Kuala Lumpur: No nation should dictate Malaysia's policies-be it on trade, investment, or foreign relations-said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. He emphasized that Malaysia is an independent country and will decide what is in its best interest. "As long as our economic engagements with other nations bring positive spillovers and benefit our people, we will continue them," he stated.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tengku Zafrul made these remarks during an inquiry from Yonden Lhatoo, managing editor, content, at South China Morning Post, about whether Malaysia would persist in supporting its relationship with Hong Kong amid the United States' recent trade policy tensions. "During our ASEAN chairmanship, we have consistently upheld our position of being non-aligned and neutral," he noted. He further assured that Malaysia remains committed to honoring all its trade and economic commitments with Hong Kong, so long as Hong Kong continues to offer a platform for engagement, particularly in trade and investment.

Tengku Zafrul also highlighted ASEAN's commitment to maintaining its independence as a bloc. He pointed out that ASEAN has successfully navigated past geopolitical tensions, including the Cold War and policies from both the Trump and Biden administrations in the United States. "We have always charted our own course," he remarked, indicating a strong stance on the region's autonomy.

Malaysia's openness to global trade remains steadfast, he said. The country is actively exploring economic engagements across various regions, including renegotiating the Malaysia-European Union Free Trade Agreement, strengthening ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and advancing discussions on Malaysia's potential membership in BRICS. "Our approach is to maintain ASEAN's centrality and enhance intra-ASEAN trade, ensuring our economic resilience amid external pressures," Tengku Zafrul added.