Malaysian PM on buying Russian oil: My mandate is to protect people

JAKARTA - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his views on the opportunity to purchase Russian crude oil amid potential international sanctions.

In a joint statement session with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, following their meeting in Malaysia on Thursday, Anwar said Malaysia had good relations with Russia and he had a mandate to protect the interests of the people.

"As a country, we have relations with many countries. The largest trade investment is still from the United States. Nevertheless, we have good bilateral relations with Russia," said Anwar Ibrahim in Malaysia, Thursday, April 16, reported by ANTARA.

He did not give specific explanations regarding the certainty or negotiation of the purchase of crude oil from Russia. He stated that his priority was to carry out the mandate of the people.

"Now I think there is an absolute need that we must manage. Because my priority, the mandate I have, is to protect the interests of the people in this country," said Anwar.

Meanwhile, regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Anwar stated that the fact of an attack on a country cannot be ignored.

Therefore, said Anwar, Malaysia while supporting the position of freedom of navigation, also encourages guarantees to end hostilities and attacks, including sanctions against other countries.