KUALA LUMPUR, December 20 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced the expansion of Malaysia’s Look East Policy, traditionally centered on learning from Japan and South Korea for economic development. In a recent interview in Tokyo, Anwar stated that the policy, initiated in 1982 by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, is now open to incorporating lessons from China. Anwar highlighted the necessity of policy revision, particularly in light of evolving global dynamics, emphasizing the importance of maintaining beneficial aspects of the decades-old strategy.
During his visit to Tokyo for the 50th anniversary summit of friendship between Japan and ASEAN, Anwar asserted Malaysia’s “fiercely independent” foreign policy, stating that the country will engage with China based on its interests. While acknowledging pragmatic engagement with China due to increased investments, Anwar assured that Malaysia would firmly negotiate South China Sea territorial disputes and prevent any unilateral actions by Beijing. Anwar emphasized Japan’s significance as a “very important strategic partner” and advocated for an expanded relationship under the Look East policy, focusing on sharing Japanese work ethics and technologies.
