In the interview with Al Jazeera, Anwar – who spoke to journalist Sreenivasan Jain in the “A Changing World? The Contest for Global Power” programme – was asked about his views on Taiwan’s reluctance to accept Chinese rule.
The interviewer asked: “Much of the world recognises Taiwan to be part of China, so do you, but you are seen as someone who stands up for democracy, for people’s aspirations. Does the will of the Taiwanese people not count because poll after poll shows that overwhelmingly (they) do not want to be ruled by Beijing?”
Anwar replied saying that historical reasons must be considered, emphasising that Taiwan is indeed a part of China.
“I see Taiwan as part of China, period,” he said.
“We may disagree with … There are some excesses. Yes, express your view. But it must be in that context. It is one China. It is accepted by all,” he said.
When asked to comment on China’s position that it reserved the right to use force if peaceful reunification fails, Anwar cited Malaysia as an example.
“I will use Malaysia as an example. If one province decides to break away, do we use force? I think I will protect the sanctity and unity of the nation,” he said.
Asked whether that meant he would use force in the event of a possible secession, Anwar replied: “Yes, otherwise (the country) will be fragmented.”
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly condemned Anwar’s comments in a statement on Tuesday.
It said that Anwar had made “false” remarks by “absurdly implying that (Taiwan) is a separatist province of China and publicly rationalising China’s stance on unifying Taiwan by force”, as reported by Malaysiakini.
„Given the close link between national sovereignty and economic security, (Anwar) Ibrahim’s support for China could negatively affect the confidence of Taiwanese businesses investing in Malaysia,“ the ministry added, as quoted by Taiwan News.
Malaysia’s Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the government’s spokesperson, said on Wednesday that Anwar’s comments were “not discussed” during its weekly cabinet meeting.
