Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent visit to Russia, his first ever, might serve Malaysia’s interests. But as Russia continues to fight against Ukraine two years after its illegal invasion in 2022, the Malaysian leader has left himself open to criticism of double standards.
At the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Anwar attended the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF). The summit of business leaders, held every year since 2015 in Vladivostok, is designed to promote the economic development of the Russian Far East.
During his two-day visit, Anwar held a bilateral meeting with Putin and delivered a speech at the EEF’s plenary session.
He became the sixth Southeast Asian leader to meet Putin since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, after his Asean counterparts from Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, as well as Indonesian president-elect Prabowo Subianto.
In Vladivostok, the Malaysian prime minister had nothing but praise for Putin and Russia. He applauded Putin for his “vision and leadership”, called Russia a “key partner” and proposed the two countries forge a “special relationship”.