PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for national unity and restraint in political discourse, warning against the use of global crises for partisan gain as Malaysia faces mounting economic pressures linked to instability in the Middle East.
He said the current global environment demands solidarity and collective understanding rather than division, stressing that international developments are having direct consequences on domestic costs and economic stability.
“There is a time for everything but now what the nation needs is unity and understanding about challenges the world faces,” he said.
“It is not a time to score cheap political points via slander and wrong facts,” he added.
The Tambun Member of Parliament said the nation must confront the realities of a strained global economy, particularly as the widening conflict involving Iran continues to disrupt energy supply chains and push up global prices.
He noted that although Malaysia is a net fuel exporter through Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), it remains exposed to international volatility due to its reliance on imported diesel.
Anwar said Malaysia is managing the situation despite uncertainty, pointing to disruptions in other countries as evidence of broader global instability.
He cited examples of severe operational breakdowns abroad, including one country reportedly cancelling 1,000 flights and another shutting down 400 petrol stations within a single day.
“We are coping but we can do with support and we are willing to listen to suggestions but it must be constructive,” he said.
He added that rising global energy costs mean certain price adjustments at consumer level are unavoidable.
“There is no choice but for some consumers to bear the additional costs due to the disruption of the global oil supply,” he said.
Anwar also reaffirmed Malaysia’s non-aligned foreign policy, saying the country maintains cordial relations with all major powers and partners, including the United States, China and Iran, while retaining its right to speak out on humanitarian concerns.
“But it also means that as a sovereign nation, she has a right to voice out respectfully if a major crime occurs,” he said, referring to civilian casualties in conflict zones.
“The bombs dropped on schools, maiming and killing young students. Isn’t that evil and a crime. Shouldn’t we reprimand those at fault,” he added.
On diplomatic engagement, Anwar said Malaysia’s ties with Iran had enabled assurances for the safe passage of Malaysian-owned vessels during regional tensions, although one tanker was briefly stranded after entering a conflict zone involving the United States and Iran.
The Prime Minister added that the government, in respect of domestic mitigation measures, is considering reducing road tax for diesel-powered vehicles as part of efforts to ease cost pressures on affected users.
He said discussions had already taken place with Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, with the ministry tasked to refine implementation details.
“I have asked the Transport Ministry and the secretary-general to find ways so that in the near future we can reduce road tax for diesel vehicles. That can be done,” he said.
Anwar noted that diesel vehicles account for around 1.8 million units nationwide, a relatively small proportion of the overall vehicle population, but acknowledged that owners are feeling the impact of higher fuel costs.
He made the remarks during the launch of the Road Transport Department’s (RTD) 80th anniversary celebrations and the MADANI Mega Carnival at Batu Kawan Stadium in Penang on Saturday where he also officiated national programmes focused on public welfare and development.
The event was attended by Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and RTD Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli. - April 25, 2026
