LONDON: With president-elect Donald Trump due to be sworn in on Jan 20, Malaysia believes it can navigate any political or economic uncertainties arising from his second term in office.
In the meantime, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it is too early to ascertain that there would be tensions between China and the United States (US) during Trump’s administration.
He said Malaysia and ASEAN have been engaging closely with both countries for decades, and stressed that Malaysia will continue to maintain its independence in its relations with other nations.
Anwar added that China has become a very important trading partner for Malaysia, while the US continues to be the largest investor in Malaysia, citing firms like Google and Amazon with their significant investments.
Speaking at a dinner and engagement session with over 700 Malaysian diaspora here, the prime minister said that there could be some minor volatility in view of the current state of relations between the two nations.
“Maybe there will be some minor volatility. But I am sure we will be able to engage with both China and the US,” said Anwar, who is here on a five-day working visit.
More importantly, Malaysia will maintain its policy of centrality in its engagements with the global superpowers, in the interest of the country.
As Malaysia’s prime minister, Anwar has been resolute with Malaysia’s neutral stance in its engagements with other countries, emphasising that the nation will remain independent in its decisions as it continues to pursue its national and strategic interests based on its own principles.
Trump is set to be inaugurated as the 47th US President on Jan 20, 2025.
