PM Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia will raise concerns over excessive actions in the South China Sea, stressing engagement does not mean condoning provocations.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has affirmed that Malaysia’s commitment to engagement with all nations must not be misconstrued as approval of excessive actions, particularly in the South China Sea.
He said Malaysia adopts a principled approach by voicing concerns once facts are verified while maintaining constructive dialogue with all parties involved.
Anwar made these remarks when addressing a question about a recent incident where a Chinese military aircraft released flares close to an Australian surveillance plane over disputed waters.
“Once we establish the facts, we will raise this issue,” he said at a joint press conference with Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese after their annual leaders’ meeting.
“Engagement does not mean condoning any excesses — the Chinese know that.”
The Prime Minister emphasised that Malaysia, despite being a small nation, has the right to voice its views with wisdom and balance.
He revealed that in private exchanges with United States President Donald Trump, he asserted Malaysia’s right to express its views as a sovereign nation.
“Of course, we need the wisdom not to be seen as unnecessarily combative, but we should raise the issue once it is established,” Anwar added.
He also stressed that ASEAN centrality must not translate into silence on critical global and regional issues.
The Prime Minister said regional nations have a responsibility to speak out on matters ranging from the Myanmar crisis to the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.
“Centrality means that we do express our views,” Anwar stated.
“We have centrality, but we also engage on issues such as Myanmar, Gaza, and the Russia–Ukraine conflict.” – Bernama
