(23 May 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tokyo, Japan – 23 May 2024
1. Various of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim shaking hands with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida
2. Kishida speaking
3. Anwar speaking
4. Anwar and Kishida holding a meeting
5. Anwar starting his speech at ‘Future of Asia’ forum
6. SOUNDBITE (English), Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysian Prime Minister: ++AUDIO QUALITY AS INCOMING++
“We called for a cease-fire and a peaceful resolution, respecting the two-state solution because that would ultimately ensure peace.”
7. Anwar on stage
8. Audience listening
9. Anwar seated next to moderator on stage
10. SOUNDBITE (English), Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysian Prime Minister: ++AUDIO QUALITY AS INCOMING++
“What did I do with the Hamas leaders? Yes I know them. I have known them for decades. There is no reason why I should not meet them. But when I met them, I said please, respect the decision of your neighbouring countries and try to secure peace, return the hostages in exchange of prisoners in Israel, and accept the two-state solution. Is that an offense? Did I promote terrorism? No. (inaudible) I appealed because I have an advantage. What is my advantage? I know them. And they consider me a friend. A duty as a friend is to convey what’s best in the interest of the Palestinians to secure a peaceful resolution.”
11. Pan from moderator to Anwar
12. SOUNDBITE (English), Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysian Prime Minister:
“It’s unfortunate that the United States is not using all its might, influence and resources to call for an end to the killings. That’s all they were asking.”
13. Tilt-up from audience to Anwar on stage
14. SOUNDBITE (English), Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysian Prime Minister:
(In response to question about US-China relations)
“We recognize there is a growing – economically, militarily – China, it is an important neighbour. I do not share this China-phobic policy. While we maintain excellent relations with the US, Japan, Korea, I think for Malaysia, for the region, it’s better to continue to engage with China.”
15. Anwar shakes hands with moderator
STORYLINE:
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim defended his ties with Hamas on Thursday as he called for a cease-fire and a “peaceful resolution” in the war in Gaza.
Speaking at a forum in Tokyo after meeting Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida, Anwar said his meeting with the Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital Doha last week was not an act to "promote terrorism."
“When I met them, I said please, respect the decision of your neighbouring countries and try to secure peace…accept the two-state solution. Is that an offense?”, said Anwar when questioned by the moderator of the Nikkei Forum about the meeting in Doha.
“I appealed because I have an advantage. What is my advantage? I know them. And they consider me a friend. A duty as a friend is to convey what’s best,” he added.
Predominantly Muslim Malaysia is a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause and doesn’t have diplomatic ties with Israel.
Anwar has refused to bow to Western pressure for him to cut ties with Hamas.
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