Malaysians Back PM Anwar's Diplomatic Efforts To Strengthen The Economy
KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s diplomatic efforts to strengthen international relations have the potential to enhance Malaysia’s economic ties, trade and strategic investments amid uncertainties in the global geopolitical landscape, according to an academic.
Senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA’s (UiTM) Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Dr Mohd Ramlan Mohd Arshad, said Anwar’s recent visits to Kazan, Russia, and Turkmenistan, for example, would help diversify markets and ensure Malaysia’s economic resilience.
He said the visits had opened up opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, energy, agriculture and technology, which could further bolster Malaysia’s economic standing on the international stage.
“At present, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership is regarded as among the best in ensuring that Malaysia remains a strategic investment destination and adopts a pragmatic approach in international relations,” he told Bernama when contacted here.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Indian Youth Council (MIYC) Policy and Think Tank Exco member Siranjeev Ram said Malaysia benefits when its leaders command respect internationally and are able to forge strong ties with countries across the globe.
“In an increasingly complex global environment, Malaysia must continue to maintain an independent and pragmatic foreign policy that creates opportunities for our people, businesses and future generations,” he said, emphasising that the international respect Malaysia commands must be translated into tangible benefits and opportunities for the people.
Sharing the same sentiment, dentist Dr Lim Yu Xiang viewed continued international engagement as a sound and strategic move to secure beneficial trade agreements with emerging global markets.
“As long as we can strike favourable deals with Russia and Turkmenistan, I think it will be a good move. The Prime Minister appears to be well respected and shines on the global stage, and that is undeniable,” he said.
Dr Lim also expressed confidence that the Prime Minister’s strong international standing would provide positive momentum to further accelerate economic growth and strengthen domestic development for the benefit of all Malaysians.
Media marketing specialist Fiona Lim said it is important for Malaysia to maintain constructive relationships with different nations while safeguarding its national interests.
“A respected leader does not merely command global attention, but also helps the world recognise the value and potential of his country. In that sense, Malaysia’s growing visibility and credibility on the international stage is something all Malaysians can take pride in,” she added.
The Prime Minister’s two-day working visit to Kazan in conjunction with the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit successfully strengthened bilateral ties between the two countries, particularly in the area of energy security.
Under the new commitment, Russia has agreed to supply petrol, oil and gas to Malaysia through a more stable long-term arrangement, replacing previous annual or seasonal contracts.
The draft agreement is currently in its final stages of refinement and involves strategic cooperation with Petronas and Tatarstan, one of Russia’s major oil-producing regions.
During Anwar’s visit to Turkmenistan, Malaysia’s energy sector was further strengthened on the global stage as Petronas marked its 30th anniversary of operations in the Central Asian country.
Petronas signed several new strategic agreements, including securing a 100 per cent participating interest in the exploration of oil and gas resources in Offshore Blocks 19 and 20 in the Caspian Sea.
A Long-Term Framework Agreement was also signed to explore development opportunities in the Galkynysh Gas Field, one of the world’s largest gas fields, as well as prospects in downstream activities and gas processing.
-- BERNAMA
