Malaysia free to forge ties with any country - Anwar

Malaysia is free to voice its views and stance, including in forging good relationships with any country, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“Malaysia needs allies, investments, and this country has no intention to go to war with others, we want to be on good terms with everyone,” he said.

He was speaking during a dialogue session with chief editors and senior editors of the country’s electronic, print, and online media in Putrajaya today.

Anwar said the Look East Policy, which previously only made Japan and South Korea models of economic development, now also includes China.

“The Look East Policy (only focused on) Japan and South Korea (because) back then, China’s economic situation was gloomy, but now, China’s economy has made a quantum leap in terms of its technology, industry, and strength of its universities.

“(China President) Xi Jinping also emphasises several interesting matters because he is the only leader who talks about civilisation and values, that is why I say the Look East Policy should comprise China, Japan, and South Korea,” he said.

The Look East Policy was introduced by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1982 to study economic modernisation strategies, especially from Japan and South Korea.

Meanwhile, Anwar added that Malaysia’s relationship with the United States remained good despite Malaysia maintaining good ties with China.

“Before and after (the leadership of US president) Joe Biden, Malaysia’s ties with the United States are still good, but don’t assume that we cannot voice out our opinions.

“China is our neighbour, it is a major power, it has a good relationship with us, we are on good terms with it, it has a problem with the US, that is its problem with the US, why must we meddle more than that,” he said.

- Bernama