PM Anwar says Malaysia manages disputes with neighbours through dialogue, not distrust

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivers a speech before launching the Mandarin edition of his latest book, ‘Rethinking Ourselves: Justice, Reform, and Ignorance in Postnormal Times’. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 24 Sep 2026 9:59 AM MYT

HANGZHOU, Sept 24 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia manages disagreements with all neighbouring nations through continuous diplomatic engagement and constructive dialogue, rather than conflict or distrust.

In a wide-ranging address highlighting the deep cultural and diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China, Anwar shared personal anecdotes of mutual respect and philosophical kinship with Chinese leadership.

He praised Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang for treating smaller nations with humility and as equal partners, a quality he noted as vital for developing countries navigating post-colonial realities and modern geopolitical pressures.

“People always ask me, why do you seem so close to China? I ask in return, what kind of question is that? We are close to China because China is our neighbour.

“I find it difficult to understand the attitude that promotes the view that ‘China cannot be trusted’. Such an attitude stems from certain other prejudices, but it certainly does not represent us,” said Anwar during the global launch of the Chinese edition of his latest book, Rethinking Ourselves: Justice, Reform, and Ignorance in Postnormal Times, here today.   

Also present at the launch were Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution.

The book focuses on how identity can be reshaped and pathways toward coexistence can be pursued against the backdrop of the rise of newly independent nations and their struggles against colonialism and imperialism. 

It advocates shifting the focus toward “shared prosperity,” rather than pursuing self-interest alone.

Published by World Affairs Press under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, the book was translated by Dr Yan Lijin. 

About 5,000 copies have been printed. 

The original English version of Rethinking Ourselves: Justice, Reform, and Ignorance in Postnormal Times was published in October 2025 by Penguin Random House SEA.  

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, is currently in China for a three-day working visit to Shanghai and Hangzhou, that includes high-level bilateral meeting with Li and engagements with Chinese leaders and captains of industry. — Bernama