Malaysia Leverages Foreign Relations To Boost Economy, Investment

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- Malaysia leverages its foreign relations to enhance the economy, investment and the quality of education, said Prime Minister  Anwar Ibrahim.

He shared that during his recent working visits to Peru and Brazil, numerous world leaders expressed interest in meeting him, reflecting recognition of Malaysia's position on the global stage.

"But what do we leverage these opportunities for? For the economy, investments, and education quality. That’s what matters.

"I have instructed follow-up actions to be coordinated by the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM), and relevant agencies," he said.

He was speaking at the monthly gathering with staff of the Prime Minister’s Department here Monday.  Also present were Deputy Prime Ministers Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and  Fadillah Yusof and Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

The Prime Minister also noted that Malaysia's achievements in combating corruption caught the attention of Peru’s President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra, who expressed interest in learning from the experience of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to address corruption in her country.

He added that the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform)  Azalina Othman Said is now chairing the International Anti-Corruption Academy, following MACC’s good performance, a recognition that benefits Malaysia.

Meanwhile, strategic ties with Brazil have opened economic opportunities, as President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva granted Malaysia privileges, including enabling Petronas to continue exploration activities and Yinson Holdings Berhad to secure investments in the world’s largest electric energy vessel.

-- BERNAMA