Abroad
Asean countries like M'sia & S'pore continue to prioritise cooperation & trust despite differences: Anwar Ibrahim
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone agreement happened based on trust, he said.
June 10, 2026, 04:01 PM
Photo by Mothership and via Malaysia Investment Development Authority
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that while Asean member states may have economic disparities and tensions, these do not stop collaboration among the Southeast Asian nations.
He was speaking during a question-and-answer session following his keynote address at the 31st Nikkei Forum in Tokyo, Japan, on Jun. 10.
Anwar acknowledged that the neighbouring states may have differences on issues such as the South China Sea, but that it did not stop the countries from collaborating in terms of cross-border arrangements.
He brought up the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, amongst various cross-regional collaborations, as an example.
Issues do not disrupt relations: Anwar
"I’m not saying that we don’t have issues. We have issues of smuggling, we have issues of illegal fishing, but it does not disrupt relations. That’s important. And it’s still based on trust and we work well jointly," Anwar said.
He emphasised trust between the member states, saying that the "excellent example" of sub-regional cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore would not exist if not for "trust".
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone agreement, signed in Jan. 2025, between the two countries, aims to improve cross-border connectivity, enable freer movement of people, and strengthen the regional business ecosystem.
Engagement outside the region
Anwar also spoke about engagement outside the region, such as with Japan, the United States, China and Russia.
There are "more contentious, more difficult" issues in play here, but Asean continues to engage with these states, he said, because Asean's position is one of centrality.
"Do we agree with all the issues or decisions by President Trump? Of course not. With Russia, certainly, we have differences, but we collaborate well," he explained.
Anwar also denied the perception that Malaysia is more "pro-West" than "pro-East", saying the country has received various world leaders with warmth and support.
He brought up his interaction with US President Donald Trump at the 2025 Asean Summit, where he danced "a bit" with the president.
He said that he would have done the same with China President Xi Jinping if the latter had agreed.
