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Malaysia PM Calls for Immediate Release of Venezuela’s Maduro After U.S. Capture

By The South Asia Times

Kuala Lumpur - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday called for the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, a day after they were captured in a U.S. military operation.

In a post on X, Anwar said he was following developments in Venezuela “with grave concern,” describing the seizure of the Venezuelan leader and his wife as an operation of “unusual scope and nature.”

"President Maduro and his wife must be released without any undue delay. Whatever may be the reasons, the forcible removal of a sitting head of government through external action sets a dangerous precedent. It erodes fundamental restraints on the use of power between states and weakens the legal framework that underpins international order," he said.

Anwar added that It is for the people of Venezuela to determine their own political future.

"As history has shown, abrupt changes in leadership brought about through external force will bring more harm than good, what more in a country already grappling with prolonged economic hardship and deep social strain," he said.

"Malaysia regards respect for international law and sovereignty as paramount to peaceful relations between states. Constructive engagement, dialogue and de-escalation remain the most credible path towards an outcome that protects civilians and allows Venezuelans to pursue their legitimate aspirations without further harm."

The remarks came after Venezuela accused the United States of attacking civilian and military sites and declared a national emergency. U.S. President Donald Trump later confirmed a “large-scale” strike, saying Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country.