PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has invited Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan to Malaysia to advance efforts to turn longstanding ties between Malaysia and the Indian state into concrete economic and investment cooperation.
Anwar extended the invitation during a courtesy call by Satheesan in Kerala on Monday, with discussions focusing on opportunities in the digital economy, healthcare, tourism, education and other high-value sectors.
“I invited CM Satheesan to visit Malaysia to continue these discussions and translate all the potential available into more concrete cooperation that benefits the people of both countries,” he said in a Facebook post.
Anwar said the meeting had opened space for both sides to explore Kerala’s potential in strengthening Malaysia-India economic, trade and investment ties.
“We also explored opportunities for cooperation in digital economy, healthcare, tourism, education and high-value sectors. Business relations, people-to-people exchanges as well as close historical and cultural ties must also continue to be strengthened,” he said.
Anwar also received a courtesy call from Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, with the meeting touching on the longstanding Malaysia-Kerala relationship built through trade, education, population movements and cultural exchanges.
“Alhamdulillah, we also agreed to explore efforts to strengthen business relations, boost tourism flows and increase people-to-people exchanges so that this close relationship can continue to grow and bring mutual benefits,” he said.
He said Malaysia and Kerala should continue strengthening their relationship to create more opportunities for cooperation that would benefit both sides.
The Kerala engagements formed part of Anwar’s visit to India, which he said had strengthened Malaysia’s international standing and opened further economic opportunities.
Anwar said historical and civilisational links were being channelled towards stronger economic cooperation, with discussions involving state leaders and industry players from India, Malaysia and the Gulf countries covering the digital economy, healthcare, education, tourism, logistics and the halal industry.
During his visit to Markazu Saquafathi Sunniyya, Anwar also highlighted the importance of developing artificial intelligence within a values-based framework.
“We discussed the need to develop an approach to artificial intelligence rooted in values so that technology can be harnessed without sacrificing morality, freedom of thought and humanity,” he said.
Earlier, at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, Anwar said Malaysia had brought the voice of the Global South in calling for a fairer and more equitable world order, while maintaining its firm position on Palestine and rejecting occupation, violence and silence in the face of injustice.
He also held bilateral meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali.
Anwar said the meetings reflected Malaysia’s ability to engage major powers based on principles, national interests and the welfare of its people.
Malaysia’s economic prospects also featured prominently during the visit, with major Indian companies expressing interest in cooperation in automotive, engineering, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
“The objective is clear, namely to bring in investment, develop local talent and create more high-value jobs for the people,” he said.
Anwar thanked the Indian Government for its hospitality during his stay in New Delhi and Kerala, as well as the Malaysian High Commission in India, members of the delegation, media and others involved in the visit.
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