Davos, January 23, 2025 – The Europe Today: Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim showcased Malaysia’s vision for regional integration, economic growth, and global cooperation during his engagements at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos, Switzerland.
In a lighter moment during the “Country Strategy Dialogue” session, Anwar shared his enthusiasm for football, revealing his steadfast support for Manchester United despite the club’s struggles and his grandchildren’s allegiance to Arsenal. Engaging with Manchester United co-chairman Avram Glazer, Anwar highlighted sports as a unifying force in Malaysia’s multi-religious society, emphasizing its potential as both an industry and a tool for fostering national unity.
Shifting to economic and infrastructure matters, Anwar addressed questions on the restructuring of Malaysia Airlines and ongoing improvements at Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), including upgrades to the aerotrain system. He expressed impatience for progress, stating, “There’s no reason why the airport should function as it did in the past… I think there’s room for improvement.”
Anwar’s discussions extended to pivotal topics such as healthcare, Artificial Intelligence (AI), free trade agreements incorporating digitalization, and Malaysia’s views on nuclear energy. He also highlighted the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) as a vital driver for economic growth and collaboration in the region.
As Asean chair, Anwar addressed regional challenges during the Asean Plenary session titled “Even Stronger Together,” focusing on Myanmar’s governance crisis and its impact on Asean’s peace and security. He pledged Malaysia’s continued coordination with the United Nations to address the issue.
On the South China Sea tensions, Anwar called for collaborative solutions rather than unilateral approaches, stating, “The issue involves the entire region. Are we going to wage war over it? No.” He emphasized the importance of dialogue and reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to maintaining balanced partnerships with both China and the United States, citing their critical roles as trade and investment partners.
Throughout his three-day working visit, Anwar promoted Malaysia as an attractive investment destination and reiterated the country’s dedication to fostering cooperation among major powers, reinforcing Asean’s role in addressing global economic and geopolitical challenges.
