Anwar: One China policy not new, in place since Razak's era

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that Malaysia's stance on the One China policy was merely retained from the time of Abdul Razak Hussein, the second prime minister.

Speaking to reporters, he said that his view, as well as Malaysia's position on the policy, remains consistent with that of the United Nations.

"If you look at the (UN's) list of countries, China is named as one (country), while Taiwan is provided for as an entity, without acknowledgement (of the status of a country).

"So this is not a new matter," he said after officiating the 2026 TikTok Shop Summit Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur today.

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Anwar was responding to Taiwan’s unhappiness over his remarks made during an interview with Al Jazeera, in which he voiced support for the One China policy, as well as China’s right to use force in order to reunify the country.

When asked about his views on Taiwanese people’s reluctance to accept Chinese rule, Anwar said that historical reasons must be considered, and that Taiwan is indeed part of China, so the decision should be left to the Chinese.

Taiwan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry subsequently issued a statement strongly condemning and refuting Anwar’s remarks as denigrating Taiwan’s sovereignty.

Best path forward a ‘peaceful one’

Anwar said he was applying consistency in his views, citing the American War of Independence as an example.

"(At the time), the US did not allow any division in any of the country's territories," he said.

During the interview, the host had asked Anwar whether he would condemn China’s statement that it reserves the right to use force if reunification cannot be achieved peacefully, and when that day comes.

In response, the premier said that if a state in Malaysia decides to separate, he would also try to stop it.

However, Anwar today highlighted that the best path forward on the matter was the most peaceful one, adding that, "It is being done".

‘We are handling it’

When asked about the possibility of Pakatan Harapan working with BN in the upcoming Malacca polls, Anwar said the matter was being discussed.

He explained the issue is being handled by a committee led by Harapan election director Amirudin Shari and coalition secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

After BN and Perikatan Nasional's successful outing in the Negeri Sembilan polls, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi hinted that the cooperation will continue in Malacca.

PN secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan has indicated a willingness to cooperate further with BN in Perak, while continuing to exclude component member Bersatu from electoral negotiations. - Mkini