Malaysia to uphold independent and neutral foreign policy

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stated that Malaysia will continue to pursue an independent and neutral foreign policy while defending its national interests and principled positions on international issues. Malaysia will keep fostering relations and supporting initiatives that advance its values, reflecting the nation’s identity, historical experience, and the need to adapt to an increasingly uncertain global environment, Anwar said in his keynote address at the 3rd Asia-Pacific Roundtable on Thursday. “We take a principled stance and position, but we are non-aligned. This includes our steadfast support for the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law. The use of force or coercion, whether military or economic, will only deepen hostilities and lead to unintended consequences,” he added. Anwar also reaffirmed Malaysia’s support for and commitment to a multipolar order, emphasising that developing nations deserve greater representation in decision-making processes, with the perspectives of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific carrying more weight. “The answer to growing uncertainty and the weakening of global norms and institutions is not a retreat from multilateralism, but rather more effective cooperation. No single country can effectively tackle the impacts of climate change, pandemics, food security, or cyber threats alone,” Anwar said. The APR is the flagship international conference of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia on behalf of the ASEAN Institutes of Strategic and International Studies.