we also have a comprehensive trade strategy,” he said during a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Negara today.

Earlier, Senator Datuk Prof Emeritus Dr Mohammad Redzuan Othman, in a supplementary question, expressed concern over possible attempts to undermine Malaysia’s economic and political stability in view of the country’s stance on the conflicts in the West Bank and Gaza.

Mohammad Redzuan also cited the example of Turkiye, where the value of the lira has fallen sharply against the ringgit over the past decade, attributing it to the country’s actions and firm stance on the Palestinian issue.

In his response, Lukanisman stressed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s credibility as a respected and influential figure among world leaders is a key asset in bolstering Malaysia’s economic diplomacy.

According to him, the Foreign Ministry will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry to monitor and safeguard the country’s economic interests against any potential sabotage or external sanctions.

In addition, Lukanisman stressed that Malaysia will not participate in initiatives led by external parties, such as the Board of Peace, stating that their implementation fails to address the root causes of the conflict and Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territories.

He added that the ministry is keeping a close watch on the safety and well-being of Malaysians in countries affected by unrest amid rising tensions in West Asia.

Lukanisman said that an official statement on the latest developments and security measures will be issued by the Foreign Ministry soon, while assuring that the government will continue to strengthen collective diplomatic pressure through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and its international partners.

Responding to the original question on Malaysia’s diplomatic efforts regarding humanitarian issues in Palestine, despite the ceasefire reached last October, he said the government continues to actively pursue diplomatic initiatives at various international levels, including the United Nations and the OIC, to push for a lasting and comprehensive ceasefire.

--BERNAMA