Anwar: US Losing Influence in Southeast Asia as Trust Deficit Grows

LONDON — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has criticized the Western world’s hypocrisy, citing a growing "trust deficit" between the West and emerging economies, particularly in Southeast Asia. In an interview with Financial Times, Anwar pointed to the West’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza and its failure to help Southeast Asia despite its rhetoric on democracy and reform.

He also noted that the United States has lost ground to China in the region, with the US less engaged in Southeast Asia due to its focus on Europe amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Anwar highlighted that China, in contrast, is more actively engaging with Malaysia and other Southeast Asian nations.

While acknowledging that the US remains a key investor in Malaysia, especially in the semiconductor sector, Anwar emphasized that it’s more beneficial for smaller economies like Malaysia to strengthen ties with China, especially on trade. He added that while Malaysia and ASEAN maintain strong positions on the South China Sea, the bloc doesn’t need to be confrontational with China, which remains an important regional ally.

Anwar concluded that, like the US, ASEAN seeks a balanced relationship with China, without the need for adversarial rhetoric.