Malaysia upholds principles while engaging major powers, says Anwar

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says maintaining good relations with major powers such as China and the US has never compromised Malaysia’s principles on international issues.

He said Malaysia practises a policy of friendship with all countries while remaining firm in safeguarding its national interests, including in matters related to trade, investment and law enforcement.

“We are friends to all, but we keep our principles. If (Israel) does something wrong against Gaza, we will say it is wrong,” Bernama reported him saying at a Pakatan Harapan rally in Muar, Johor, tonight.

Anwar said Malaysia’s close ties with China had brought benefits in trade, investment and education, but the government would not compromise on the enforcement of the law.

“We have good relations with China because China has been good to us. We can trade, do business and send our children there to study.

“However, if there are parties who violate regulations and conduct business without permits, we will still take action. We are friends, but we will always protect national interests,” he said.

Anwar said the good ties Malaysia had fostered with various countries, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, China and the US, allowed it to play a more effective role internationally without sacrificing national interests.

The prime minister said that despite being a small country, Malaysia was widely respected internationally, having hosted many major world leaders, including US president Donald Trump, Chinese president Xi Jinping and Chinese premier Li Qiang.