KUALA LUMPUR: In his latest podcast on Keluar Sekejap, Khairy Jamaluddin raised questions over Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent working visit to Russia, casting doubt on the strategic advantages of deepening relations with Moscow.

The former Umno youth chief questioned the rationale behind the trip, which took place last week in Vladivostok, where Anwar met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

While Khairy acknowledged Malaysia's need to maintain a balance between major global powers, including the US and China, he expressed confusion over the necessity of deepening relations with Russia given Malaysia's limited trade interactions with the country.

Khairy said that Malaysia's trade with China and the US was significant, with figures reaching RM450.84 billion and RM250.25 billion respectively in 2023.

In contrast, trade with Russia amounted to just RM14.22 billion last year. He argued that, considering these trade values, Malaysia's strategic neutrality is more justifiable with China and the US than with Russia

"It is understandable why we would want strategic neutrality with both Beijing and Washington.

"If we take the risk of angering the US because we want to go to a country where our trade value is nearly the same as the US, then maybe it's worth it. However, I'm trying to think whether or not in terms of cost-benefit, risk-reward this is a strategic move, he said.

Khairy said that the US has been critical of Russia, especially in light of the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, and warned that Malaysia's overtures to Moscow could provoke a strong response from Washington.

He urged the Malaysian government to proceed with caution in its efforts to bolster ties with Russia, suggesting that such moves should be carefully weighed against potential geopolitical repercussions.

He emphasised the need for strategic diplomacy that aligns with Malaysia's broader economic and political interests, without unnecessarily antagonizing key partners.

Khairy also urged the government to exercise caution in bolstering ties with Russia, to prevent drawing a strong response from Washington.

"The point is, you cannot overplay your hand. When we are friendly with China, the US can understand because of the trade value. But when the value and whether it can increase aren't clear, then you are overplaying your hand.

"Although I agree we need to move away from Western dominance, Western hypocrisy and all that, we don't want to invite a response from the US," he added.

During his visit, Anwar and Vladimir Putin reportedly discussed collaboration in aerospace and advanced technologies.

Additionally, the Prime Minister accepted Putin's invitation to the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, scheduled for October 22-24. Malaysia's application to join the BRICS group of emerging economies was submitted in July.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/1104092/khairy-raises-questions-strategic-value-visit-russia