Washington Recognizes Malaysia as Sovereign State, but Will Protect Its Interests
KUALA LUMPUR: Washington fully recognizes Malaysia as a sovereign state, but the US will protect its interests, says its ambassador to Malaysia, Edgard D Kagan.
Sovereignty and Interests
Kagan said Malaysia had the right to decide how to conduct its relations, but so did the US. "The US will take appropriate and necessary measures to ensure all US interests are protected," he told reporters at the US Election Day Watch event here today.
US-Malaysia Ties under Scrutiny
Kagan was asked to comment on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent revelation that he rejected a call by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to stop being friendly with Russia. Ties between Washington and Moscow have reached their lowest point since the Cold War after Russia invaded parts of Ukraine. According to Anwar, he told Blinken not to instruct Malaysia in terms of its relationship with other countries. "We are an independent, sovereign country, we make decisions for our people and our nation," he was quoted as saying.
Finding Ways to Work Together
Nonetheless, Kagan said he was confident Washington could find ways to work with Malaysia "within these constraints." "Each side understands what the core interests are and how they can best be advanced," he said.
Long-term Relationship
Separately, Kagan said regardless who becomes the next US president, Washington’s relations with Putrajaya will remain strong. He said although there had been times when ties "have been stronger and times a little bit less so", the underlying fundamentals of the relationship were what really mattered. "Policies are likely to change (when the new president takes charge) but I think the fundamentals won’t," he said.
Indo-Pacific Region
Kagan highlighted the importance of the Indo-Pacific region, stating that the US has a deep and bipartisan commitment to it. "If you look at the amount of trade (and) the strategic importance, it’s very clear, regardless of who’s in the White House, there will be a deep commitment to the Indo-Pacific (region), and some of the key drivers of our policy, including our competition with China, are not going to change," he said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the US ambassador to Malaysia, Edgard D Kagan, emphasized the importance of recognizing Malaysia as a sovereign state while protecting US interests. He expressed confidence in finding ways to work with Malaysia despite differences and highlighted the long-term commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the US instruct Malaysia on its relationship with other countries?
A: No, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the US will not instruct Malaysia on its relationship with other countries.
Q: How does the US plan to work with Malaysia in light of recent tensions with Russia?
A: The US ambassador to Malaysia, Edgard D Kagan, expressed confidence in finding ways to work with Malaysia "within these constraints" and emphasized the importance of recognizing Malaysia as a sovereign state.
Q: What is the US’s stance on the Indo-Pacific region?
A: The US has a deep and bipartisan commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, recognizing its importance and strategic significance.