Anwar: We're not tilting to China, we happen to be geographically closer
During his lecture at University of California, Berkeley in the US on Tuesday (Nov 14), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia is not tilting towards China but geographically, the country is closer, a reliable friend and ally. He added that the US is equally important and a traditional ally, as well as a major investor that has helped propel Malaysia’s economy.
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Transcript
00:00 It is a pleasure and honor to be back here.
00:06 As strategy competition intensifies between United States and China,
00:13 Malaysia approaches relations with both pragmatically and judiciously.
00:18 We will work with ASEAN to minimize risk, namely outright conflict
00:24 or the bifurcation of the global economy into rigid blocks.
00:29 Neither seems likely soon, but both have become possible
00:36 under today's mounting pressure.
00:39 Recognizing contradictions will inevitably emerge,
00:43 Malaysia still sees value in engaging both Washington and Beijing.
00:49 America's economic dynamism, culture of innovation,
00:54 and central role in underwriting regional stability
00:58 will ensure it leads in many spheres for the foreseeable future.
01:05 China will remain central to regional affairs due to its size,
01:11 proximity, and deep linkages with Southeast Asia.
01:16 As China's economy matures, it will shift emphasis from investment
01:21 and exports towards the domestic consumption and services.
01:27 Engaging both major powers provides us with more strategic space
01:32 to advance our national interests.
01:35 To my mind, this mantra applies across the board for Southeast Asia,
01:40 although there will be shades of differentiation in the details.
01:47 Turning to the more contentious South China Sea issue,
01:51 Malaysia's position is rooted in enduring strategic and economic imperatives.
01:58 We strongly oppose any actions undermining our territorial integrity
02:05 or freedom of navigation.
02:08 Unfettered sea lines of communication through the South China Sea are critical,
02:13 as our nation would be bifurcated without them.
02:18 Nevertheless, Malaysia believes in the power of diplomacy
02:22 as the best tool for conflict resolution.
02:26 We also rely heavily on oil and gas resources
02:30 within our lawful exclusive economic zone,
02:34 which accounts for up to 40% of government revenue,
02:38 depending on commodity prices.
02:41 And while periodic challenges arise,
02:45 Malaysia has succeeded in pursuing a strategic partnership with China,
02:49 enabling enhanced cooperation in areas like trade, investment and tourism.
02:57 There is no doubt that the continued US-China rivalry
03:03 will be the structural reality in world affairs.
03:08 Almost all major aspects of international relations
03:12 will be shaped by this condition.
03:16 Yet it would be too simple to reduce and boil everything down
03:21 to just these two countries.
03:24 I am deeply grateful for your engagement and consideration today.
03:31 Because my life has been somewhat turbulent,
03:35 I expect fair questions.
03:40 I've endured too much torture, please don't add to my misery.
03:44 I look forward to our path converging again
03:49 as we labour in pursuit of our shared aspirations for prosperity and justice.
03:53 Until then, let us each pledge to contribute to the others' yet rewarding task
03:59 of nurturing a world where truth prevails and democracy thrives.
04:07 Thank you.
04:08 (Applause)
04:11 (Applause)
04:14 (Applause)
04:17 [BLANK_AUDIO]