11-8-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reiterated Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty, rights, and interests in the exclusive economic zones of the South China Sea. In his keynote address at the 36th Asia-Pacific Roundtable, Anwar emphasized that Malaysia would persevere in the face of legitimate challenges and claims.
Anwar stressed that Malaysia’s security depends on and is intertwined with the region itself, rather than being solely reliant on external factors. Given its strategic geographical location as a land and maritime country intersecting major trade routes and global supply chains, Malaysia aims to promote regional security.
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of nurturing positive relationships with both China and the United States to establish a stronger rules-and-norms-based order. He emphasized that this order should not be based on power dynamics or selective adherence to rules and norms but rather on fairness, respect, understanding, compassion, and adherence to international law.
Anwar assured the roundtable delegates that both China and the United States have expressed their commitment to the rules-and-norms-based order. He urged for the practical implementation of this consensus, extending beyond multilateral trade engagements to encompass a comprehensive geostrategic architecture.
Malaysia intends to actively engage with various initiatives by regional powers and stakeholders in Asia and the Indo-Pacific. Anwar emphasized that such engagement would be conducted independently and proactively, while considering Malaysia’s national interest and priorities. Malaysia’s involvement aims to uphold inclusive regional architectures that benefit the region as a whole.
Anwar also addressed the escalating rivalry between the United States and China and its impact on Southeast Asia. He noted that this rivalry has affected the region’s established architecture and norms. To mitigate these challenges, Anwar emphasized the need for revitalized cooperation, greater inclusivity, and equity among nation-states. He expressed concern that Southeast Asia might become a mere pawn in the “Great Game” between Beijing and Washington, which could undermine the progress achieved through existing ASEAN-led multilateral mechanisms.
The event was attended by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong, and Institute of Strategic and International Studies chairman Prof Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah.
