KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia has proposed to Australia that both nations work together on a mutually recognised vaccination certificate, so as to facilitate cross-border travel in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the move is crucial, pointing out that over 19,000 Malaysian students have been waiting to return to Australia to resume their studies.
He made the proposal to his Australian counterpart, Marise Payne, in a virtual meeting today.
“In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, we also had a constructive discussion on our respective national vaccine roll-outs, which are currently under way,” said Hishammuddin.
He said the pair discussed the Myanmar coup, too.
“Seriously concerned about the use of lethal weapons by security forces there, resulting in the rising number of civilian fatalities and arrests, I shared Malaysia’s call for all parties to refrain from instigating violence, and for all sides to immediately exercise utmost restraint and flexibility.”
The Myanmar military seized power on February 1 and detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, among other politicians.
More than 700 people have died in anti-coup protests since. – Bernama, April 19, 2021
