Political Stability, Strong Ties Safeguard Malaysia's Energy Security - PM Anwar

SIPITANG, June 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's strong international relations and political stability have enabled the country to secure continued access to oil and gas supplies despite growing uncertainty arising from the global energy crisis, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

He said Malaysia's prudent diplomatic approach had allowed countries such as Russia and Turkmenistan to regard Malaysia as a close and trusted partner.

Recalling his recent official visit to Turkmenistan, Anwar said the country's leadership had expressed its willingness to collaborate with Malaysia through Petronas in operating one of the world's largest gas fields.

“Our country maintains friendly relations with all nations, including the United States and China. At the same time, our domestic political situation remains stable, without upheaval or racial discord,” he said when officiating the groundbreaking ceremony of the Sabah Southern MADANI Link (SSML) project here today.

Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.

Anwar said political stability was key to enabling the government to focus on its development agenda while continuing to attract foreign investment.

“That is why I have continued to support Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. We have had enough disputes over many issues, but the country's politics must remain stable because without stability, investors will not come,” he said.

Anwar also said that the world was facing growing uncertainty due to energy supply disruptions arising from conflicts in the Middle East, which had also affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and driven up global oil prices.

He said the situation had forced several countries, including some ASEAN members, to take drastic measures, including closing about 400 petrol stations due to supply shortages.

“We are grateful that despite these circumstances, fuel prices remain low... in Malaysia, RON95 remains at RM1.99 per litre.

“We adjusted diesel prices slightly, but not for sectors such as agriculture, buses and public transportation because we must ensure that, whatever the challenge, the burden does not fall on the people,” he said.

-- BERNAMA