Malaysia Aggressively Exploring Trading Opportunities With New Countries - PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- Guided by national interests, Malaysia will continue to aggressively explore market and trade opportunities with new countries while maintaining existing good relations with the United States and China, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The prime minister said this is to create more new jobs for Malaysians and to boost the country’s economic momentum.

“In recent years, we have been active in South Africa and Brazil, and we have gained new opportunities. For example, there are large oil investments in Brazil and Peru.

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“But at the same time, opportunities are wide open with all other countries. That is why, to me, economic fundamentals are very important. We have to deal with all sorts of issues, but never ignore the importance of the nation’s economy and economic fundamentals,” he said today.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, was responding to questions regarding Malaysia’s stance on relations with the United States and China from students at the “Meet Anwar” programme held at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT).

Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh, and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.

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The event was attended by TARC Educational Foundation Board of Trustees chairman Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ayer Hitam; senior university management; and more than 1,600 students and staff.

Anwar said Malaysia is currently managing its relations with both the US and China well.

“If President Donald Trump comes to discuss and ask about relations with China, I would say that the relationship is very good; they are an important neighbouring country to us. That answer might not be to everyone’s taste, but it is the truth.

“Likewise, if China asked about our relationship with America, I would say that as a trading nation, Malaysia has to depend on and be on friendly terms with the US,” he said.

Anwar added that every policy implemented or introduced by the MADANI government will always prioritise strengthening unity among the people and economic progress.

-- BERNAMA