BANGKOK – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s popularity on the international stage is part of the reason why he draws so much attention from the Malaysian diaspora overseas as well as locals in each country he has visited so far.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir made the observation today during the curtain-raiser press conference for the prime minister’s first official visit to Bangkok, tomorrow.
“So far, we have observed the honourable prime minister’s visit to a few countries that have received superb responses from these nations, including its people. This does not involve a single community or religious grouping but across the board.
“When he interacts with the citizens of these nations, he has received a very warm welcome,” said Zambry referring to Anwar’s visits to Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore before his expected arrival tomorrow afternoon.
The senator added that this stems not only from the prime minister’s character as a popular internationalist on a global scale, as well as throughout Asean, but also comes from his background as a veteran political leader who is active on Islamic and regional matters.
Therefore, Zambry explained, the Tambun MP’s presence has excited the local population, particularly Muslim Thais – which also reflects the growing strength in bilateral relations between Putrajaya and Bangkok.
“Diplomatic relations can be seen through multiple lenses. On one end, there’s the official relationship between two national leaders. This is government-to-government. Another aspect is business-to-business.
“And another important factor in a diplomatic relationship between two countries is the people. People-to-people relationship. This is what we must do and in the context of the prime minister, he has also taken a people-to-people approach in strengthening our ties with our neighbours.” – The Vibes, February 2, 2023
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