Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pushed back against criticism suggesting he is “too friendly” with major powers such as the United States or China,
His remarks came during a Parliament session, shortly after his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
Anwar later shared a light -hearted moment from that encounter, noting that Trump had casually invited him to ride in the US presidential state car, known as The Beast, when he arrived in Malaysia.
After meeting Trump at the summit and discussing trade cooperation, criticism surfaced saying he was too friendly and too generous to the US.
‘Can we only work with Kedah & Kelantan?’
Speaking in Parliament, Anwar stressed that Malaysia’s foreign policy must remain balanced and pragmatic.
He said the government’s diplomatic engagements are based on national interest and not on political alignment.
“When Malaysia strengthens ties with the United States, the government is accused of being too accommodating. When Malaysia improves relations with China, the government is accused of leaning the other way.
If we cannot be close to the United States or China, then who are we supposed to be close to? Only Kedah and Kelantan?”
Anwar emphasised that Malaysia must maintain open, stable and constructive relationships with all nations, including the US, China, ASEAN members and regional neighbours.
He said limiting diplomatic engagement or isolating the country would harm Malaysia’s long term strategic and economic interests.
