Neutrality by Sector: Malaysia’s Geoeconomic Alignment under Anwar

Author: Amalina Anuar

Published: 19 May 2026

ISEAS Perspective 2026/37 

 

 

In 2025, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hassan named an elephant in the room: “the space for neutrality… is shrinking, particularly in areas such as trade, technology and regional security”.[1] By not taking sides, Malaysia has ensured significant non-interference in its affairs.[2] Moreover, when businesses face growing pressure to decouple, friendshore, and ringfence strategic resources, neutrality functions as economic insurance — preserving access to multiple markets and supply chains.

 

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https://www.iseas.edu.sg/articles-commentaries/iseas-perspective/2026-37-neutrality-by-sector-malaysias-geoeconomic-alignment-under-anwar-by-amalina-anuar/

 

 

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The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position or view of IRSEA