SEOUL, Nov 26 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated Malaysia's stance that every country has the right to strengthen its national defence, but this does not mean they have the right to engage in provocations or threats against other countries.
In this context, he said Malaysia strongly condemns the actions of North Korea, which launched a ballistic missile in October, threatening South Korea's security.
“For me, every country has the right to conduct any programme to strengthen its national defence, but not the right to engage in provocations.
[caption id="attachment_380989" align="alignright" width="390"]
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks during the luncheon in honour of his visit to South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, at the Yongsan Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea, on November 25, 2024. — Picture by SADIQ ASYRAF/PEJABAT PERDANA MENTERI[/caption]
“This is because such actions will only escalate regional tensions,” he told the Malaysian press on the last day of his visit to South Korea today.
The three-day visit, which began on Sunday (November 24), was at the invitation of President Yoon Suk-yeol.
According to local news reports, the South Korean military has claimed that North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles earlier this month, marking the second such launch by the country against South Korea.
Last month, North Korea also conducted a test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, the most advanced and powerful solid-fuel missile in its arsenal.
Meanwhile, Anwar also expressed Malaysia’s support for President Yoon’s vision of reunifying the Korean Peninsula.
This stance was positively welcomed by President Yoon during their second bilateral meeting.
“President Yoon also thanked us and expressed his appreciation for our support in moving towards Korean reunification. Rather than continuing with hostility and conflict, it is better for them to work towards unification,” he said.
— Bernama
