Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said Malaysia will not remain neutral on matters involving fundamental human rights and core national interests, even when engaging major global powers such as China and the United States.
Speaking at the 39th Asia-Pacific Roundtable, he stressed that Malaysia will continue to pursue an independent, proactive and non-aligned foreign policy, while taking principled positions to safeguard its values, sovereignty and national interests amid growing geopolitical and geo-economic uncertainty.
Anwar said Malaysia is prepared to adopt positions, build relationships and support initiatives that align with its principles, beliefs and national priorities.
He added that the country cannot remain neutral on issues involving fundamental rights, including the Palestinian cause, the fight against Islamophobia, and matters concerning territorial sovereignty, even in relation to major partners.
At the same time, he emphasised that Malaysia’s foreign policy is not about siding with any bloc, but rather taking principled stances guided by national interest and international law.
He reiterated Malaysia’s support for peaceful resolution of disputes, warning that the use of force or coercion—whether military or economic—would only deepen tensions and create unintended consequences.
Anwar also highlighted the importance of respecting sovereignty, freedom of navigation and established legal frameworks as key pillars for regional and global stability.
He reaffirmed Malaysia’s strong commitment to multilateralism, saying the country will continue to support cooperative and consultative international mechanisms while actively working to strengthen them.
Calling for reforms in global governance, he said developing countries should be given greater representation in international decision-making processes, ensuring broader participation from Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Pacific.
He added that global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, food security and cybersecurity require stronger multilateral cooperation, not weaker institutions, as no single nation can address them alone.
Anwar also said Malaysia’s cultural diversity and heritage position the country uniquely to promote understanding between regions and civilisations.
He said Malaysia will continue engaging actively with the Islamic world while strengthening ties with partners across the wider Global South.
