Arya News - PM Anwar said Malaysia had adhered to the One China policy since the administration of the second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and would continue to uphold that position.
KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) stands by his remarks on Taiwan despite the backlash, arguing that China’s position was consistent with the United States’ refusal to allow any of its territories to secede following the American War of Independence.
Anwar said Malaysia had adhered to the One China policy since the administration of second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and would continue to uphold that position.
“The One China policy has been practised since Tun Abdul Razak. In my view, the policy remains and we will continue to uphold it.
“Of course, we want to seek a peaceful path whenever possible,” he told reporters when met after launching the TikTok Shop Summit Malaysia 2026 here on Thursday (Aug 20).
Anwar defended the comparison he had made involving the United States, saying he was merely taking a consistent position on territorial integrity.
“I believe that position is correct. As I pointed out, the United States itself went through the American War of Independence and did not permit any of its territories to break away.
“I was therefore merely taking a consistent position,” he said.
He added that Malaysia respected China’s position but believed a peaceful resolution remained the best course.
“Of course, we respect China’s position, but a peaceful path is best. That is what is being pursued now,” he said.
Anwar also stressed that Malaysia’s position was neither new nor unusual, adding that the One China policy was accepted within the United Nations.
“If we look at it, China is recognised as one country, while the other is referred to only as Taiwan. Therefore, what I stated was nothing new,” he said.
He suggested that the way the issue was raised or emphasised during his interview with Al Jazeera might have prompted the negative reaction.
“It was perhaps the way the matter was asked or highlighted by Al Jazeera that triggered the backlash,” he said.