MALAYSIA’S ROLE IN STRENGTHENING TIES WITHIN ASEAN, ENHANCING REGIONAL GROWTH, RECOGNISED BY IMF -- AMIR HAMZAH

By Zufazlin Baharuddin

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has played a positive role in strengthening ties among ASEAN countries, enhancing integration within the bloc and contributing to improved regional economic development, says the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the IMF also views ASEAN as a region with significant potential that is developing well.

“From the IMF’s feedback, ASEAN is a region with a lot of potential and has been progressing well,” he said in a doorstop interview with Bernama today.

The minister earlier joined Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at a bilateral meeting with IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva here today.

According to Amir Hamzah, the IMF recognised Malaysia’s successful role in strengthening relations among ASEAN countries.

“If those relations improve and integration increases, God willing, our economies will thrive,” he added.

Anwar’s bilateral meeting with Georgieva lasted about 25 minutes. Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour was also present at the meeting.

Meanwhile, Abdul Rasheed also commented that the IMF recognised ASEAN's level of integration and regional cooperation, which has great potential to be strengthened.

“The IMF acknowledges that in terms of our international integration, our common integration, there is a lot of potential to further deepen ASEAN integration beyond what we have now, Insya-Allah,” he said.

Meanwhile, Amir Hamzah said the IMF acknowledged Malaysia’s important role at the 47th ASEAN Summit, particularly given the presence of many influential global leaders.

“I think this summit has truly elevated ASEAN and Malaysia on the world stage.  They (the world leaders) felt the meeting was important because they were able to discuss matters with ASEAN countries and with other visiting nations,” he said.

Abdul Rasheed echoed this sentiment, stating that the ASEAN Summit served as a key meeting place for world leaders, enhancing Malaysia’s image.

Today’s bilateral meetings were held in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and the Related Summits, organised by Malaysia from Oct 26 to 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

-- BERNAMA