Anwar Ibrahim recounts how Malaysian vessel was allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz
Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA) - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recounted his conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian some time ago, which led to a Malaysian oil tanker being permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Anwar shared this story while delivering a speech at an event with the Malaysian community in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on Sunday.
“Fortunately, our relations with Iran are good. Now people realise that,” said Anwar Ibrahim.
He mentioned that previously, some parties were angry with him for being too close to Iran. According to those parties, Malaysia should consider the feelings of the United States.
“(They said) ‘America will pressure us. America will use its power. We are a small country. We trade with America, but you are being friendly with Iran’,” said Anwar.
Anwar continued that, in reality, good relations with every country bring benefits to Malaysia as well.
During his phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian some time ago – after discussing the war and other matters – he raised the issue of the Malaysian tanker ships still held in the Strait of Hormuz, and it was immediately welcomed by the Iranian President.
“I called once. I said our ships are still detained, there are seven of them. What did he say? He said, ‘yes, okay’. So I said, if possible, Mr President, please help. Right then, he said, ‘okay Anwar, take it from me, accept my statement. I will order the Malaysian ships to be released immediately’,” said Anwar.
Anwar then recounted that after the successful diplomacy for the ships, there were opposition parties expressing pessimism, saying that even though the Malaysian ships could now pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the price of fuel oil remained high.
“Yes, indeed, the cost of ships last month compared to now is more expensive. Ship insurance has also increased. But at least there is oil. Other countries are even rationing fuel oil (BBM), there is no oil. If I followed my emotions, I would want those who talk a lot not to be given oil,” asserted Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that his government has been working, yet it is attacked with such things.
He then asked, how many national leaders can directly speak with the Iranian President and receive security guarantees for ships right away.
“He (the Iranian President) called brother Anwar, ‘brother Anwar, I give you my guarantee, I will order now for the Petronas ships and others from Malaysia to be released so that the oil can reach Malaysia’,” explained Anwar.
“I want to ask, how many countries can do something like that? This is not because of me, but because of the cabinet’s stance. Because of our country’s principles. So we must continue things like this,” he clarified.