KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 -- PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has criticised Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein for using what he termed as inappropriate terminology during a working visit to China.

Although he did not deny China is a friend to Malaysia with whom better trade and investment ties should be forged, Anwar expressed astonishment over the fact that Hishammuddin referred to the nation as Malaysia's "big brother" during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

"This is not the language and style that should be used in the diplomatic world and international relations, as it seemingly implies Malaysia is a puppet to a foreign power," he said in a statement.

Anwar characterised Hishammuddin's remarks as an...