INCREASED trade among Asean member countries can help mitigate geopolitical and economic uncertainties, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (pic).
The Foreign Minister said Malaysia will continue its commitment to open trade and active participation in various international collaborations.
“Internal trade is still low. We want to explore ways to trade among Asean members and improve this situation,” he said.
He reaffirmed Malaysia’s neutral stance, except when it comes to countries that violate human rights and international laws.
“This is in line with our foreign policies which are independent, principled and pragmatic where we are committed to strengthening relations with other countries for the benefit of all,” he said.
On the “America First” policy introduced by the new United States administration, Mohamad noted that it could change the country’s foreign policy, which can impact Malaysia.
However, he said Malaysia will undertake strategic measures to balance the country’s interest with the United States’ new approach.
“We will also take the opportunity to continue strengthening our bilateral relations with them.
“Malaysia will also continue working with other countries, which is why we have also been accepted as a partner country to BRICS,” he said.
He said that the stance taken by the new United States administration will have an impact both directly and indirectly.
“We are looking at the situation closely and will update the Cabinet from time to time,” he said in response to a question by Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut) on how Malaysia will leverage on its role as Asean Chair to balance relations between Asean and BRICS while taking into consideration economic threats by the United States under the leadership of President Donald Trump.
