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BEIJING – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described those who criticised his recent official international trips as “katak di bawah tempurung” (ignorant or one of very limited outlook).
He said the criticism is not an issue but critics should expand their horizons beyond what they know.
If they came out from their shell, they would better see the world. If they don’t, they would only see the inside of their shells (kalau buka nampak luas sikit, kalau tak buka, dia nampak tempurung sahaja).”
This was his response when asked if the commitment of RM170 billion investment would silence his critics. The opposition has been taking swipes at the prime minister following his trip to Saudi Arabia.
After his state banquet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People, Anwar held a press conference with the Malaysian media here at China World Hotel.
In his remarks, Anwar said the RM170 billion investment from economic powerhouse China to Malaysia will be shared with the states, such as Selangor, Sabah, Sarawak, Pahang, Terengganu, Penang, Perak, Melaka, Negri Sembilan and Johor – for a start.
In addition, Anwar revealed two more government-to-government memorandums of understanding signed after the bilateral meeting with Premier Li.
They are the Memorandum of Understanding between Mardi and the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, and Memorandum of Understanding Between Malaysian Palm Oil Board and China Chamber of Commerce of Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Product.
On a separate matter, he said Malaysia and China have agreed to further develop cooperation in projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, such as the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and the Automotive High Tech Valley – which is focused on new generation cars, including electric vehicles.
This is expected to create tens of thousands of job opportunities for Malaysians.
“We also agreed to increase bilateral cooperation in TVET education and research with Tsinghua University, commodities and industry based on palm oil, rubber and biodiesel, vaccine research and development, tourism and increased frequency of flights between the two countries.
“I have discussed with Tsinghua’s president so that a few training programmes can be immediately implemented in Malaysia before further talks and plans about the university opening a campus in Kuala Lumpur.”
He added that China is open to hiring locals for its projects in Malaysia as well as providing niche training to upskill Malaysian workers.
Anwar then reiterates that Malaysia extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Li to visit next year to commemorate the 50th year of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Both nations are also commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership this year.
Anwar left for the Beijing Capital International Airport at about 9pm to return to Kuala Lumpur in a special aircraft.
China is one of eight countries Anwar has visited since he took office some four months ago.
On this trip, he is accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. – The Vibes, April 1, 2023
