Israel-Palestine conflict won’t affect Malaysia-US ties, says diplomat

 

US embassy chargé d’affaires Manu Bhalla said in a vibrant bilateral relationship such as that between Putrajaya and Washington, there will be differences of opinion in certain areas.

GEORGE TOWN: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is not expected to have a significant impact on bilateral and trade relations between Malaysia and the US.

The chargé d’affaires at the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Manu Bhalla, said he is aware of the heightened public sentiment among Malaysians due to the country’s longstanding support for Palestine, which has been in a war with Israel since Oct 7.

However, he said, the differences in policy positions do not overshadow the common ground shared between the two nations.

“All of us in Malaysia who watch the horrific imagery as well as the heart-wrenching pictures and videos that come out of the region are clearly impacted.

“It has been a difficult time, and we recognise that. We must understand that in any relationship, such as the vibrant bilateral relationship we have, there will be differences of (opinion) in certain areas.

“The US has clearly condemned Hamas for what we believe are barbaric acts of terrorism and atrocities, and that position is perhaps not widely shared.

“But we share many commonalities with Malaysia, (such as) having a deep and abiding respect for the rights of the Palestinian civilians. We have made clear that while Israel has a right to defend itself, how it does so matters, as many Palestinians have been killed.

“We also share the view that a long-term solution requires a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side with equal measures of peace, dignity and freedom,” he said at a media roundtable at a hotel here today.

No impact on US investments

Bhalla said while there were anecdotal references to the impact on American brands locally, he did not think it would impact US-Malaysia trade as the companies serve the domestic market.

Using McDonald’s as an example, he pointed out that the fast-food chain is fully reliant on the local supply chain.

He said US companies decide to invest in Malaysia after thorough analyses, and Malaysia’s stance on Palestine is unlikely to influence such long-term commitments.

“American businesses are savvy in their decision-making, and they look at all factors before they decide to invest,” he said.

“But we have not seen any evidence of any of the current dynamics having an impact on (investment) decisions that have been announced recently.”

Bhalla said the US was the biggest source of FDI to Malaysia with RM38 billion last year, larger than the six next largest countries combined.

“These are not future MoUs or ideas. This is real cash coming from the US into Malaysia, impacting the local economy for the better, creating jobs and having tangible results on the ground,” he said.

“This creates sustainable dividends and outcomes for society.” - FMT