DAVOS, Switzerland: Pragmatic dialogue and collaboration are key to navigating the complexities of international relations, particularly in Malaysia's engagements with major powers such as the United States and China, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday (Jan 21).
He said that it is essential for nations to engage thoughtfully and constructively.
"I haven’t had the chance to engage with the (United States) President Donald Trump, but from what I see in his pronouncements, I believe he will approach matters pragmatically,” Anwar said during the ‘Country Strategy Dialogue’ session, on the sideline of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Summit 2025, in response to a question about what he would ask President Trump and China's President Xi Jinping if they were to share the same stage.
The session was moderated by Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
While Trump’s rhetoric, focused on the interests of his electorate and the United States, can be concerning in a globalised world, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, believes that Trump is well aware of interdependence.
"I think he also knows that the interest of United States, with interdependence... with globalised trade, that require him to listen to the diverse interests outside, including China,” he said.
As for his several engagements with President Xi, the Prime Minister said there is a level of preparedness to learn and engage on various issues, including the South China Sea, which the West often labels as highly contentious.
Anwar highlighted Malaysia's unique position as a maritime state, sharing borders with all Asean countries as well as China.
"We have unresolved issues with Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, and the Philippines. (But) why is it that the problem only seems to be with China?” he asked.
"And they say, Oh, are you being defensive? No, it's not the case. I am simply stating the facts. Is there a problem? Yes, there is (a problem). But the issue involves the entire region. Are we going to wage war over it? No.
The Prime Minister emphasised that these matters must not be approached defensively, but rather with a firm commitment to dialogue and Malaysia has been proactive in seeking collaborative solutions.
"(For instance), we still face some challenges with Thailand, but these have been addressed - one through a joint development authority and the other by focusing on joint development in the economically disadvantaged regions of Southern Thailand and Northern Malaysia.
He added that, similarly, Malaysia approaches its engagements with China, which has become a trusted and valued partner by emphasising the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration.
Hence, Malaysia has made significant strides in establishing itself as a trusted partner with China, while also recognising the United States as an equally important partner, as cumulatively it remains the largest investor in Malaysia.
Anwar also expressed optimism about future collaborations, urging American companies to increase their investments in Malaysia.
"If tech giants like Intel can establish a centre of excellence in Penang, there’s no reason others can’t follow suit,” said the Prime Minister, adding that Malaysia, as a trading nation, is always pragmatic in its approach.
"As an emerging economy dependent on trade, we have to make friends, and there's no reason why we should not do so.
Anwar reiterated Asean's potential as a model of unity and cooperation amidst global tensions, highlighting Malaysia's unique multicultural fabric and its commitment to fostering peace.
On a separate question about Japan’s role in Asean, Anwar said that the recent official visit by Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to Malaysia - which is also the Asean Chair for 2025, from Jan 9 to 10 - underscores the importance Japan places on the potential of Asean.
It was Ishiba's first visit to Malaysia since he assumed office as Japan's Prime Minister in October 2024.
Among the topics discussed was the Asean Power Grid (APG), in which Japan is a key partner. The APG aims to expand the region's power transmission and distribution networks.
Japan remains a very important partner to Malaysia and Asean, said Anwar who is currently on a three-day working visit to attend WEF 2025, which is his first since assuming office in 2022. - Bernama
