Wan Fayhsal Again Claims Japan Unhappy With Look East Expansion

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PARLIAMENT | Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang) has reiterated his warning against alleged “unhappiness” from the Japanese government over Malaysia’s expansion of the “Look East” policy to also include China.
Wan Fayhsal, who interjected International Trade and Investment Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz’s winding-up speech, said he had also raised similar concerns during Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan’s winding-up speech earlier.
“I gave a warning earlier - it will be ‘suicidal’ for our ties with Japan.
“I ask that you don’t support the ‘Cooperation with the East’ policy [...] They won’t say it to you, but I will, they don’t like it,” claimed the Bersatu international relations bureau chairperson.
ADSZafrul, in response, said he supported the previous Look East policy, but also the current stance to include China as Malaysia's partner in various sectors.
Tengku Zafrul Abdul AzizDuring Mohamad’s earlier speech, Wan Fayhsal claimed the change to include China stemmed from a personal vendetta against former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who introduced the policy over four decades ago during his first tenure as prime minister.
“China does not need such a policy to remain engaged with us, so there is no need to sacrifice our good relations merely because of Tambun’s (Anwar Ibrahim) vendetta to erase Mahathir’s legacy.
“I am concerned that a good relationship with Japan will be ruined simply because of a vendetta,” he said.
‘Expanded policy won’t jeopardise current ties’
Mohamad today said the government is reviewing the Look East Policy to keep it relevant amid shifting geopolitics, with renewed focus on the digital economy, green tech, renewable energy, and food security.
He also said the review aims to deliver broader benefits for Malaysians through strengthened ties with Japan, South Korea, and China.
Mohamad Hasan“In implementing these improvements, any changes should not affect existing relations with the three countries.
“Strengthening of this policy is seen as an opportunity to deepen relations with each strategic partner separately, without affecting the balance of common interests, thus strengthening Malaysia’s position as a trusted partner at the regional and global levels,” he said when winding up the 13th Malaysia Plan debate.
Mohamad said the review is being conducted jointly by multiple agencies, led by the Economy Ministry and the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, with input from other relevant ministries, including the Foreign Ministry.
Anwar first announced Malaysia’s interest to expand the Look East policy on Dec 19, 2023, while Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in July last year formally announced that it has been replaced by the “Cooperation with the East” policy. - Mkini

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