Don't dismiss foreign sabotage in Malaysia, PM says during Iran debate

 

PARLIAMENT | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today cautioned against dismissing the possibility of foreign interference and sabotage, stressing the need for vigilance amid emerging security threats still under investigation.

Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar said Malaysians must remain united in defending national sovereignty despite political differences, noting that speaking up on sensitive issues could invite challenges.

“We are aware that when we dare to speak up for what is right, we may also invite problems, including economic challenges arising from geopolitical developments,” he said in a ministerial briefing on the Israel-US attack on Iran.

He added that such concerns should not be seen as the voice of an isolated group but rather as reflecting broader public sentiment.

“It is not a lone voice, but the voice of Malaysians, and whatever happens, we face it together,” he said.

Anwar said while lawmakers may clash during elections and parliamentary debates, they must not allow foreign countries or companies to exploit domestic differences to undermine the nation.

“We may differ in opinion here, we battle during elections and in this house, but we must not allow foreign countries or foreign companies to be used to carry out sabotage,” he said, adding that the government would remain cautious over various risks.

Anwar said this in response to Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu), who warned about the lasting impacts of US-backed “regime change” through intervention in domestic politics.

In his warning, Takiyuddin noted an ongoing police probe over an alleged plot to exert pressure on Anwar and MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki, involving international agencies.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki

Police had described the plot as an attempt to destabilise the government.

Complacency ‘grave weakness’

Elaborating, Anwar said vigilance and preparedness were essential to face any such risks.

“To assume that everything is in order and secure would be a grave weakness. On the question of national sovereignty, we must reach a consensus, even if there are risks involved,” he added.

Anwar also said the matter under discussion required a thorough investigation, as available figures and data were “deeply worrying”.

Drawing historical parallels, he noted that Malaysia had faced externally backed threats in the early years of independence, and that the situation must not recur. - Mkini