KUALA LUMPUR (July 22): Malaysia will not compromise its firm stance in support of Palestine, even as concerns grow that its vocal position on Middle East tensions may affect ongoing trade negotiations with the US.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday that the country’s stance as a free and independent country will remain firm despite any objections or intimidation, he told the Dewan Rakyat during Prime Minister’s Question Time.

“Any US decision, whether driven by protests or Malaysia’s position in support of Palestine or our good ties with Iran, will not alter our sovereign right to express our views,” Anwar stressed.

Tensions in the Middle East have since escalated as Israel attacked Iran and Syria while continuing to bomb Gaza.

Malaysia has long pressed for a permanent ceasefire and upheld its longstanding position in support of a two-state solution by the establishment of an independent Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on pre-1967 borders.

“Malaysia is one of the few countries that reached out to Iran to express support for its right to respond to Israel’s offensive and aggressive attacks,” Anwar told the House.

He added that the country remains committed to delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza despite obstructions from Israel and continues to advocate through platforms such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League.

Anwar was responding to supplementary questions from Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muda — Muar) on whether Malaysia’s outspoken stance on Palestine could impact Washington’s decision to impose tariffs and whether the government is prepared to compromise on its position.

Malaysia was caught off guard by a 25% import tariff on all Malaysian goods announced by US President Donald Trump earlier this month, though he left room for negotiations before the Aug 1 deadline.

Drawing parallels with Brazil’s experience under the Trump administration, Syed Saddiq noted that Brazil faced similar punitive actions “not due to trade imbalances but in retaliation for its support for Palestine”.

Anwar reiterated that Malaysia has voiced its views on the tariffs through several meetings with US diplomats, including a recent meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

He added that the country still holds strategic interdependence, particularly in electrical and electronics, where 60% of the country’s exports from the sector go to the US while Malaysia supplies about 25% of the US’ chip requirements.