While Anwar Ibrahim has yet to detail Malaysia’s foreign policy direction, the newly minted prime minister is likely to play a diplomatic balancing act between East and West given the friendly relationships he has with both sides, according to international relations analysts.

However, they opined that it is not a question of being “pro-China” or “pro-US” but more of balancing the needs of the country.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu’s lecturer for Business, Economics and Social Development Zaharul Abdullah said he believes the foreign policy under Anwar will...