PUTRAJAYA, March 8 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the Cabinet to promptly undertake follow-up actions regarding the Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and intentions to invest finalised during his recent inaugural visit to Australia.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil conveyed the directive after a Cabinet meeting chaired by Anwar today.
"The Prime Minister informed the Cabinet about several follow-up actions which must be undertaken in relation to the series of MoUs and intentions to invest. These directives were conveyed (by Anwar), and the ministers are prepared to expedite the necessary matters," he said in his capacity as the unity government spokesperson.
The Prime Minister also updated the Cabinet about bilateral discussions held with Asean countries during the visit, particularly with Thailand, centring on attracting more tourists to Malaysia, with a focus on Langkawi.
As such, Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has been tasked with examining and addressing various aspects, including the escalating food costs on the island.
Anwar conducted an official four-day visit to Australia from March 4 to March 7, where he attended the 2nd Malaysia-Australia Annual Leaders' Meeting and the Special Asean-Australia Summit in Melbourne.
The Prime Minister concluded his visit in Canberra, where he delivered a public lecture at the Australian National University and met with the Governor-General of Australia General David Hurley.
Fahmi added that the Cabinet received updates and details on the outcomes of the Prime Minister's successful visit, which effectively attracted Australian companies' interest in investing and expanding their existing RM24.5 billion investments in Malaysia.
This achievement was a result of meetings with 20 companies in Melbourne, which also witnessed the inking of four MoUs.
The MoUs encompass a practical arrangement between the Malaysian and Australian governments for cooperation in the fields of science and technology and application for the implementation of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), as well as cybersecurity and critical technology.
Additionally, there were two renewable MoUs covering collaboration in sports and higher education.
He said these successes underscored the enhanced efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia and Australia, reflecting a promising future in international relations.
— Bernama
