Weighing in on the current controversy that has pushed the foreign minister into a defensive position, Anifah was of the view that the term was not only inappropriate but had also put China in a difficult and embarrassing position.

“As Malaysia’s top diplomat, Hishammuddin should be more circumspect and tactful in his choice of words or phrases.

“After all, as the saying goes, diplomacy is the first line of defence.

“Instead of arguing and trying to justify his action, Hishammuddin should just accept that he has committed a diplomatic faux pas,” said Anifah in a statement.

Yesterday, Hishammuddin clarified that he had referred to his Chinese counterpart as “elder brother”, in view of his age and seniority, and was not referring to the republic itself.

Anifah claimed that state councillor and foreign minister Wang Yi’s body language said it all, as he had quickly responded by uttering the phrase “we are brothers”.

He said it was wrong enough to commit a diplomatic faux pas but to argue and try to justify his actions “clearly shows the real character of the person”.

Earlier, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim continued to lambast Hishammuddin despite his clarification, saying the use of this phrase was potentially at the expense of our “national interests, security and sovereignty”.

China is Malaysia’s largest trade partner, but relations between the two countries have been tested in recent years by Beijing’s assertive foreign policy in the region, especially its maritime claims in the resource-rich South China Sea, some of which are in conflict with Malaysia’s own claims.