Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir responded to an interview with NHK, saying that the new economic partnership, IPEF = Indo-Pacific economic framework, "is trying to eliminate and counter China", and the United States and China He expressed the idea that it is necessary for the economic development of Southeast Asian countries to avoid intensifying conflicts and maintain regional stability.

Former Prime Minister Mahathir, who has been visiting Japan since the 24th to attend an international conference, responded to an independent interview with NHK in Tokyo on the 26th.



Former Prime Minister Mahathir is 96 years old.



It has been 40 years since the launch of the "Look East Policy" to learn about Japan's advanced industrial technology. "The Look East Policy develops Malaysia by learning Japanese technology and ethics. Not only that, it promoted mutual understanding between Malaysia and Japan, and led to the establishment of a good relationship without conflict or war. "



Also, regarding IPEF, which was advocated by President Biden of the United States and 13 countries including Malaysia are participating in talks for launch, "This is an attempt to eliminate and counter China. The United States opposes China. Has the political purpose of creating a friendly country in Malaysia. "



He added, "Economic development requires stability and no conflict. The United States seems enthusiastic about shutting out China and is sending ships to the South China Sea. One day, an accidental accident may occur, resulting in violence or war. This is not good for the economic development of ASEAN countries, "he said, saying that avoiding intensifying conflict between the United States and China and maintaining regional stability are necessary for the economic development of South China countries. rice field.

Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has a deep connection with Japan

Former Prime Minister Mahathir has a deep connection with Japan, such as advocating a "look east policy" to learn about Japanese industrial technology and working spirit, and is also known as a pro-Japanese family.



In the 1980s, when the automobile industry was being cultivated, the automobile manufacturer "Proton" was established, and with the support of Japanese companies, the production of "SAGA", Malaysia's first national car, began.



In addition, under the "Look East Policy" set by former Prime Minister Mahathir, international students and trainees were dispatched from Malaysia to Japan to promote human resources exchanges, and more than 26,000 people have studied in Japan so far.



Former Prime Minister Mahathir praises Japan's economic development after World War II and the working attitude of the Japanese who made it possible.



In an interview with NHK in 2018, "Japan was destroyed by the defeat of World War II, but we have achieved rapid recovery in a poor life where only a cup of rice and soy sauce can be obtained. "There is still something to be learned in Japan, such as the ability to innovate and high productivity," he said.



Since he first visited Japan in 1961, he has visited Japan frequently, choosing Japan as his first foreign visit after his reappointment in 2018, and meeting with then Prime Minister Abe.



In the fall of this year, he was awarded the Order of the Paulownia Flowers for his contribution to strengthening relations and friendship between Japan and Malaysia.