MALAYSIA will remain steadfast in its neutral foreign policy and will not yield to any major power despite fostering strong relations with both the United States and China, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, Anwar described the approach as a reflection of Malaysia’s mature diplomacy, firmly rooted in the principle of ASEAN Centrality.
“Malaysia remains capable of signing trade agreements with China while simultaneously pursuing economic cooperation with the US, without compromising national sovereignty,” Anwar said.
Anwar also celebrated the admission of Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th full member, calling it “a historic success” and the result of decades of sustained regional diplomacy.
“This marks a major achievement after decades of the nation’s pursuit to join ASEAN,” he said.
Turning to the Gaza crisis, Anwar said Malaysia continues to press for a comprehensive settlement rather than a temporary truce.
He revealed that he had raised the matter directly with US President Donald Trump during the 47th ASEAN Summit and Trump’s subsequent visit to Malaysia.
“We are not a nation that shouts from afar,” Anwar said in a Facebook post. “We have the courage to speak the truth face to face, in pursuit of lasting peace on the land of Palestine.”
Addressing Parliament, Anwar added that Malaysia had made clear to Washington that the Gaza crisis “will not be resolved with a mere temporary ceasefire”.
“I told the President (Trump) that I have met with Hamas leaders — he was somewhat surprised and asked why,” Anwar said.
“I explained that I never used the term ‘20-point ceasefire’ or Trump’s peace plan, but rather the term ‘comprehensive settlement’ or ‘comprehensive solution’, because such a settlement cannot be achieved simply by halting attacks.”
He said Malaysia’s stance on Palestine is guided by universal principles of justice and humanity, and remains independent of external pressure.
Anwar also revealed that Malaysia had communicated with Egypt to open the Rafah border crossing for the delivery of humanitarian aid and medical supplies to Gaza.
“Beyond humanitarian efforts such as medical aid, Malaysia has also expressed readiness to participate in a peacekeeping force,” he said. “This was conveyed to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and to ASEAN during a recent meeting.”
He added that while Malaysia supports the first phase of the ceasefire as a starting point, a lasting peace must be built through continuous negotiations among all parties involved.
Domestically, Anwar hit back at opposition criticism of a new reciprocal trade deal with the United States, accusing them of “turning half-truths into absolutes”.
“For every provision in this trade deal with the US, there are exit clauses. This is why we signed it,” he said. “Why? Because we need high investment and trade from the US.”
He said the government faces attacks regardless of its diplomatic direction. “Back when we were close with China, we got attacked for it.
“Now we sign with the US, we get attacked the same,” he told Parliament, before adding with a hint of sarcasm: “So who does that leave us with? Are we only allowed to be nice to Kedah and Kelantan?” - October 30, 2025
