BATU KAWAN: Malaysia’s commitment to engaging with all countries while maintaining its independence and neutrality has strengthened international confidence in the nation and created new economic opportunities, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said this approach has enabled Malaysia to foster strong relations with countries across different geopolitical blocs, resulting in tangible economic benefits, with Petroliam Nasional Bhd’s (PETRONAS) latest agreement in Turkmenistan serving as a prime example.
“We had engagements with US President Donald Trump, who was here last year on a significant visit.
“Subsequently, we had engagements with China and India and, more recently, with Russia.
“This shows Malaysia’s centrality. Our position is to ensure that we engage with all countries while maintaining our independence and neutrality,” Anwar said in his speech at the opening of the MKS Super Centre factory in Bandar Cassia Technology Park yesterday.
He said while the country has taken positions on several contentious global issues, it remains open to dialogue with all nations.
Anwar said Malaysia’s engagement with major global powers, including the United States, China, India and Russia, demonstrates the country’s commitment to constructive international cooperation while safeguarding its national interests.
On Turkmenistan, he said the country had awarded PETRONAS the rights to develop two major gas blocks, including one of the largest gas fields in the world.
He said this reflected the confidence foreign governments have in Malaysia’s capabilities, stability and professionalism.
The agreement with Turkmenistan was a direct outcome of Malaysia’s efforts to build meaningful relationships with countries around the world, he said.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, stressed that international investors’ confidence is critical to Malaysia’s economic growth and future progress, pointing to continued investments by major global companies in strategic sectors such as semiconductors.
The Prime Minister cited Penang’s success in attracting high-quality investments as evidence that clear policies, efficient administration and reduced bureaucracy could strengthen Malaysia’s competitiveness.
He said the country must continue investing in talent development, education and industry collaboration to support emerging sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
On the country’s future competitiveness, Anwar said it would depend not on low production costs but on the sophistication of its industrial capabilities and the depth of its talent pool, Bernama reported.
He called for stronger collaboration between universities and industry players to ensure graduates are equipped with the skills needed for new and rapidly evolving technologies, while maintaining a broader educational focus on human values.
