THE recent tension between India and Malaysia should be settled amicably as it involves the nation’s economy, said Anwar Ibrahim.

The PKR president was commenting on reports that India was considering a trade ban following statements made by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad on the conflict in Jammu and Kashmir at the United Nations General Assembly.

This drew New Delhi’s ire, with social media users calling for a boycott on all Malaysian goods. #BoycottMalaysia became one of Twitter’s top hashtags.

“I think we need to resolve this amicably as it is important for our economy,” Anwar told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

India’s top vegetable trade body, Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA), recently advised its members to stop buying palm oil from Malaysia to punish the country for criticising India.

Yesterday, Dr Mahathir said he won’t retract the statement made about the conflict.

Anwar, who is Port Dickson MP said, Dr Mahathir is a person who is consistent with his views.

“Dr Mahathir is known to be very consistent in his views. He is probably representing the sentiment of some in the country,” Anwar said.

The Primary Industries Ministry yesterday urged SEA not to deter its members from importing Malaysian palm oil over remarks on New Delhi’s action in Kashmir.

Minister Teresa Kok said its call for members to refrain from buying Malaysian palm oil “is a major setback in the progressing cooperation and working relations between Malaysia and India”.

Earlier today, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy had also urged Putrajaya to mend its deteriorating relationship with New Delhi.

The DAP leader had said Dr Mahathir need not apologise to India, but said that some positive moves on the part of the Malaysian government may have the potential to reverse the deteriorating relationship. – October 23, 2019.