On 5 September, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, was in Vladivostok, at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin, delivering a speech entitled ‘Exploring New Frontiers: The Future of Malaysia-Russia Relations’ at the 2024 Eastern Economic Forum held at Far Eastern Federal University.

Anwar’s speech at the pre-eminent and momentous forum such as the 2024 Eastern Economic Forum reflects a strategic intent to deepen Malaysia-Russia relations by emphasising shared cultural, intellectual and economic values.

As stated by Anwar, since its inception in 2015, the Eastern Economic Forum has consistently drawn visionaries and leaders from around the world, hence his thanks to President Putin for his vision and leadership in establishing this forum, which continues to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

Northeast Asia region of vibrant economic dynamism

Anwar’s acknowledgment that Northeast Asia is a region of vibrant economic dynamism and immense potential, contributing about a fifth of the world’s GDP, is important because it highlights the strategic significance of the region in global economic networks, underscores the potential for increased trade and investment opportunities, and emphasises the need for deeper engagement and collaboration with these rapidly growing economies to drive mutual prosperity and resilience in the global economy.

The speech itself outlines areas of potential collaboration, including Islamic finance, agriculture, education and technological innovation, underscoring Malaysia’s desire to engage with Russia beyond traditional geopolitical alignments.

Anwar’s address also touches on themes of global economic shifts, the rise of the Global South and the challenges of protectionism, suggesting that Malaysia views partnerships with nations like Russia as crucial to navigating a multipolar world.

The Prime Minister’s remarks on the importance of ASEAN centrality and his announcement of Malaysia's intention to join BRICS, an informal group of states comprising the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa, signal a commitment to diversifying Malaysia’s international engagements.

The announcement is particularly timely, given that Russia was the driving force behind the establishment of BRICS. It must be remembered that the inaugural BRICS Ministerial Meeting was convened on 20 September 2006 at the suggestion of Russian President Vladimir Putin, taking place on the sidelines of a United Nations General Assembly Session in New York.

This speech reinforces Anwar’s status as a pragmatic leader who is keen to position Malaysia as a pivotal player in the evolving global landscape. His narrative emphasises a balanced foreign policy approach, maintaining Malaysia’s historical neutrality while actively seeking new economic and strategic partnerships.

Strengthening rapport with Russian leaders

By highlighting personal connections to Russian culture and literature, Anwar personalises his diplomatic outreach, potentially strengthening his rapport with Russian leaders and enhancing his image as a leader who values intellectual and cultural engagement.

Needless to say, Anwar’s speech is likely to have a positive impact on Malaysia-Russia relations, as it demonstrates a willingness to engage deeply with Russia on multiple fronts. By acknowledging Russia’s contributions to science, technology and culture, Anwar extends beyond the typical economic and strategic dialogues, paving the way for a broader and more nuanced partnership.

His proposal to explore Islamic finance, a sector where Malaysia excels, can serve as a significant economic bridge, leveraging Russia’s substantial Muslim population and aligning with Malaysia's goal of expanding its influence in global finance.

At the same time, while Anwar’s speech strengthens ties with Russia, it may raise concerns among Western countries that are critical of Russia’s geopolitical actions, especially the United States of America, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts involving Russia.

However, the concerns should not be worrisome as Anwar’s speech carefully avoids explicit political endorsements and instead focuses on cultural and economic cooperation, which aligns with Malaysia’s long-standing policy of neutrality.

The emphasis on mutual respect and shared economic interests could help mitigate potential backlash from Western partners, but Malaysia will need to balance its diplomatic engagements to avoid perceived shifts in its foreign policy alignment.

Anwar’s remarks align well with ZOPFAN

Despite the claim to the contrary, Anwar’s remarks also align well with the principles of ZOPFAN, a declaration that underscores ASEAN's commitment to maintaining regional autonomy free from external influence. By advocating for ASEAN centrality and expressing a desire for Malaysia to lead by example as the upcoming ASEAN Chair, Anwar reaffirms Malaysia’s dedication to these principles.

However, his interest in joining BRICS, a group that includes Russia, could be seen as a nuanced shift that aligns Malaysia with a broader, non-Western economic bloc. This move, while still within the bounds of neutrality, suggests a strategic pivot towards more diverse alliances, potentially complicating Malaysia’s traditional stance if not carefully managed.

Overall, Anwar’s speech at the Eastern Economic Forum underscores Malaysia’s strategic ambition to diversify its international relations and cement its position as a key player in the Global South.

The address highlights Anwar’s skill in managing Malaysia’s complex relationships with both Eastern blocs and Western nations, focusing on economic collaboration, cultural appreciation, and the pursuit of shared prosperity.

-- BERNAMA

Prof Dr Muhammad Fuad Othman is an expert in International Relations from the School of International Studies (SoIS), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM).