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Anwar’s Malaysia ready to stand with Indonesia amid regional, global divide: FM
With Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ascension to power, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur would soon see a “new force” that would likely enhance their relationship, said visiting Malaysian Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir on Friday.
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Taking lead: Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (second right) speaks during a press conference to announce new cabinet members at the prime minister’s office in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on Dec. 2, 2022. (AFP)
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ith Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ascension to power, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur would soon see a “new force” that would likely enhance their relationship, said visiting Malaysian Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir on Friday. Already in the pipeline were some new Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) to be signed in 2023, as well as plans to unite voices against the European Union deforestation policy, the minister said.
Indonesia was among Malaysia’s top foreign priorities, Zambry said, and a tight kinship must be maintained amid regional and global challenges.
The minister’s drop-in to Jakarta on Thursday was made in preparation for Anwar’s impending trip to Indonesia, estimated to take place in mid or late January. While it is per ASEAN tradition for newly appointed heads of state to make Indonesia their first visit, Anwar’s stop required extra legwork as several agreements and negotiations are projected to take place.
Included in the coming discussions would be workers’ protection, negotiations to establish marine and land borders, economic cooperation and investments, Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi implied in her speech on Thursday.
Increased protection
Speaking to the media on Friday, Zambry elaborated that at least three MoUs regarding the cross border agreement, border trade agreement and Indonesian domestic helper agreement (PDI) would soon be signed to improve the lives of Indonesian diasporas working in Malaysia.
“Labor issues are a dynamic problem, which requires proactive steps to resolve [...] Our focus will mainly revolve around recruitment and protection. Abuse happens in any sector, including plantations, for example, but we do find that domestic workers are more vulnerable,” Zambry said.
