SHAH ALAM, Oct 28 — The recent trade agreement signed with the United States will not stop Malaysia from strengthening its ties with China and other nations, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, dismissing claims that the country is aligning with any major power.
Speaking to the press after the 47th Asean Summit today, Anwar said the decision to engage with various partners demonstrates wisdom in diplomacy.
He reaffirmed Malaysia will continue to strengthen Asean’s central role by engaging with all parties while maintaining neutrality and respect among nations.
“(Some criticised) the trade deal with the US. Yes, we agreed on matters concerning rare earths, semiconductors, and maritime, for example, but does that prevent us from having a relationship with China and others? No,” he said, while rubbishing claims that Malaysia is kowtowing to the US.
“If we were afraid of the US, we wouldn’t have signed the Asean-China Free Trade Agreement 3.0 right after President Trump’s visit. This shows that diplomacy, not submission, defines Malaysia’s foreign policy.”
Anwar said Malaysia’s balanced foreign policy reflects the country’s commitment to safeguarding its national image, economy, and people’s welfare.
“Some asked why we seem to favour China, yet we are also friendly with the US. Others asked why we were very welcoming of the US, but we are also close with Brazil and South Africa, which some Western countries dislike.
“These are decisions made to protect the nation’s image, its economy, investments and, more importantly, to benefit the people. When we maintain good relations, investors, traders and tourists come in, and the benefits go directly to the people.”
During Trump’s visit, Malaysia and the US signed a reciprocal trade deal to enhance economic cooperation and grant exporters from both nations greater access to each other’s markets.
Key terms in the Malaysia-US Reciprocal Trade Agreement include Malaysia’s provision of significant preferential market access for US industrial goods and exports such as chemicals, machinery and electrical equipment, metals, and passenger vehicles.
