PUTRAJAYA - Singapore's Foreign Minister has the right to express his views on the Middle East conflict, we have our own stand, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said Anwar stated this during the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (Apr 15).
Fahmi was asked if the Cabinet had discussed the recent statement by Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on the republic's refusal to negotiate with Iran concerning safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
"Other government leaders' views and positions on the issues were discussed generally. The Prime Minister said that they have the right to make their stand and Malaysia has a clear stand on this," said Fahmi.
On Apr 8, PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar, who is also the Prime Minister's daughter, called Balakrishnan's remarks both revealing and regrettable.
Nurul Izzah said the stance reflects a narrow strategic posture that prioritises alignment over regional responsibility and international law. - THE STAR