SINGAPORE – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to discuss issues pertaining to cybersecurity and digital economy, among others, for his inaugural official visit to Singapore tomorrow.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir told a press conference that the prime minister is also expected to discuss more sensitive topics including maritime border delimitation, airspace and water supply with his counterpart, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
“In his schedule, the prime minister will witness a memorandum of understanding to promote data and cybersecurity, digital economy and two cooperative frameworks for green and digital economy.
“This visit will give an opportunity for both parties to improve bilateral relations while discussing regional and international issues pertaining to both nations’ interests.
“Singapore is our closest neighbour and also our second-biggest trading partner globally and the biggest in Asean, where the 2022 figures showed a trade of RM367.53 billion, a 29.4% increase when compared to the previous year’s trade value,” said Zambry.
He then voiced his hope that Anwar’s visit will be a fruitful one, where it will strengthen Malaysia’s position at the international level and attract more foreign direct investment.
Furthermore, the foreign minister explained that some of the more complex issues will be discussed in greater detail when Anwar and Lee are set to meet again for their annual leaders’ retreat, which is being hosted by Singapore in the near future.
The senator added that Anwar also has plans to find resolutions to long-standing issues faced by Singapore and Putrajaya.
He said that this was in line with what Anwar has been doing on his earlier official visits to Indonesia and Brunei, where he promised to resolve long-standing issues between Malaysia and its Asean neighbours, such as better care for Indonesian workers in Malaysia.
The prime minister’s delegation tomorrow will include his wife Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Zambry, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, International Trade and Industries Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Zohari Openg, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and other government officials. – The Vibes, January 29, 2023
