MalayMail/Bernama-May 23
Malaysia, which is set to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, will leverage on the multilateral platform to tackle regional issues, including territorial disputes in the South China Sea, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today. “When I assume the chairmanship of ASEAN (in 2025), I will call for ASEAN countries to take a common position, so that multilaterally, we can engage with neighbors including China to find an amicable resolution to differences,” he said at a question-and-answer session at the Nikkei Forum 29th Future of Asia here. Meanwhile, Anwar, who is also the finance minister reiterated that Malaysia is steadfast in its stand of not taking sides in the rivalry between the United States (US) and China, stressing the fact that Putrajaya will not be part of any “Cold War” mindset and is fiercely neutral in this matter. “Nobody, no country should dictate (what another country does) and we decide what is best for Malaysia,” he said when asked on the growing competition between the US and China. He added that Washington has been a traditional ally of Malaysia since its independence in 1957. “Cumulatively, the US is still Malaysia’s biggest trading partner and investor, and they are very aggressive in promoting investment. Therefore, all the big players in the US are welcome to invest in Malaysia,” said the prime minister. However, at the same time, Malaysia recognized Beijing’s growing economic and military strength. “I don’t share this ‘China-phobia’ policy. While I maintain excellent relations with the US, Japan and South Korea, it is better for the region to continue to engage with China.” Read more at:
