MANILA: Malaysia’s relationship with the United States will not prevent it from engaging independently with other countries, including China, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
He said foreign investments must operate within Malaysia’s national policy framework and respect its interests, as the country navigates an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment.
“You are an investor; you can decide what to do, but it must be through our framework, our national policy. And the protection of our interests as a nation,” he said at a dinner held in conjunction with his working visit for the 49th ASEAN Summit here tonight.
Also present were the Prime Minister’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul and Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Datuk Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony.
Anwar said he had conveyed Malaysia’s independent position during a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about a week and a half ago, during which issues involving data centres, chips and artificial intelligence were raised.
He said the assurances he gave during that conversation did not preclude Malaysia’s right to make its own decisions on engagement with other countries, including China.
Meanwhile, Anwar said the ASEAN Summit provided an important opportunity to chart the region’s course through a turbulent period marked by geopolitical uncertainties.
Engagement with different powers reflected both Malaysia’s foreign policy approach and ASEAN centrality, with smaller countries needing to navigate difficult circumstances carefully.
On the economy, the Prime Minister said attracting investments and securing projects must go hand in hand with clean government and efforts to prevent abuse of power.
“Good governance is central to me,” he said, reaffirming his determination to continue policies to combat corruption.
Anwar said Malaysia should be recognised not only for its vibrant economy but also for its firm position against abuse of power and endemic corruption, which ultimately caused hardship for ordinary people. – BERNAMA
