PUTRAJAYA has firmly rejected claims that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s international visits amount to mere leisure travel, insisting instead that they are part of a broader strategy to strengthen Malaysia’s economic and diplomatic standing.
“These are not frivolous sightseeing trips,” said Datuk Ahmad Farhan Fauzi, Political Secretary to the Prime Minister. “This is proactive, forward-looking economic and geopolitical diplomacy.”
Responding to criticism from opposition figures, Ahmad Farhan described the remarks as “narrow-minded and intellectually dishonest”, arguing that they revealed a fundamental misunderstanding of today’s complex geopolitical and economic landscape.
“The Prime Minister’s overseas missions are aimed at attracting high-quality investments, strengthening strategic partnerships, opening new markets for Malaysian companies, and amplifying the voice of developing nations on the global stage,” he said.
Tangible Economic Outcomes
Citing recent economic indicators, Ahmad Farhan noted that Malaysia saw a 14.9 percent increase in approved investments, reaching RM378 billion in 2024. The country’s total trade value also rose to RM2.88 trillion, a year-on-year increase of 9.2 percent.
He also highlighted ongoing international trade efforts, including the resumption of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union, as well as new exploratory talks with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
“These strategic moves will enhance market access and economic resilience,” he added, pointing out that Malaysia’s trade-to-GDP ratio currently stands at 130 percent—reflecting the nation's openness and reliance on global commerce.
Repositioning Malaysia on the World Stage
Ahmad Farhan further asserted that under the MADANI administration, Malaysia is once again regarded globally as a principled, stable and high-potential partner.
“Foreign investments worth billions of ringgit, strategic agreements, and the Prime Minister’s active participation at high-level global forums all speak to the effectiveness of Malaysia’s foreign policy,” he said.
He contrasted this with what he termed the “rudderless and visionless” approach of the previous government, which he said had eroded Malaysia’s international reputation.
“The era of aimless leadership is over. Those who mock diplomatic efforts should first understand the people and the needs of the nation,” he added, calling on opposition leaders to cease “petty political games”.
“The people are wiser now. They know who is genuinely working for the country—and who is merely sowing division and engaging in politics without wisdom.”
WTO Reform
Meanwhile, Malaysia fully supports a comprehensive reform of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to ensure it remains relevant and responsive to emerging global challenges such as artificial intelligence, digital trade, and climate policy, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Monday.
“[Reform] must be carried out without restricting the fair policy space of developing countries,” Anwar stated after a meeting with WTO Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in Brazil’s second-largest city.
“I reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to multilateralism and the need for the WTO to remain inclusive, effective, and responsive,” he added.
Dr Okonjo-Iweala, a Nigerian economist and the first African and first woman to lead the WTO, met with Anwar to discuss the organisation’s evolving role in tackling complex global trade issues.
Anwar is in Rio de Janeiro at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, joining leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa at the summit, held from 6–7 July. - July 7, 2025
