KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must remain pragmatic, agile and flexible in its foreign policy, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister further stressed Malaysia’s commitment to remaining neutral, noting its relations with Asean countries, commitment to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation as well as the United Nations, among others.
He also noted relations with the United States and China.
“The main thrust of our foreign policy however, is that of fairness and humanity, which is why we are constantly vocal about Gaza although this has caused unease among countries like the United States,” he said during Prime Minister Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Jan 20).
He added that any drafting of the country’s foreign policy does not require amendments to the federal constitution.
This was in response to a question by Ahmad Tarmizi who asked if there is a need to amend existing laws to ensure Malaysia continues remaining neutral amidst recent geopolitical developments.
On another matter, Anwar said that Malaysia intends for several aspects in the agreement of reciprocal trade between Malaysia and the United States to be in black-and-white.
“While we have assurance notes from the United States Trade Representative to our minister, we would prefer it if it is written,” he said.
Malaysia and the US signed the ART on Oct 26 during the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
