[UPDATED] Muhyiddin calls for upgraded KL-Jakarta ties

JAKARTA – Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has called for Kuala Lumpur-Jakarta ties to be enhanced to “a strategic level”.

He expressed confidence that stronger bilateral relations will enable the countries to optimise their existing cooperation, especially in economy, trade and investment.

“Following our discussion today, I am of the view that it is time for cooperation and relations between Malaysia and Indonesia to be upgraded to a strategic level,” he told a joint press conference with Indonesian President Joko Widodo after their four-eye meeting at Istana Merdeka here.

The prime minister, who is on an official visit to Indonesia, said the strengthening of cooperation reflects the two leaders’ determination to work together for their nations’ mutual prosperity.

“We have given the mandate to our foreign ministers to identify strategic fields that can be given priority.”

He expressed satisfaction that bilateral ties have strengthened at all levels.

Efforts will be intensified to revitalise trade and investment between the countries amid the Covid-19 pandemic, he said.

“Preliminary discussions have started at the working level. I hope both sides can step up talks to work out the standard operating procedures for the implementation of the Reciprocal Green Lane scheme.”

On the anti-palm oil campaign, especially in Europe, Australia and Oceania, Muhyiddin said Indonesia and Malaysia, as the two biggest producers of the commodity, will continue their cooperation to tackle discrimination.

“This is to ensure that we can protect the palm oil industry, especially the millions of smallholders whose livelihoods are fully dependent on this industry, in Malaysia and Indonesia.”

On the Myanmar coup, which took place on Monday, Muhyiddin said Malaysia and Indonesia view the matter seriously, as it is a setback for the country’s democracy.

“It is feared that the political upheaval in Myanmar can affect peace and stability in the region.

“In this regard, I fully agree with the suggestion that both foreign ministers be given the mandate to work out an understanding for a special Asean meeting to be held to discuss this matter thoroughly.”

The one-on-one meeting touched on environmental cooperation, including the issues of climate change and transboundary haze.

Muhyiddin said the relevant agencies in both countries can share best practices in farm and peat soil management.

The ministries concerned will set up a focal point to facilitate communication on environmental issues, including haze, he said.

The two leaders also discussed the recruitment of Indonesian manpower, including domestic helpers, as well as initiatives to safeguard the welfare and well-being of Malaysian and Indonesian fishermen operating in areas with maritime issues.

In a joint statement with Muhyiddin, Joko expressed hope for the inking of a new memorandum of understanding to protect Indonesian workers in Malaysia from falling victim to human trafficking.

“I expressed my appreciation for the protection given to Indonesian citizens in Malaysia, especially during the pandemic.”

He said both countries must develop a specific channel or system for the placement and recruitment of manpower from Indonesia.

“This is needed to prevent Indonesians from becoming victims of human trafficking.”

The statement said the leaders share the same view on issues concerning Myanmar, palm oil and the South China Sea, and efforts to enhance trade and investment. – Bernama, February 5, 2021