Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia's position is clear that it remains non-aligned and will not be drawn into great power rivalries, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He pointed out that Malaysia rejects economic coercion and unilateral actions that undermine regional stability.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized support for a rules-based multilateral system that ensures fairness, transparency, and representation for all, particularly for the Global South. He articulated these views during his keynote address at the China Conference: Southeast Asia 2025.
He also highlighted that ASEAN's major foreign policy thrust is the principle of centrality to ensure it remains fiercely independent, enabling engagement with all countries, including traditional western partners and emerging forces like China in the east, along with other Asian countries. Anwar noted that ASEAN must also expand its global engagement beyond traditional partners.
Strengthening ties with China, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), BRICS, and other emerging economies, Anwar explained, is not about choosing sides. Instead, it is about ensuring ASEAN's strategic relevance in a multipolar world. By diversifying its partnerships, ASEAN could enhance its economic resilience, tap into new investment opportunities, and play a more proactive role in shaping global governance frameworks.
Furthermore, ASEAN's economic resilience would depend on its ability to effectively navigate three critical challenges: supply chain disruptions and diversification; energy security and sustainability; and the digital economy and artificial intelligence. Anwar emphasized the need to establish common standards for data protection, facilitate seamless cross-border digital trade, and invest in capacity-building initiatives to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that all ASEAN member states can fully harness the benefits of technological advancements.
By fostering a secure, innovative, and inclusive digital ecosystem, Anwar concluded, ASEAN can position itself at the forefront of the global digital economy, driving sustainable growth and shared prosperity for the region.