19-12-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Prime Minister Anwar of Malaysia has emphasized that Malaysia’s long-standing “Look East Policy,” which has been in place for over 40 years, not only includes the initial focus on learning from Japan and South Korea’s economic modernization strategies but now also encompasses learning from China.
In an interview published in Japan’s Asahi Shimbun on Monday (December 18), Anwar stated that Malaysia has long regarded Japan and South Korea as models for economic development and now intends to draw lessons from China as well. The “Look East Policy” was introduced by former Prime Minister Mahathir in 1982 and has been in effect for 41 years.
Anwar began a five-day working visit to Japan last Friday (15th) and also attended the “ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation 50th Anniversary Commemorative Summit” during his visit. He also conducted interviews with Japanese media outlets such as Asahi Shimbun and Nikkei Asia.
“We need to maintain an open-minded approach and make adjustments to any policy that has been implemented for over 40 years,” Anwar stated. “When we say ‘Look East,’ I don’t mean Japan and South Korea alone, excluding China. Today, when we say ‘Look East,’ it includes the eastern region, which encompasses China.”
He further highlighted that digital technology, cybersecurity, and other issues are reshaping the world, and Malaysia, therefore, needs to expand and refine this decades-old policy to stay relevant.
