KUALA SELANGOR: Malaysia, as an independent nation, has the right to determine its foreign policy, as well as diplomatic relations with any country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
As such, he said, no country can direct Malaysia, to befriend any party, even if the country's policy of openness invites criticism.
"We befriend everyone (the West, the East, the United States, and China). But no country can direct us - you can be friends with this country, but not with that one.
"This country (Malaysia) is independent and sovereign and free to determine its policies," he said at the closing ceremony of the Central Zone Madani Rakyat Programme, here.
Anwar said this in response to his interview with the Financial Times London published today.
The London-based media posed questions suggesting that Anwar's diplomatic relations appear to be closer with China than with the United States.
"Earlier, there was an article in the Financial Times London... they interviewed me because they said Anwar now seems 'somewhat leaning' to China.
"I responded that Malaysia must make policy decisions that prioritise the interests of the nation and the Malaysian people," he said.