Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is set to make a prominent appearance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, bolstering Malaysia’s international stature as a collaborative and stabilising force. The summit, which is set to commence on Monday, September 1, will witness an active participation from the Malaysian leader. This comes as a significant recognition, underscoring Malaysia’s enduring role in fostering global cooperation and promoting stable regional dynamics.
This is particularly noteworthy since Malaysia doesn’t hold the designation of an observer state or a dialogue partner within the SCO. Despite this, the Prime Minister’s invitation, as emphasized by the Malaysian ambassador to China, Datuk Norman Muhamad, signifies the robust and strategic ties between Malaysia and China. The invitation also marks a nod to Malaysia’s indispensable role as the existing Asean chair.
Malaysia’s effective orchestration of the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur, held in May, has certainly played a part in establishing this reputation. The successful execution of the summit is seen as a symbolic testament to the country’s dedication towards fostering bilateral and multilateral relations, also acknowledged by the Chinese government.
Ambassador Norman posits that the Prime Minister’s speech at the SCO Plus Summit would likely highlight Malaysia’s standpoint on relevant international and regional issues. Engaging in this summit aims to reiterate Malaysia’s dedication to maintaining regional peace, emphasizing neutrality, and upholding stability within the broader multilateral context. This reinforces Malaysia’s promises and commitments on a larger stage.
Interestingly, this marks Prime Minister Anwar’s fourth journey to China since his assumption of office in November 2022. This impending visit, a working trip scheduled for four days, commencing August 31, is another testament to the strengthening ties between the two nations. Accompanying him on this significant trip will be his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and the Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Among other notable delegates accompanying the Prime Minister are Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who serves as the Home Minister, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, and Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, the Minister for Investment, Trade, and Industry. These prominent figureheads symbolize a commitment to various sectors of mutual interest between the nations.
However, the SCO Summit is not the only event on the Prime Minister’s schedule. His participation in the Victory Day Parade in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square is also planned for September 3. This particular event marks the 80-year anniversary of World War II’s conclusion, a remembrance of global significance.
In addition, Prime Minister Anwar will present a public lecture on September 2 at Tianjin University, known for being the oldest modern university in China. His lecture, titled ‘Sovereign Interdependence: Building a Shared Future in Asia’, undoubtedly indicates the country’s dedication to fostering mutual understanding and growth across Asia.
Prime Minister Anwar has also planned for several business interactions with top investors and executives from leading Chinese multinational companies. Such engagements serve as an opportunity for Malaysia to further boost its relationship with these influential business entities, and potentially foster new paths for investment and collaboration.
This strategy aligns with the fact that China holds the position of Malaysia’s most significant trading partner. The trade relationship has maintained this status for 16 continuous years, since 2009, marking a significant aspect of Malaysia’s economic interactions.
Quantitatively speaking, total trade between Malaysia and China stood at a whopping RM484.12 billion in 2024. This impressive figure forms a critical 16.8% slice of Malaysia’s total global trade, which is valued at RM2.879 trillion. These statistics reveal the depth and importance of the Malaysia-China trade relationship.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Anwar’s forthcoming trip can be seen as a multi-faceted endeavor, with every event holding its unique value. From the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit to business meetings with Chinese investors, each engagement aims to enhance Malaysia’s role and influence on the global stage.
The importance of this tour, considering Malaysia’s current standing as the Asean chair, cannot be overstated. The endeavors flow with Malaysia’s vision of being a regional power promoting cooperative alliances and heralding global stability, a vision that this tour fortifies.
While the Prime Minister represents Malaysia on this international platform, it is essential to note that the visit underlies more than just political relationships. It reiterates the interdependent and mutual socio-economic ties the two nations share, which are instrumental for stability, growth, and development in the Asian region.
Prime Minister Anwar’s agenda, comprising the SCO summit, Victory Day Parade, and the lecture at Tianjin University among other engagements, all aims at fostering a holistic relationship. The conference targets political cooperation, the parade symbolizes shared history, and the lecture at the university symbolizes shared visions for the future.
All in all, the upcoming China visit by Prime Minister Anwar seems all set to take Malaysia’s diplomatic and economic relations to new heights, aligning closely with the strategic roadmap of Malaysia and its quest for interdependence in the broader global context.
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