Malaysian PM Says ASEAN Is Not Just A Pion In US-China Geopoliticals

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim/PHOTO via Instagram @anwaribrahim_my

JAKARTA - Malaysian Prime Minister (PM) Anwar Ibrahim said ASEAN was not just a pawn in geopolitical regulations between the United States and China.

Anwar conveyed this at the 36th Asia Pacific Round Table Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Thursday, which was attended by leaders, thinkers and scholars.

According to him, great powers, especially from the West, need to realize that the western world order can no longer dominate the sound on the global stage, when there are countries and other regions that have their own voice to voice interests and only.

"The values of tolerance, understanding and hard work are important to build a pluralistic world order," he said.

However, Anwar said he agreed that ASEAN, where Malaysia is one of the members in the geographical and economic unity, still has greater room to grow, is certainly able to compete on the global economic stage.

Anwar through his social media account also said about Malaysia's position which would protect the sovereignty, rights and interests of the country in the Exclusive Economic Zone in the South China Sea.

He also said that the spirit of the United Government under his current government is to always defend Malaysia's interests in the international arena.

Anwar is scheduled to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Pinang Island, Friday (10/8). They, according to Anwar, will discuss the issue of two countries and want to improve their relationship.