[COLUMNIST] Vocal Diplomacy: Selective Critiques and Silent Choices

KUALA LUMPUR: The ever-changing tides of international politics have a way of revealing leaders' true colours.

For Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, these colours appear to be paradoxically vivid and muted, depending on the issue at hand.

Anwar's recent vocal criticism of Israel following its confrontation with Hamas starkly contrasts his palpable silence on the Uyghur crisis in China.

The question that we may ask is: why?

A Vocal Critique of Israel

Anwar's words were nothing short of scathing when he addressed the Israel-Hamas confrontation.

Citing the need to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people, Anwar made it a point to highlight the reported civilian casualties and the plight of the Palestinian children.

In a rousing address at the Solidarity with Palestine rally recently held at Axiata Arena Stadium, he passionately declared Malaysia's unwavering stance against Israeli aggression in Palestine.

Despite facing criticism from certain factions in Europe, the United States, and Israel, Anwar firmly asserted Malaysia's commitment to its principles.

"Malaysia is a fiercely independent country. We decide what is right, and we understand the meaning of freedom," he proclaimed, emphasizing that external threats would not deter the nation's resolve.

Anwar further highlighted the West's potential to learn from Malaysia's exemplary respect for various races and religions.

While many world leaders voiced concerns over the escalating violence and the need for a peaceful resolution, Anwar's voice was particularly resonant.

Given Malaysia's historical support for Palestinian statehood, his stand on this issue aligns with the country's long-held foreign policy stance.

Silent on the Uyghurs

But then comes the matter of the Uyghurs, a Muslim minority group in China's Xinjiang region. According to human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, there's compelling evidence to suggest that over a million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities are detained in "re-education" camps.

Reports of forced labor, torture, and even forced sterilization have made headlines worldwide. And yet, Anwar's silence on this issue is deafening. China's economic and geopolitical prowess seems to have muzzled Malaysia's most vocal leaders, including Anwar.

The glaring discrepancy between Anwar's criticism of Israel and his appeasement of China is jarring and raises questions about his and Malaysia's broader foreign policy objectives.

South China Sea Tensions

Beyond the Uyghur issue, Anwar's accommodating stance toward China becomes even more baffling when considering the South China Sea (SCS) disputes. Historically, tensions between China and several Southeast Asian nations, including Malaysia, have persisted over territorial claims in the SCS.

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), there have been numerous incidents where Chinese vessels intruded into Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Yet, in an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour, Anwar stated that he was "very pleased" with China. Such a sentiment feels misplaced, especially when we look at Beijing's actions.

The Huawei Conundrum

Further complicating matters is Anwar's recent announcement, dated 27 September 2023, where he endorsed the inclusion of Huawei, a Chinese tech giant, in Malaysia's 5G rollout.

Huawei's inclusion in various nations' 5G infrastructure has been a point of contention globally. Concerns over data privacy, espionage, and the company's close ties with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have led countries like the U.S., Australia, and the U.K. to either ban or restrict Huawei's participation in their 5G networks.

By welcoming Huawei without a comprehensive review or transparent selection process, Anwar's decision raises questions about Malaysia's commitment to data security and its vulnerability to external influences.

Conclusion

Foreign policy, by its very nature, is a complex tapestry of choices and trade-offs. But consistency in values and principles is essential to navigate the intricacies of international relations. Anwar's vocal criticism of Israel juxtaposed with his silent acquiescence to China's actions, both domestically and in the South China Sea, raises concerns about his—and by extension, Malaysia's—true priorities.

In a world that's rapidly changing, where geopolitical alliances shift and economic considerations often outweigh human rights concerns, one can only hope that leaders like Anwar would find their voice when it truly matters.

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* Rahman Hussin runs his own boutique advisory firm, Imperium Consulting and regularly shares his insights on business, trade, politics and geo-politics.

** The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Astro AWANI.