Kuala lumpur:<Text>

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that Malaysia will remain committed to advocating for the sovereign rights of all nations, with a particular focus on those that were historically colonised, while adhering to international law.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia's stance is indicative of its position as a developing nation that consistently upholds the principles of international law and global order. Anwar emphasized Malaysia's position as a free and sovereign nation, guided by legal principles and international norms, in light of recent developments in Venezuela.

Anwar highlighted Malaysia's firm and consistent position on international issues, citing examples such as Gaza and Venezuela. He recalled Malaysia's historical opposition to apartheid in South Africa and its support for the independence of formerly colonised nations. These remarks were made during his 2026 New Year Message at the Prime Minister's Departmen t monthly assembly.

In response to the recent detention of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife by US forces, Anwar expressed concern, describing the operation as unprecedented and a violation of international law. He condemned the use of force against a sovereign nation to remove its head of government through external intervention as unjustifiable.

US President Donald Trump stated that US forces captured Maduro and his wife, transporting them to New York to face federal charges. Trump further announced that the US would oversee Venezuela until a 'safe, proper and judicious transition' is achieved.