Malaysia to maintain neutral foreign policy, says Anwar

 

Malaysia will continue to pursue an independent, proactive, and non-aligned foreign policy, and will not hesitate to defend its national interests and principled positions on international issues, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.

He said the approach was deliberate, reflecting Malaysia’s identity, historical experience, and the need to adapt to an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Malaysia, he said, would continue to adopt positions, cultivate relationships, and support initiatives that advance its values, beliefs, and national interests.

“What we have strived for over the years when it comes to Malaysia’s foreign policy may be stated as the following - an approach that is principled, yet not constrained by rigidity; ambitious and bold without being reckless; fiercely independent, without forsaking the spirit of conviviality and collaboration,” he said.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, delivered the remarks in his keynote address at the 39th Asia Pacific Roundtable in Kuala Lumpur today.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

Also present was Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

‘We take stands, not sides’

Anwar stressed that Malaysia cannot remain neutral on matters involving fundamental rights, including the Palestinian struggle and efforts to counter Islamophobia, or on core national interests, including territorial sovereignty, even when dealing with major powers such as China and the United States.

“We take principled stances and positions but not sides. These include our unwavering support for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.

“The use of force or coercion, military or economic, will only compound resentment and unintended consequences.

“Other norms like the freedom of navigation, respect for sovereignty, and adherence to established legal frameworks are essential for regional and global stability,” he said.

He also reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to multilateralism and collaborative, consultative approaches in relations among nations, saying the country not only supports such mechanisms but is committed to defending them.

Global governance should reflect contemporary realities, with developing countries accorded greater representation in decision-making and the perspectives of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific carrying greater weight, he said.

The prime minister said the answer to growing global uncertainty and the weakening of international norms and institutions lies not in less multilateralism but in more effective cooperation, as no single country can address challenges such as climate change, pandemics, food security, and cyber threats on its own.

Economic ties as diplomacy

On economic diplomacy, Anwar said Malaysia would continue to deepen economic ties with its traditional trading and investment partners through existing free trade agreements while expanding trade with newer markets in West Asia, Central Asia, Latin America, and across the African continent.

“This is where economic diplomacy rides on geopolitics, yielding an ideal combination. Our approach is on genuine collaboration in areas such as halal industries, digital economy, agriculture, and green tech,” he said.

He added that Malaysia’s goal is to strengthen existing partnerships, build new ones and keep its economic ties broad-based, resilient, and forward-looking, stressing that diversification is no longer merely an economic strategy but a national necessity in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

- Bernama