The Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar visited Russia at a high -profile time when the game between the West and China and Russia rose to Russia, and actively promoted the agenda of Malaysia to join the BRICS countries, which attracted public opinion.International relations scholars pointed out that in order to develop new cooperation and maintain a balance between relations with great powers, it is a major challenge facing the Anwar government.
Anwar on Wednesday (September 4) went to Russia for two days of work visit. This was the first time he visited Russia after he served as Prime Minister and Finance Minister in November 2022.
Anwar met with Russian President Putin on Wednesday to discuss deepening Malaysia's cooperation in all fields.He also invited Putin to attend the Asian Security Summit, and emphasized that Malaysia, as the chairman of the Asian Dimetry Terry, will strengthen the cooperation between Asia Gyeongan and Russia.
Russia was isolated by Western countries due to invasion of Ukraine, but for economic and geopolitical considerations, some Asian countries continued to maintain with Russia with caution.Malaysia has purchased military reserve from Russia, but compared with China and the United States, Malaysia and Russia have limited overall economic cooperation, with bilateral trade volume 3.5 billion US dollars (about S $ 4.6 billion).China and the United States are the first and third largest trading partners of Malaysia. Last year, Malaysia's bilateral trade volume reached US $ 98.8 billion, and Malaysia was 65.55 billion US dollars.
Scholars: The goal of contacting Russia in line with Malaysia to enhance and speak rights
Chen Huizhen, a coordinator of the Malaysian Project of Nanyang University of Technology Rajele South International Research Institute, said in an interview with Lianhe Morning Post that as a medium -sized power, Malaysia has always sought the leadership of the region so that it can be published on multiple issues that Malaysia pays attention toProficiency.Both Russia and China and the United States are important powers, and they are in line with Russia to meet the goals of Malaysia to enhance their position and discourse.
In June this year, the Malaysian government stated that it would apply to join the BRICS countries led by Russia and China.This is also one of the important agenda for Anwar to visit Russia.
Anwar and Putin told the media that he would participate in the invitation of Putin to participate in the BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia in October, and stated that this marked an important step that marked the goal of Malaysia to join the BRICS countries.
Anwar does not agree with some people worry that joining the BRICS countries may destroy the relationship between Malaysia and Europe and the United States.He believes that the BRICS countries are building the power of the south of the world, and Malaysia can get benefits in economic cooperation without being under pressure from other major powers.He also emphasized that the Malaysian government has an openness and freedom of international cooperation.
Anhua was supported by Western countries before taking office. The West believed that he represented the democratic reform of Malaysia.However, some Western media pointed out that the recent policies and words and deeds of the Anhua government seem to be interested in approaching China and Russia.
Francis Hutchinson, director of the Malaysia Research Project of Yusov Issia, Singapore, analyzed that Malaysia supported China ’s Belt and Road Initiative and participated in the comprehensive progress of cross -Pacific partners considered to be in the West.Agreement (CPTPP), so Malaysia to join the BRICS countries cannot be regarded as a tendency to tend to China and Russia.
He said: "Malaysia regards these relationships as a way to improve its status, and also decentralized risks and increase investment opportunities."
Chen Huizhen believes that after a new round of conflicts broke out in Israel and Palestine Hamas, the relationship between Malaysia and Western countries has indeed changed because the Malaysians generally sympathize with Palestine and oppose Western countries' support for Israel.
"Anwar has always supported Palestine and Hamas, and has a long -term connection with the Muslim Brothers. His criticism of the West has indeed made the political relations between Malaysia and the West covered with shadows."
Malaysia and the West depend on each other
However, scholars also reminded that Malaysia and Western countries have mutual dependence. Western countries are still an important source of technical transfer and foreign capital in Malaysia.The investment of the United States and the European Union showed that Malaysia played an important role in the global supply chain in the semiconductor and other fields.
Analysis believes that the development of a new cooperation platform for Malaysia will continue to start economic cooperation with Europe and the United States.However, how to maintain a balance between the West and China and Russia will test the wisdom of the Anwar government.
The Malaysian current affairs commentator Adib Zalkapli said in an interview that Malaysia has adopted a neutral and open diplomatic position since the 1970s, and the trip to Russia in Anwar is also based on this position.
"Just like any sovereign country, Malaysia has the right to pursue independent foreign policy. However, Malaysia -Russian relations become complicated because of the Russian and Ukraine War."
