SUBANG, Dec 21 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim believes it is in Malaysia’s best interest to cooperate with major nations like the United States, even if President Donald Trump’s views do not always align with Malaysian values.
Anwar said he had extended his congratulations to Trump, and his team is in contact with the US administration to strengthen bilateral ties.
He emphasised the importance of the United States as one of Malaysia’s top investors, alongside China.
“Our relations with the big players are very good. Companies like Google, Nvidia, Microsoft, and others are all excellent.
“(Trump’s) appointment will have some influence on this, as President Trump is quite pragmatic and pro-business,” Anwar told reporters during a media session in Subang today.
Anwar said that in 2024, Germany, through Infineon Technologies, was Malaysia’s largest investor, followed by the US and China in second place. He added that, in total, the US had the highest number of investors in Malaysia.
He emphasised his intention to continue these engagements, despite the challenges posed by some of the decisions made by the Trump administration.
“With regard to decisions affecting Canada, Mexico, and China, I raised these issues during my discussions with President Xi Jinping. I believe his stance is similar,” Anwar said.
“For China, the best approach is to maintain positive engagement with the United States.
“I am also leveraging our relationships with other allies, such as the Philippines, which has closer ties to the US, as well as former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who plays a more effective role in engaging with both the US and China.”
He continued, “Regardless of how we approach it, we always work as a team, and together we can complement each other.
“We’re doing our best to be realistic and assure them that our policies of neutrality and centrality are essential for the survival of our country and the region.”
Anwar added that regional engagements would continue to strengthen bilateral relations.
Donald Trump is set to become the 47th president of the United States on January 20, following his election victory on November 4, 2024.
In the meantime, Canada and Mexico are grappling with Trump’s threat to impose 25 per cent tariffs on exports to their largest trade partner. Both governments are carefully considering their responses.
Trump has stated that he will sign executive orders imposing the tariffs on his first day back in office, linking the move to what he describes as Mexico and Canada’s failure to prevent illegal migration and drug trafficking at US borders.
