China News Service, Hangzhou, September 27th. Question: Why is Malaysia so close to China? Prime Minister Anwar gave three reasons
Author Bao Mengni
The Chinese version of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar's autobiography "Self-Reinvention" was recently released in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. At the launch event, he shared his life story and mental journey of persevering in difficulties and growing up in pursuit, and explained "why Malaysia is so close to China."
Talking about autobiography: pursuing common prosperity and caring for human welfare
It is understood that "Self-Reinvention" combines Anwar's ups and downs life experience to explain his speculative exploration of major issues such as justice, reform, social values and the construction of a common world.
"It's not about me as a person, but about the books I've read, the exchanges I've participated in, the insights I've gained from life, and how to apply those insights when I have the opportunity to govern the country," Anwar said.
For example, "Self-Reinvention" mentioned that Malaysia is a community with a shared future composed of Malays, Chinese, Indians, Dayaks and other diverse ethnic groups. Policy formulation and social norms must be based on values and humanitarianism.
"In the process of establishing core values, we made extensive reference to a variety of religious creeds and humanistic concepts, and absorbed the universal moral and ethical wisdom from many world views. There were hundreds of values to choose from, and ultimately we selected those ethical principles and ideals that could impress diverse communities and fit with the teachings, principles and philosophical foundations of different ethnic groups," Anwar wrote in the book.
He said that "Self-Reinvention" also records his thoughts on the world situation, especially how emerging countries should plan for future development under the influence of colonialism and imperialism. The rise of emerging countries should not only focus on their own development, but also pursue the common welfare of mankind.
"These thoughts have many similarities with the concepts advocated by Chinese leaders. I say this not because I am in China at this moment. Looking around the world, how many leaders can consistently advocate common prosperity and continue to emphasize the humanitarian spirit and care for people? Chinese leaders have made clear explanations in these aspects." Anwar said.
Regardless of the size of the country, each other should be respected
Anwar has a profound connection with China and Chinese culture.
He was born in Penang, a Chinese-populated area in Malaysia. His father collected the works of Confucius and Mencius at home. Anwar said, "These books have influenced me to a certain extent."
In the 1990s, Anwar invited Tu Weiming, one of the representatives of the contemporary New Confucian school, to visit Malaysia to discuss Islam and Confucianism. When Anwar visited China, he also made a special trip to Qufu, Shandong to visit the Confucius Temple.
Confucianism advocates "the golden mean" and advocates the principle of impartiality and appropriateness in life. After Anwar became Prime Minister of Malaysia in 2022, he has repeatedly stated in public that he maintains strategic independence among major powers and refuses to choose sides.
In the past four years, Anwar has visited China many times, including attending the Boao Forum for Asia, the Seventh China International Import Expo, the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, and the conference commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. This gave him a better understanding of China.
He said: "China is a big country with strong economic strength and defense power, but when we visited, they received us as friends and equal partners. This mutual respect allows us to have an in-depth exchange of common ideals and values."
"No matter how big or small the country is, each other should be respected." Anwar said that Malaysia has a population of about 34 million, and there are many countries in the world with smaller populations. When he met with the leaders of these countries, he gave them the same respect as he gave to the leaders of major countries.
Why is Malaysia so close to China?
This time in Hangzhou, Anwar elaborated on his views on Malaysia-China relations.
He pointed out that Malaysia is a relatively small emerging economy and must maintain good relations with the East and the West and interact with China, the United States and other countries.
"If you ask me specifically, 'Why do we value our relationship with China?', I would say, first of all, China is our close neighbor; secondly, we have a long history of exchanges. Chinese characters, culture and music are intertwined with Malay culture. We regard this integration as our own strength. This connection has lasted for hundreds of years and can be traced back to the era of Zheng He's voyages to the West." Anwar said.
It is worth noting that Anwar has mentioned the story of "Zheng He's voyages" many times in public - Zheng He's fleet visited Malacca on all seven voyages, which promoted in-depth political, economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries and wrote a chapter of exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations through peaceful cooperation.
Regarding "why we are so close to China," Anwar also emphasized an important reason, that is, the two countries can handle issues through dialogue. "We have issues that need to be discussed, but we will not attack each other, nor will we stop communicating."
On September 24, Anwar attended the launch ceremony of the fifth Global Digital Trade Expo. In his speech, he read out a Chinese proverb in Chinese, "One flower blooming alone is not spring, but a hundred flowers blooming together fills the garden with spring." He expressed his expectation for all countries to share the fruits of the digital economy.
