In an editorial published in the state-run China Daily newspaper on Wednesday, Malaysian premier Najib Razak said former colonial powers should not lecture nations they once exploited. "As far as Malaysian purchases from China - that's not tilting to China, that making a commercial deal. The very idea that third-country cooperation with China is somehow a bad thing, is adverse to our interests, it's ridiculous." Mahathir, known for his outspoken, anti-Western rhetoric, was once Najib's patron but turned against him in 2013 by criticizing the government's economic policies and friendliness with the West. "We don't want countries to have to chose between us ... Strong, constructive, productive bilateral relations with China are an important part of our strategy.

Source: The Edge Markets November 04, 2016 06:07 UTC