PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has denounced unilateral actions by certain powerful nations, describing them as a "sheer display of power and arrogance" that disregards the rights and interests of smaller countries.
Speaking at a public lecture entitled “ASEAN in a Multipolar World: Perspectives from Malaysia” at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), Anwar said, “We need to showcase that every community, every country, whether small, rich or poor, must be given due respect and recognition.”
Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, was conferred an honorary doctorate by MGIMO in recognition of his contributions to regional diplomacy and leadership.
Highlighting the importance of holistic bilateral relations, Anwar said, “When we talk about bilateral relations, it is not just about politics and diplomacy but also includes trade, investments and industrial cooperation.
“Countries have to ensure their economic fundamentals are strong, but human values cannot be ignored,” he stressed.
He expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian people for the hospitality extended to the Malaysian delegation, noting that despite cultural and civilisational differences, the meeting with Putin was marked by mutual respect.
“We are here on his invitation, just as my colleagues and I had exchanges with a very important international leader who treated a relatively smaller country with respect and recognition,” said Anwar.
Drawing parallels with ASEAN, the prime minister underscored the regional bloc’s ethos of equality and inclusivity. “Despite comprising 10 different countries in ASEAN, we accord a sense of respect, of equality, and this is what needs to be promoted in the world,” he said.
“We thank the people of Russia for that sense of recognition and respect, and believe that we have to work together (despite) our different cultures and religions, and we can be called great friends,” Anwar added.
He also emphasised the importance of people-to-people ties, noting that bilateral relations between Malaysia and Russia extended to academic and youth exchanges. Currently, around 400 Russian students are studying in Malaysia, while approximately 700 Malaysian students are based in Russia.
Anwar commended MGIMO for offering Bahasa Malaysia as an academic subject and noted that the Russian language is likewise taught at Universiti Malaya, describing these initiatives as a vital bridge between the two nations. - May 15, 2025
