The Cabinet did not discuss Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent remarks on Taiwan, which drew a strong response from Taipei, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said today.
Fahmi, who is also the government spokesman, confirmed that the issue was not raised during the Cabinet meeting.
“It was not discussed,” he said at a press conference following the Cabinet meeting.
He was responding to questions about a statement issued by Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry yesterday criticising comments made by Anwar during a recent interview with Al Jazeera.
During the interview, Anwar expressed Malaysia’s support for the One China policy and said historical considerations should be taken into account when examining Taiwan’s relationship with China.
He also said Taiwan was part of China and that the matter should ultimately be left to the Chinese people.
The remarks drew a strong reaction from Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry, which accused Anwar of making what it described as “false” claims and of portraying Taiwan as a breakaway province of China while openly justifying Beijing’s position on the use of force to achieve reunification.
Taipei reaffirmed that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country and does not fall under the authority of the People’s Republic of China.
The ministry said Taiwan’s status would not be altered by claims made by other parties.
It also warned that Anwar’s comments could undermine regional peace and stability, while potentially affecting the confidence of Taiwanese businesses investing in Malaysia.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry further said that, as Malaysia is a democracy and Anwar has long presented himself as a defender of democracy and human rights, he should uphold principles including freedom, human rights and the rule of law, while respecting the will of the people.
The ministry added that Anwar’s remarks effectively amounted to legitimising Beijing’s position on the use of force against Taiwan.
