Malaysia’s Huawei and Iran support could spook US

Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad made it clear that his country will continue using Huawei smart phones despite a ban imposed by US President Donald Trump.

Dr Mahathir has dismissed claims of security risks uncovered by the US in Huawei Technologies’ 5G network adding that Malaysia needs the technology it provides, which should eclipse any concerns about espionage.

“We are too small to have any effect on a huge company like Huawei, whose research is far bigger than Malaysia’s entire research capability. So we try to make use of their technology as much as possible.

“Yes, there may be spying or whatever, but what is there to spy on in Malaysia? We are an open book, everybody knows that.

“If any country wants to invade Malaysia, they can walk through and we will not resist because it is a waste of time,” he says.

Malaysia is known for its not so pro-US stance in the international arena under the leadership of Dr Mahathir and his return to power last year has confirmed the foreign policy directions of the country.

It is not in favour of China’s political moves in the region but support Beijing’s Belt & Road Initiative seen as a means of conquest of Asia and Africa by the American administration.

Dr Mahathir has also proposed a new currency based on gold as it is more stable. He says the current currency trading is manipulative while precious metal can be used to evaluate the exports and imports among East Asian countries.

He said debt settlements can be arranged using that new currency based on gold but the currency must relate to the local currency as to the exchange rate.

He believes this can be related to the export and import performance of that country and the government will know how much it owes and payment can be made with the special currency.

He adds that the wobbling US dollar impacts the rest of the world blaming the 1997 Asian crisis on ‘paper money’ and on events that occurred beyond Malaysia’s control.

Nevertheless, the anti-US stance is enhanced with PM in waiting Anwar Ibrahim urging the government to stand up and defend Iran.

Anwar says he relayed PKR’s fear expressed during a central leadership council meeting on the threat posed by United States against the Iranian leadership.

Meeting Dr Mahathir four days ago, Anwar informed the Prime Minister the government needs to issue a strong stand by rejecting any provocation on all Muslim countries.

US president Donald Trump warned that Iran would be destroyed if Teheran attacked any of Washington’s interests after Teheran was accused of attacking Saudi Arabian oil assets last week followed by rocket attacks into the Green Zone in Baghdad, Iraq, where many government buildings and embassies are located.

Dr Mahathir also said trade wars are stupid.