Ankara: Emerging countries must realize that their future should not necessarily be 'tied to the dictates of the big powers, be it United States or China,' Malaysia's prime minister said Wednesday. Speaking at a public lecture titled "Power Shift: Strategic Choices for Malaysia and Trkiye," organized jointly by the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA) and the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim criticized the current international order.

According to Anadolu Agency - English, the premier highlighted the failure of the international system, where political leaders have displayed contradictions and hypocrisy, rendering democracy and human rights ineffective and questioned within societies. Anwar praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his 'realistic position' in the global context. He noted the need for a 'voice of conscience' and a consistent moral stance in the world today.

Anwar emphasized the importance of emerging countries understanding that their future is not inherently bound to the influence of major powers such as the United States or China. SETA General Coordinator Nebi Mis acknowledged the growing momentum in the relations between Ankara and Kuala Lumpur amidst global uncertainty. Mis also expressed gratitude to Malaysia for its opposition to Israeli actions in Gaza, which he described as catastrophic for the region.

On the international front, Anwar highlighted Malaysia's firm stance on the situation in Venezuela, asserting the necessity for actions to align with international rules and laws without unilateral measures. Regarding Gaza, he reiterated Malaysia's support for the Palestinian struggle, criticizing the international community's exceptions for Israel's actions, which he equated with colonialism. Anwar condemned the expansion in the West Bank and Palestinian regions as acts of colonialism and oppression, urging the world to express disgust at these actions.