By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, May 26 — Malaysia is strategically broadening its economic horizons, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent visit to Russia seen as part of a wider push to tap into new markets and advanced technologies, especially in nuclear energy.
According to geostrategist and Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Azmi Hassan, Russia’s willingness to share its high technology presents a rare opportunity for Malaysia to diversify its capabilities.
“We need a new opening in this particular case, not only Russia, but also … eastern Europe in this case, but I think a very good opportunity is the transfer of technology from Russia — high technology.
“For example, we have talked about nuclear energy for civilian purposes,” he told Media Selangor recently.
During Anwar’s recent visit to Russia, he said close Malaysian-Russian ties will be translated into more conducive trade relations, including the exploration of new sectors.
He highlighted that Malaysia is set to benefit from the high tourism potential from Russia through Russian airline Aeroflot, which is set to resume flights to Malaysia soon.
Anwar met with the representatives of 24 companies in Russia that expressed interest in expanding their businesses in Malaysia, and held two business events with companies wanting to learn more about trade aspects in the country.
Elaborating, Azmi emphasised that Malaysia remains compliant with international norms, saying it will only adhere to United Nations-sanctioned restrictions, not unilateral pressures from foreign governments.
“We are not aligning with Russia; we are opening up to more partners, including China, Gulf countries, eastern Europe, and even the European Union through Asean negotiations,” he said.
[caption id="attachment_400903" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim shakes hands with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin during the official welcome for Anwar as part of his four-day official visit to the country, at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on May 14, 2024. — Picture by SADIQ ASYRAF/PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE[/caption]
However, Azmi cautioned that international media portrayals could manipulate public perception, citing a recent BBC News segment that used footage of Anwar’s Moscow visit over unrelated coverage of the Ukraine conflict, which he said may mislead viewers into thinking Malaysia is siding with Russia.
Building on that perspective, Universiti Malaya Asia-Europe Institute executive director Datuk Rajah Rasiah pointed out that several main sectors that could benefit from Malaysia’s ties with Russia, including palm oil exports, the halal industry, and tourism.
With EU restrictions narrowing the palm oil market, Russia could offer a vital alternative for Malaysian producers. In return, Malaysia could import wheat, fertilisers, and cheaper oil and gas, especially crucial as its own reserves are expected to be depleted by 2035.
“The halal industry could get a boost if Russia and Malaysia cooperate in building technological capabilities to raise efficiency while observing effective Islamic certification.
“There are several (Russian) states in which Muslims form a sizeable population, like Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, and Karachay-Cherkessia.
“Malaysia can seek the entry of tourists from Russia, the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, and vice versa. The Caucasus countries of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan can also join,” he said.
He added that closer Asean-Eurasia cooperation could spark growth in both tourism and academic exchanges.
Both experts agreed Malaysia’s foreign policy remains grounded in non-alignment, with Rajah highlighting the Zone of Peace, Freedom, and Neutrality (Zopfan) introduced by former prime minister Tun Abdul Razak as the foundation of this approach.
“Malaysia has long taken a balanced position, choosing to engage with all powers — be it the US, China, or Russia — without aligning itself entirely with any,” said Rajah.
He added that Malaysia’s BRICS membership bid further reinforces its role as a “middle power” that champions fairness and global cooperation.
Even as it courts economic opportunities, Malaysia continues to uphold the principles of neutrality and justice, including voicing opposition to atrocities, such as the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
