KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said major global economies should not dictate and impose any condition on Malaysia's economic direction and policies.
Speaking at the opening plenary session of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Meeting in Riyadh, the prime minister stressed that while Malaysia welcomes any investments, it must adhere to the rules and procedures set by the country.
"We are fortunate because within Asean, though there may be some minor differences on foreign policy issues, but the focus and engagement, as well as bilateral and multilateral relationship is excellent.
"Within the Asean mechanism, there has been this sort of a position that we maintain our neutrality, we engage with both (all nations) and we set our own priorities.
"Our problem with some of the big economics, of course, is that they dictate and that they are quite condescending.
"And you have seen that in COP 28 (28th Conference of Parties) and some other forums," he said, without identifying the 'big economies' he was referring to.
On a related matter, Anwar said the ongoing trade war between the United States of America (US) and China, although not easy to navigate, has not affected Malaysia's economic prospects.
"Cumulatively, investment from the US remains number one in Malaysia.
"And over the last few years, there are growing investments and interest from China (towards Malaysia).
"How do we navigate this? We will not enter into any decision of sorts that is deemed to be provocative against one another.
"And I think, so far, we have managed (the situation) although not easy as a small emerging economy.
"We have to navigate (the situation) very wisely," he said.