Calicut: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for stronger cooperation between Malaysia and Keralam in key sectors, including the digital economy, healthcare, tourism, and education. He emphasized that the longstanding relationship between Malaysia and Keralam, which encompasses trade, education, and cultural exchanges, provides a strong foundation for further cooperation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar made these remarks during a meeting with Keralam Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in Calicut. The Prime Minister pointed out the potential to expand tourism, business, and people-to-people exchanges between Malaysia and Keralam. He noted that Malaysia welcomes greater collaboration in high-value sectors that could create new opportunities and mutual benefits for both sides.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, is accompanied on his working visit by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Minister of Human Resources Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. In a light-hearted gesture, Governor Arlekar presented Anwar with a biography of legendary Indian playback singer Kishore Kumar. This follows the Prime Minister's recent viral singing performance of a Kishore Kumar song at the BRICS gala dinner in New Delhi.
Anwar's rendition of Kishore Kumar's classic 'Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat' gained traction on social media, particularly in India, drawing positive reactions from many Indians. The one-minute, 32-second video of Anwar performing the popular Hindi song attracted widespread attention, with some describing it as a 'mic drop' moment that stole the limelight at the summit, while others called it the 'sweetest part' of the gathering.
Minister for Industries and Commerce P.K Kunhalikutty and several captains of industries also joined the courtesy call. The engagement with the Governor was part of Anwar's program during his visit to Keralam, following his participation in the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Anwar is on an official visit to India from September 11 to 14, at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.