Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim strongly rebuked conservative American political commentator Bill O’Reilly for his recent remark claiming Southeast Asia “has no money”, calling the statement arrogant and ignorant.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said the comment not only reflects O’Reilly’s lack of understanding of the current realities in the region but also reveals a narrow worldview shaped by racial bias and colonialist ideology.

“This is a clear display of...