FULL INTERVIEW: Malaysia PM Anwar Stuns West, Slams Silence Over Iran Atrocities — Times Now World

[0:00] We don't even use the word neutrality because we're not neutral when it comes to Gaza or the atrocities inflicted or the attack against Lebanon. [0:10] So we use the term centrality. It means that we are not tied to this, particularly any particular ideological position or superpower. [0:23] But we do express our feelings, our position strongly, consistent with our policies on human rights, abuse and atrocities inflicted against so many minorities elsewhere. [0:38] Despite all the issues, geopolitical concerns against countries, including Russia in many ways, we take a very independent view. [0:46] I mean, I told my colleagues in ASEAN, look, Russia is an important player, not only on the issue of energy, but it is a major power. [0:56] It has proven itself the capacity to excel in many new technology, in digital AI, etc. [1:06] I think we should benefit from the experience and work with them. [1:10] So that is why we continue with this ASEAN-Russia dialogue and cooperation with intention to enhance the collaboration further. [1:21] How do you then condone position taken by a country like Israel and then backed by the United States to attack another independent nation or country? [1:34] And the ramification and repercussions spread all over the Gulf and now the international community. [1:40] I'm not talking about the hardship, the economic hardships because of the war. [1:44] I'm talking about the core principle, do we condone this or can we allow this sort of hypocrisy to persist in this more modern civilized world? [1:58] That's why we took a very strong position against the initial attack by the Zionist regime. [2:04] I have publicly commended and thanked President Putin and President Xi Jinping for taking a position for peace and to condemn the atrocities against the people of Iran and now Gaza, or earlier Gaza, and now to Lebanon. [2:20] And the hypocrisy of many of these countries in the West is so startling and it is really unfortunate that the world keep rather silent on this. [2:33] Even on decision like when Iran went ahead in their response and inflicted some issues, problems for the neighboring countries. [2:45] Fair to comment, fair to criticize, fair to appeal to Iran. [2:48] But why is there a complete silence when it comes to the atrocities, the aggression against Iran? [2:57] As you know, number one trading investment partner with Malaysia is still United States. [3:02] There's a huge phenomenal growth in terms of trade investments with China, for example. [3:08] But there's also enormous potential with Russia, which is growing but relatively untapped. [3:15] And from digital to AI, to cyber security, to modern agriculture. [3:25] But these are all areas that we need to explore. [3:28] I'm, of course, extremely thankful to President Putin, who's given a very, very supportive view on this. [3:37] And even the rise of Tatarstan, in my discussions, where we could enhance our better relations. [3:43] And we have got teams now going to not only facilitate, but accelerate the process. [3:49] I'm, of course, very grateful because when Malaysia was nominated to be a partner, this was actually removed by President Putin himself and supported by President Xi Jinping. [4:04] And so I think it's a good sign that at that time Ethiopia and India all endorsed that. [4:09] So I think there was this general consensus that Malaysia should be more active in BRICS. [4:15] In order to cement that sort of formidable relationship between countries and societies, of course, trade investments, but it's also in the field of culture, the arts, and humanities. [4:29] Of course, exchanging students, youth, getting civil society to collaborate further, research in various fields, but the literature, the arts is important. [4:43] Particularly Russia, despite all this crave for new technology and advance in science and space, Russia has a strong foundation in terms of literature. [4:56] I remember speaking with President Putin, where I referred and quoted Tolstoy and Shekhov, and I saw him, you know, clearly sounding so excited with the fact that somebody in a remote country, Malaysia, would be quite familiar with this. [5:13] But I think this is important. [5:15] Today, I referred to Abdullah Tukai, who was the great, giant poet from Kazakhstan. [5:23] And I think, and I think, Tatarstan, I'm sorry. [5:27] So I think this is important because then people, you understand societies, humanities. [5:33] Russia experience would be less like Stalinist or some of the more ruthless regimes that do not tolerate this. [5:43] But how can you actually try and cancel, let's call it cancel culture or whatever, in this modern age? [5:52] And people can think and reflect. [5:55] If it is plain propaganda, it will not be that successful, cannot penetrate the soul and the heart. [6:01] But these are great literary works of world literary giants. [6:09] To me, certainly, you need, you can read and reread the classics, and it's still powerful.