PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will remain an unwavering and principled friend to China during "moments of triumph and times of trial", says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
The Prime Minister said Malaysia and China have long stood shoulder to shoulder in moments of triumph and times of trial, not merely as comprehensive strategic partners, but as steadfast friends.
"Malaysia values this consistency. Malaysia will remain an unwavering and principled friend to China, guided by the wisdom of history and the promise of the future," he said in his speech during the official dinner at Seri Perdana Complex in honour of President Xi Jinping on Wednesday (April 16) night.
"At a time when multilateralism is under tremendous strain, and when certain nations abandon the principle of shared responsibility and others question long-standing commitments, China's global initiatives seem to offer a new lease on hope.
"What we are witnessing today is not an honest reckoning with the imperfections of globalisation, but a retreat into economic tribalism.
"Market access is being weaponised.
"What was once a multilateral covenant for shared growth now buckles under the weight of arbitrary disruption and unilateral whim.
"Amid this turbulence, China has been a rational, strong and reliable partner," said Anwar
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The Prime Minister said that Malaysia's foreign policy was shaped by a "clear-eyed" vision of its interest and the principle of Asean centrality.
"We do not simply favour cooperation over confrontation (but) we embrace it.
"We do not merely prefer respect over rivalry, we uphold it.
"And we choose dialogue, not simply because it's chosen us, but as a cornerstone of lasting peace and prosperity," said Anwar.
The Prime Minister said during these trying times, the world yearns for steadiness, reliability and purpose.
"We see this in China's conduct. Malaysia acknowledges such steadiness with quiet recognition and remains conscious not only of the calm it has brought, but of the hope it may continue to offer," said Anwar.
He said under the leadership of Xi, China has outlined a series of global initiatives that reflect a distinctive worldview.
"The Belt and Road Initiative reimagines connectivity not as a network of roads and rails, but as a framework for cooperation.
"The Global Development Initiative underscores the importance of inclusive progress. The Global Security Initiative calls for peace through dialogue," he added.
"Each of these ideas reflects a broader aspiration; what President Xi has described as a 'community with a shared future for mankind'.
"This brings to mind the famous saying of Confucius, that 'Within the four seas, all men are brothers'," said Anwar, who quoted the Chinese philosopher in Chinese.
He also hoped that Malaysia and China would endure a long lasting relationship.
