IT is not in Malaysia’s interest to side with the West and be against Russia as the country maintains good relations with all parties, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in an interview with RIA Novosti and RT. 

Commenting on why Malaysia was not choosing sides, Anwar said his country did not want to complicate matters further. 

“I mean, so our intention, our position is of course to find a ... resolution, not to take the side of the West against Russia. What benefit is this for us?  

“Like the United States 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), reported Bernama. 

The EEF began on Tuesday and will run until today. It is being hosted by the Far Eastern Federal University in Russia’s Pacific coast city of Vladivostok.  

Anwar also said Russia was coping with sanctions better than many Western observers thought. 

“The Russian experience is a bit different, because you are stronger, larger, and you have this strong resolve and a great history. 

“Somehow or other, they are managing things better than many Western observers thought. That is true. We look at the economic figures, look at the agriculture production, the new technology, look at the banking system,” he said. 

On another matter, Anwar said cooperation with Russia, China, and India would benefit Malaysia’s economy. 

“This issue of centrality and engagement with the United States, which is still a major player in terms of investments and trade with Malaysia, with Europe, particularly Germany, and more so now with China, India, and Russia, will benefit us,” he said. – September 6, 2024.