PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has declared that Malaysia will not remain neutral on issues involving universal human rights and core national interests, insisting the country's independent foreign policy does not extend to matters of principle such as Palestine, Islamophobia and territorial sovereignty.
Delivering the keynote address at the 39th Asia-Pacific Roundtable, Anwar said the prolonged conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, which continue to claim civilian lives, have exposed the international community's failure to uphold the principles that underpin global peace and security.
He stressed that while Malaysia maintains an independent foreign policy and seeks friendly relations with all nations, it will continue to speak out firmly when fundamental principles are at stake.
"Malaysia cannot remain neutral on issues involving fundamental human rights, such as the Palestinian cause, or in efforts to combat Islamophobia.
"Likewise, on our core national interests, including territorial sovereignty, even when they involve powerful partners such as China and the United States," he said.
Addressing intensifying competition between the world's major powers, Anwar said Malaysia's approach is to remain principled rather than align itself with any geopolitical bloc.
He acknowledged that some parties have expected Malaysia to adopt a tougher stance towards China, but said the government would continue to cultivate strong relations with its largest regional economic partner while preserving close ties with the United States.
"We take a principled position and stance, not a partisan one. This is easier said than done. We are sometimes expected to take a hard line against our neighbour, China. But we have said, no.
"We will continue to foster friendship. Malaysia still records the United States as our number one investment and trading destination, but at the same time we remain proactive and engage even more effectively with China as our growing and important economic neighbour," he said.
Anwar also reaffirmed Malaysia's unwavering support for the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, warning that military or economic coercion would only deepen conflicts and produce unintended consequences.
"Norms such as freedom of navigation, respect for sovereignty, and adherence to established legal frameworks are essential for regional and global security," he added.
He said Malaysia's overriding objective is to safeguard peace and prosperity while ensuring the country's national security and sovereignty remain fully protected. - July 2, 2026
