M'sia not interested in choosing sides or attacking countries - PM

It is not in Malaysia's interest to choose sides and support any build-up of defence power to attack countries as the country maintains good relations with all parties, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in an interview with Russian media Ria Novosti and RT, reported Sputnik.

He was asked to comment on whether Malaysia would side with the West and be against Russia and China.

Commenting on why Malaysia is not choosing sides, Anwar said his country does not want to complicate the issue further.

"I mean, so our intention, our position is of course to find a resolution, not to take a side of the West against Russia. What benefit is this for us? Like the US vis-a-vis China, we maintain good relations with both.

“Why compel us to take sides? Well, they create these potential problems because it is a different system," Anwar said on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).

Anwar added that Malaysia is an important partner in terms of trade and investments with the US, cumulatively still number one.

“However, China is an important player. So, we engage more than ever before in all fields in a comprehensive manner," Anwar said.

Commenting on the use of weapons supplied by the West against Russia, he said: ”If you asked me, our position is for peace.”

The Eastern Economic Forum began on Tuesday and will run through Friday. It is being hosted by the Far Eastern Federal University in Russia's Pacific coast city of Vladivostok.

Sputnik is the general information partner of the EEF 2024.

- Bernama

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