LAHAD DATU: As a sovereign and independent nation, Malaysia has the right to determine what is best for itself and its people, including how it establishes diplomatic ties with other countries, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

As such, he said that no party should attempt to put pressure on the country in that aspect as Malaysia aims to maintain good relations with all countries.

The Prime Minister, who recently returned from a working visit to Russia, also said that his meeting with President Vladimir Putin was aimed at strengthening Kuala Lumpur’s relationship with Moscow and encouraging Russia to increase its import of palm oil from Malaysia.

"On my meeting with President Putin, some people questioned why Malaysia would seek to improve relations with Russia, and what America or Europe might think.

"We are a free and independent country, we decide what is best for our nation.

"We should maintain good relations with all countries, but no country should try to pressure us,” he said while launching the ‘Segalanya Felda’ Carnival here on Thursday (Sept 12). - Bernama

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/12/malaysians-will-decide-on-country039s-best-interests-says-anwar