MANILA: Malaysia’s relationship with the United States will not prevent it from engaging independently with other countries, including China, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said foreign investments must operate within Malaysia’s national policy framework and respect the country’s interests as it 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 Anwar’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 discussed.
He said the assurances given during the conversation did not prevent Malaysia from making its own decisions on engagement with other countries, including China.
Anwar said the Asean Summit also provided an important opportunity to chart the region’s course through a turbulent period marked by geopolitical uncertainty.
He said engagement with different global powers reflected Malaysia’s foreign policy approach and Asean centrality, adding that smaller countries needed to navigate the challenging circumstances carefully.
On the economy, Anwar said attracting investments and securing projects must go hand in hand with good governance and efforts to prevent abuse of power.
“Good governance is central to me,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to policies aimed at combating corruption.
He said Malaysia should be recognised not only for its vibrant economy but also for its firm stance against abuse of power and endemic corruption, which ultimately caused hardship for ordinary people.