LIVE: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks at Australian university | REUTERS

08 Mar 2024 (9 months ago)

Australia-Malaysia Relations

The Australian National University (ANU) and Malaysian institutions have a deep research collaboration, particularly in the sciences and humanities.
ANU established the Malaysian Institute in 2016, which has conducted significant research into Malaysian history, sociology, politics, economics, and law.
Economic relations between Malaysia and Australia have grown significantly, with Malaysia being Australia's second-largest ASEAN trading partner and 10th largest trading partner globally.
Both countries are parties to several economic frameworks, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, signaling their joint interest in facilitating trade and investment.
Malaysia's new industrial master plan and Madani economic framework present opportunities for Australian investors in digitalization, renewable energy, and other sectors.
The relationship between Malaysia and Australia has been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership, emphasizing shared regional aspirations and cooperation on a multi-lateral level.
Malaysia's former Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, delivered a speech at the Australian National University (ANU) on regional cooperation and integration in the Asia Pacific.
The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, delivered an oration at the Australian National University (ANU) on the topic of "Malaysia and Australia: Partners in a Changing World."

The speaker expresses concern about the current unsettled times and the shift in assumptions about preserving peace and prosperity in the region.
Globalization is under assault, and economic interdependence is now seen as a source of duress or coercion.
The rise of China is a critical determinant of the region's future, and understanding China's perspective is crucial.
The speaker highlights changes in the United States, including the decline of the working class and a preference for transactional leaders.
There are fundamental shifts in global assumptions about societal aspirations, with the global South seeking multiple pathways for advancement.
Western perspectives on the future world order may not be universally embraced, and there is growing impatience with unreformed global institutions.
The speaker emphasizes the need to enhance multilateral institutions and avoid minilateralism, which could ferment suspicions rather than bridge differences.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, believes that despite the challenges and atrocities committed by colonial powers, small nations like Malaysia must continue to engage with the international community to promote peace and stability.
He highlights the importance of intra-ASEAN trade and investment and plans to aggressively pursue these areas during Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN.
The Prime Minister emphasizes the need for tenacity of purpose and strong conviction to effect change and reform, drawing lessons from history and the cyclical nature of civilizations.
He criticizes the selective application of international law, particularly in the case of Israel's operations in Gaza, and calls for an end to the killings of civilians.
The Prime Minister acknowledges concerns from international investors about the speed of reforms in Malaysia but assures them that progress has been made, citing positive responses from the capital of industry.
He explains that subsidy rationalization is being implemented gradually to avoid political upheaval and ensure public understanding, while emphasizing the government's commitment to financial responsibility and transparency.

Malaysia's Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, addressed the 2024 Gareth Evans Oration and responded to questions from the audience.
He defended his government's economic policies, including the need for subsidies and deficit reduction, and rejected the notion that he is a populist prime minister.
Regarding the disappearance of MH370, he announced that the Malaysian government is inclined to support the reopening of investigations based on new evidence suggesting a deliberate crash.
He clarified that his previous comments about going to heaven were a joke and that he respects the Islamic party.
In response to concerns about the pace of reforms, he emphasized the challenges of implementing changes in a multiracial and multi-religious coalition government.
He highlighted achievements such as the absence of scandals involving ministers and the implementation of proper tender exercises for procurement.
He acknowledged the difficulties in breaking away from established political cultures but reaffirmed his commitment to reforms without submitting to the pressure of specific groups.