Malaysian Ambassador to the United States, Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz has stated that Malaysia will respect the outcome of the upcoming November general elections in the United States and is prepared to work with either a Democratic or a Republican President.
Participating in a Q&A session at The Washington Diplomat’s “Ambassador Insider Series,” event on July 17, 2024, at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Washington DC, Ambassador Abdul Aziz affirmed, “I have a lot of confidence in the American people.”
In response to a question from the moderator Josh Rogin, a Washington Post columnist, about the potential return of Trump Administration and its impact on Malaysia, he remarked, “We have to cross the river when we come to the bridge.”
“Whoever comes after the elections, as President, we have to work with him. We don’t want to think too much now,” said Ambassador Abdul Aziz adding the best approach is to “be prepared for everything,” and termed it “very practical.”
He emphasized his focus on enhancing trade relationship between US and Malaysia. Since assuming office as the Malaysian Ambassador, he pointed out that there has been notable growth in the US investment in Malaysia with major companies like Google, Microsoft, FedEx, and Intel establishing operations there.
“As far as I am concerned, I’m very happy,” he said affirming his commitment to bolstering confidence among US investors in Malaysia.
Highlighting the bilateral ties between both countries, Ambassador Abdul Aziz stressed “trade and investment should be on the top,” underscoring that Malaysia not only benefits from the US investment but also actively promotes Malaysian investments in the United States.
About Malaysia choosing between China and US in trade, he said Malaysia is part of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and all ASEAN countries follow “ASEAN Centrality” and speak in “one voice.”
Ambassador Abdul Aziz acknowledged that ASEAN countries like working with both China and US, and added, “We don’t have to live in an environment where we have to choose between China and US. Both are good friends of ours [Malaysia]. We have been trading with both countries for many years, and every ASEAN country experience the same thing.”
At the same time he maintained, “We have issues with China, and we will sort it out our own way.”
Regarding Taiwan, he said Malaysia does not have any diplomatic relations with Taiwan, and that they respect the decision of the United Nations’ “One China,” policy.
He described Malaysia as a “trading nation,” and announced its openness to working with different regional trade cooperation forums, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation or the Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.
When asked about Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation, supporting Palestinians affected by the Israel-Gaza conflict and whether this affected Malaysia’s relationship with US, he responded, “It is very offensive for you to introduce Malaysia in the issue of Gaza as the Muslim-majority country. Because, it’s not an issue of religion, it’s human rights.”
“Malaysia Stance [Israel-Gaza conflict] is not because we are Muslim. It is because of human rights,” Ambassador Abdul Aziz maintained highlighting his three decades of involvement in the Palestinian cause. He also noted his regular participation in conferences in Geneva and Vienna over the years.
At the same time, he clarified that Malaysia’s position is not anti-Jewish, and that the nation is known for its multi-cultural and multi-racial population, and is home to a small Jewish community.
Ambassador Abdul Aziz further explained that Malaysia’s lack of diplomatic relations with Israel does not stem from animosity towards the Jewish people, rather it seeks to recognize Israel concurrently with the establishment of a Palestinian nation. According to him, Malaysia advocates for a “two-state solution.”
Editor-in-Chief of The Washington Diplomat, Victor Shiblie, welcomed the gathering and expressed gratitude to Ambassador Abdul Aziz for accepting the invitation to speak.
