ASEAN's Strength Lies In Neutrality And Engagement, Says Anwar

Barnama

15-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said ASEAN's ability to maintain neutrality and engage all major powers without being drawn into geopolitical rivalry is rooted in mutual respect and inclusive diplomacy.
This approach, he noted, has enabled the region to remain peaceful and economically resilient amid rising global tensions.
'ASEAN, as a whole, adopts a policy of centrality. We trade with all, and we should be friends with all,' he said during a question-and-answer session following his public lecture titled 'ASEAN in a Multipolar World: Perspectives from Malaysia' at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) on Thursday.
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The session was streamed on Anwar's Facebook page.
Anwar added that ASEAN must remain confident in charting its path while upholding a consistent foreign policy approach in dealing with the United States (US), China and other global players.
He also noted Malaysia's approach to overlapping maritime claims in the region, including in the South China Sea, was anchored in peaceful dialogue and cooperation.
'We have issues with several countries -- Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam -- but we resolve them through negotiations or joint development efforts. We don't go to war,' he said.
Meanwhile, Anwar said Malaysia had written to US President Donald Trump and China's leadership to propose holding ASEAN-US and ASEAN-China summits during Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship.
'That is what geopolitical relations are about -- engaging with all,' he said.