‘If we were to bow to America, I would not go’: Anwar says upcoming G20 trip proves Malaysia’s sovereignty

BUKIT MERTAJAM, Nov 8 — Malaysia remains a free and sovereign nation in establishing international relations without yielding to any major power, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said this stance enables Malaysia to maintain trade and investment relations with all countries, including the United States (US), China, Brazil and South Africa, for the benefit of the economy and the well-being of its people.

“Yes, we have a good relationship with the United States. For example, on that Sunday (at the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur), we signed a trade agreement with the US (Agreement on Reciprocal Trade — ART), had a discussion with President Donald Trump, and were immediately criticised as if we were bowing to the US.

“I also invited South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, who chairs the G20. Trump announced a ban on all US representatives from attending the G20, but I will attend because Malaysia is an independent, sovereign and free country. If we were to bow to America’s instructions, I would not go,” he said.

He said this while speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the traffic dispersal project between Juru Toll Plaza and Sungai Dua Toll Plaza (PTJSD) at the Seberang Jaya Expo Site here today. — Bernama