Anwar Ibrahim Lashes Out at NATO Countries, Accuses Them of 'Double Standards'
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has openly criticised Western nations, accusing them of applying double standards in the enforcement of international law. He delivered the sharp rebuke while speaking before delegates at the 39th Asia-Pacific Roundtable in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday (02/07/2026).
Anwar questioned whether Western powers are deliberately adopting a selective principle of the rule of law that is unfair to developing countries. He also strongly condemned the hypocrisy of parties that have suddenly fallen silent over violations of international norms occurring before their eyes.
“Is it acceptable for some countries to ignore international law and norms, while others are sidelined with the strictest standards of compliance?” he criticised.
According to Anwar, this selfish behaviour signals a serious erosion of respect for international norms. He projected that if this dangerous trend continues, the equal partnership between the West and the Global South will be severely damaged.
“If this is how our partners in the West treat countries in the Global South… then it does not bode well for our future as equal partners and friends,” Anwar asserted. “As the old Dutch proverb goes, ‘trust comes on foot and leaves on horseback’.”
Anwar’s major outburst was triggered by the unilateral decision of the Norwegian government to abruptly cancel a commercial defence procurement agreement with Malaysia. The military procurement contract had been legally signed by both parties in April 2018.
The dispute escalated last May when the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released an official announcement that several special licences related to defence technology exports to Malaysia had been revoked. The boycott effectively blocked the delivery process of Naval Strike Missiles (NSM), which was just days away from its scheduled shipment date.
Anwar firmly stated that an official contract agreed upon between nations constitutes an absolute and legally binding obligation. “The agreement document should not be treated like pieces of confetti that can be torn up and thrown away carelessly,” he stressed.