The Saudi Arabian business community’s interest to invest in Malaysia is a testament to the political stability in the country, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
This, the Prime Minister said, was expressed by the chairmen of both the National Chamber of Commerce and Jeddah Chamber of Commerce, whom he met during his official visit to the kingdom.
Anwar said they had responded very well to his invitation to invest in the country.
“Both of them not only said how pleased they were but gave an assurance that they will immediately reciprocate. They were waiting for this. They know the country well, and they have been there from the 1980s and 1990s.
“But now they are waiting for this moment where there is a clear stability, direction and commitment to ensure the ease of doing business and rid the country of corruption and focus on the issue of good governance,” he said in a press conference here Friday (March 24) at the end of his three-day visit.
Anwar said the government had appealed for more constructive criticism from the Opposition and not just statements that may cause concern to the investing public and the international community.
“But the fact remains, and I’ve reassured them that the government is certainly stable. And in our last meeting of members of the Unity Government, there was a clear solid stance on the part of PH (Pakatan Harapan) and BN (Barisan Nasional) and then followed by Premier Abang Johari (Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) of GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak).
“The three pillars would have made a government with a strong mandate and majority in Parliament. But as I said, it would not stop the attempts and dreams of those craving for power without mandate and support,” he said.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, among others, on the visit.
Key country for Malaysia in Middle East
Anwar concluded a three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia yesterday, and said he considers Saudi Arabia a key country for Malaysia in the Middle East.
The visit to the kingdom was the first official visit by Anwar outside the Asean region since his appointment as Malaysia’s 10th prime minister in November last year.
Speaking at a press conference, Anwar said he appreciated getting the invitation to visit in a short time from the Saudi Arabian government (after his appointment as the prime minister).
Anwar said Malaysia enjoyed excellent relations with Saudi Arabia, including in business matters, banking and Islamic activities.
The prime minister said he wished to step up the ties with the kingdom.
He expressed the hope that this good relationship can enable Malaysia to benefit from some of Saudi Arabia’s new initiatives driven by Vision 2030 introduced by Crown Prince Mohammed Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud.
During the visit, Anwar, accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and Minister of Communications and Digital Fahmi Fadzil, among others, had a meeting with the Saudi Arabian business community at the headquarters of the Islamic Development Bank here.
The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha, and the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL), Sheikh Dr Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, called on Anwar.
Anwar also witnessed the signing of three memoranda of understanding between private companies in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
The prime minister and members of his delegation also performed the umrah and met with Malaysians residing in Jeddah, Mekah and Madinah for “iftar” (breaking of fast).
Anwar said the Saudi Arabian leaders had requested him to extend his visit so that he could meet more Saudi leaders, but had to turn it down due to prior engagements at home.
“I appreciate the invitation, including for an audience scheduled with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and the Crown Prince, but had to turn it down because of the scheduled iftar with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong tomorrow and an official visit to Cambodia,” he said.
Anwar and the delegation departed for Kuala Lumpur from Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport at 12.30am (5.30am in Malaysia) Saturday.
The prime minister is scheduled to make a one-day official visit to Cambodia on Monday (March 27).
