Malaysia Reaffirms Non-Aligned Stance, Urges ASEAN to Strengthen Global Engagement
Kuala Lumpur, The Gulf Observer: Malaysia will not be drawn into any “great power rivalries” and firmly rejects economic coercion or unilateral actions that could undermine regional stability, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated on Monday at the China Conference Southeast Asia 2025.
Reaffirming Malaysia’s long-standing non-aligned policy, Anwar emphasized the importance of a rules-based multilateral system that ensures fairness, transparency, and equitable representation, particularly for the Global South.
“Malaysia’s position is clear. We remain non-aligned and will not be dragged into global power rivalries,” he said in his opening address at the conference, attended by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong, and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing.
Expanding ASEAN’s Global Engagement
Anwar underscored the need for ASEAN to expand its global partnerships beyond traditional allies, advocating for closer ties with China, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), BRICS, and other emerging economies.
“Strengthening ties with these partners is not about choosing sides; rather, it is about ensuring ASEAN’s strategic relevance in a multipolar world. Diversifying partnerships will enhance economic resilience, open new investment opportunities, and enable ASEAN to play a more proactive role in shaping global governance frameworks,” he said.
The Prime Minister called for urgency, unity, and ambition in ASEAN’s approach to securing a prosperous future, urging regional leaders to make bold decisions and foster transformative partnerships instead of incremental changes.
Three Critical Challenges for ASEAN’s Economic Resilience
Anwar outlined three key challenges that ASEAN must address to bolster its economic resilience:
- Supply Chain Disruptions and Diversification – He stressed that ASEAN must position itself as a reliable global trade and investment hub by reducing vulnerabilities to external shocks. Investments in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and green technologies will be crucial to strengthening the region’s industrial base.
- Energy Security and Sustainability – Anwar highlighted the importance of the ASEAN Energy Grid and renewable energy investments, citing Malaysia’s target of achieving 70% renewable energy by 2050 as a benchmark for broader sustainability efforts in the region.
- Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence – The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, he noted, should serve as a catalyst for regional transformation by prioritizing AI governance, cybersecurity, and digital inclusivity.
“To fully harness the benefits of technological advancements, we must establish common standards for data protection, facilitate seamless cross-border digital trade, and invest in capacity-building initiatives that bridge the digital divide,” Anwar stated.
He emphasized that fostering a secure, innovative, and inclusive digital ecosystem would position ASEAN at the forefront of the global digital economy, driving sustainable growth and shared prosperity for the region.
ASEAN’s Moment to Act
Concluding his address, Anwar stressed that ASEAN must seize the present moment to secure a more prosperous and resilient future.
“This is not a time for incrementalism or short-term thinking. It is a time for bold decisions, transformative partnerships, and a shared commitment to long-term prosperity,” he said.
