PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed hope that the Democrats’ gains in the United States midterm elections will help ease geopolitical tensions, particularly hostility towards Islam and Iran.
He said the results carried a wider message against racial hatred and antagonism towards minority communities, including Muslims, which could contribute to a more positive international political climate.
“These are domestic political developments in the United States. Naturally, we are pleased that some of the candidates are people I know personally, while others represent minority communities, including Muslims.
“But I believe this sends a better message to the world, as many of them oppose attacks and hostility towards Islam and Iran. Hopefully, this can help ease international geopolitical tensions,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at Masjid Taman Kosas today.
Anwar said the government was monitoring whether the political shift could affect the implementation of reciprocal tariffs imposed by Washington on Malaysia.
He said the potential short- and medium-term implications were discussed at today's Cabinet meeting.
Nevertheless, Malaysia would continue efforts to strengthen relations with the US administration, he added.
In a related development, Anwar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by telephone on Thursday, discussing ways to expand economic cooperation under the Malaysia-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, upgraded in October 2025.
The US Department of State said the discussions included cooperation involving secure and advanced American technology, although no new agreements or investment commitments were announced.
The US remains one of Malaysia's largest trading partners and biggest sources of foreign investment. - November 6, 2026