PUTRAJAYA, Apr 9 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has warned that the spread of inaccurate information regarding oil price increases linked to the West Asian conflict is misleading the public and obscuring the true situation.
He criticised certain quarters, including politicians, for making irresponsible statements that confuse rather than inform.
“There are comments from some politicians who speak hastily, offering half-truths and presenting them as absolute facts.
“They have only a partial understanding but attempt to portray their views as definitive,” he said when speaking at the Transport Ministry’s monthly assembly here today.
Also present were Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
Anwar stressed that while everyone has the right to express opinions, such views must be grounded in accurate facts.
“We have the right to criticise and offer counter-views. However, we do not have the right to make judgments based on incorrect or misleading information,” he said.
He also took issue with attempts by some parties to distort facts by framing them using religious arguments.
“This reflects a superficial understanding cloaked in religious references, which may appear convincing but ultimately misleads the public,” he added.
Previously, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang claimed that the people were being “deceived” by the government following the rise in oil prices in Peninsular Malaysia, while questioning why similar measures were not implemented in Sabah and Sarawak.
In a statement issued yesterday, he argued that there was no strong justification for the price increase, noting that Malaysia is not directly involved in Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the prime minister emphasised that Malaysia’s diplomatic capabilities remain a key strength in protecting national interests amid global conflicts.
He said the country’s strong network of international relationships allows it to respond more effectively to regional and global challenges.
As an example, Anwar cited Malaysia’s good relations with Iran, which recently ensured safe passage for Malaysian merchant ships, including Petronas vessels, through the Strait of Hormuz.
“In my discussions with the President of Iran (Masoud Pezeshkian), he assured me that all necessary measures would be taken immediately to allow our ships to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
The Foreign Ministry previously confirmed that one of seven Malaysian ships previously stranded in the strait due to regional tensions has been granted safe passage and is continuing to its final destination.
This followed high-level diplomatic engagement between Anwar and the President of Iran on March 26, which secured approval for all seven vessels to resume their journeys.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but strategic passage, handles around 20 per cent of the world’s crude oil and gas. Its transit has been disrupted due to ongoing attacks by the United States and Israel on Iranian territory since February 28.
Commenting on the wider impact, Anwar said the West Asia conflict has affected the global economy, including Malaysia, despite the country not being directly involved.
He described the war as an unexpected crisis triggered by Israel and supported by the United States, causing instability in Gulf countries and global markets.
“The conflict was not our fault, but terrorism initiated by Israel and backed by America has wreaked havoc across the Gulf and the world economy,” he said.
Anwar added that the repercussions would be long-term, particularly in the energy sector.
Quoting the Emir of Qatar, he said gas operations in the region will take at least three years to recover, with full performance expected in three to five years.
