In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim addressed the complexities of Malaysia's foreign policy, balancing economic ties with the United States against concerns over regional security. Regarding the U.S., Anwar expressed clear ideological differences, stating that he does not agree with Donald Trump’s approach to global affairs. He specifically criticized the U.S. for frequently adopting what he described as extreme positions and for a perceived disregard for multilateral cooperation. Despite these political frictions, Anwar emphasized the pragmatic reality of the economic relationship, identifying the United States as the largest investor in Malaysia.

Turning to regional security, the Prime Minister addressed the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Anwar highlighted that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been actively pushing for a formal code of conduct to manage tensions in the region. He reported that Beijing has responded positively to the proposal, and that formal negotiations regarding the specific parameters of this code are currently underway. The remarks underscore Malaysia's strategy of maintaining robust economic partnerships with Western powers while simultaneously pursuing diplomatic solutions with China to manage maritime sovereignty disputes.