HAINAN: Technological competition should be among the top agendas for discussion at the highest levels, on a par with security and economic matters, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the race for cutting-edge technology, like in the semiconductor industry, could take a productive or destructive turn.
"Unfettered competition must give way to spirited collaboration," he said during a plenary session at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference here today.
He said in acknowledging every country's need to protect their intellectual property rights and stay ahead of the competition, some guardrails must be put up so that the competition did not lead to a bifurcation in the tech world that would only raise costs and impede progress.
He said Malaysia introduced the Malaysia Madani concept as an expression of the country's desire to forge its own path based on its own mould as it creates a humanistic nation in line with its civilisational values.
"It is also our national philosophy, centred on six core values — sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust and compassion."
Anwar spoke about how to achieve solidarity and cooperation in development amid challenges.
He said the world should focus on values that united the people as a human family and not those that were divisive.
"Ethics, sincerity and integrity in dealings with partners in bilateral and multilateral situations should be paramount."
He said democratic accountability should prevail over trumpeting about the term "democracy", which has been used to pigeonhole countries according to arbitrary standards.
"Democratic accountability enjoins leaders to be accountable to the people across the board, providing improved standards of living, transparency in the decision-making process and essentially the overarching practice of good and effective governance."
Anwar said ordinary citizens facing burdens in putting food on the table and the tangible and pressing uncertainties they faced must not be forgotten.
He said wages remained the main form of income for the majority of the world's population, but according to the International Labour Organisation's Global Wage Report 2022-2023, wages and the purchasing power of households had "dented considerably" due to Covid-19 and global inflation.
He said in the absence of adequate policy responses, the immediate future would witness a sharp fall in real incomes and a rise in inequality, which could fuel further social unrest.
"In light of this, we should work closely together in a spirit of cooperation and solidarity, striving towards reducing inequality, promoting social justice and enhancing standards of living for all.
"In closing, I cannot overstress that if we continue to cooperate, speak in a unified voice and exchange ideas on strategy and best policy practices, we can work towards an Asia that is stronger and more resilient."
The Boao Forum for Asia is an international non-governmental and non-profit organisation initiated by 29 member states. Boao is the permanent venue for the annual conference.
Anwar's participation in the event this year coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Malaysia-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Earlier, he held a bilateral meeting with Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Boao Golden Coast Hotel. -- Bernama