M’sia friendly to China, but makes its own decisions: Anwar

BEIJING – Knowing and appreciating cultural differences is a cornerstone for a healthy relationship among nations, but no nation should dictate another’s actions – that was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s message in his lecture at the prestigious Tsinghua University here.

He said no one can dictate to an independent nation how it should act, but it is necessary to learn from one another as well as appreciate each other’s differences.

“I don’t see China as my competitor or a threat to us. Yes, there are many things we agree (on), but there are (also) things we disagree as nations.

“China is a major investment trading nation and the US, as a country, is a friendly nation to us. We (Malaysia) are a small country,” he told a large Malaysian students and high-profile lecturers at the university.

However, Anwar made it clear that “nobody should be dictating” to Malaysia as it is an independent nation and free to decide what is best for itself.

“Since there is no outright threat from China, we are happy to be a good neighbour, to be friendly, and benefit from its success.

“We should maintain this position. For example, the Russian-Ukraine war is affecting the entire world. What Malaysia can do is we keep our region (Asean) safe and interact with the international community as well as promote and espouse what we consider as good values.

“It is important for China and the US to understand that international diplomacy has changed. No country can dictate another.

“The period of colonialism, imperialism and neo-colonialism is gone.”

Anwar added that he wants to encourage more exchanges with neighbouring nations, without neglecting exchanges with the West, the US and Europe.

“The government also has a role to encourage and support programmes that build understanding and exchange with others. We should not use those differences to sow discord.

“If the attitude is to appreciate and respect one another, then we can live together.”

Anwar also urged for both countries to have more collaboration in fields of technology, research, education, science and so on.

He added that it is incumbent on academia to provide creative ways to resolve issues in “post-normal times”.

“We can no longer solve problems in post-normal times with the old ways. We need universities to challenge the established mode of thinking in resolving issues of climate impact, environmental degradation, for example.

“Malaysia with a 32 million population cannot do everything on its own. We must create something new in our own capacity and utilise external relations with neighbouring research centres to benefit from one another.”

Anwar’s lecture at Tsinghua University is seen as an opportunity for the Malaysian leader as the institution is ranked first in Asia by Times Higher Education.

He was welcomed by university committee secretary Prof Qiu Yong, vice-presidents Prof Wang Hongwei and Prof Zeng Rong, dean of Office of International Affairs Prof Li Jinliang, and School of Medicine’s Prof Kee Kehkooi.

He was also accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin and Malaysian ambassador to China Raja Datuk Nushirwan Zainal Abidin.

Anwar is on a four-day official visit to China, making him one of the first foreign leaders to visit Beijing after Xi was re-elected for a precedent-breaking third term, and the appointment of Li Qiang as premier earlier this month. – The Vibes, March 31, 2023