Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s preparations as the ASEAN Chair this year have been effectively managed by civil servants, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He highlighted the importance of these preparations, noting that they reflect the capability of civil servants in ensuring the smooth administration of the country through the efficient handling of hundreds of programmes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar stated that the management of ASEAN is not about pride or position but demonstrates the ability of civil servants to maintain orderly and disciplined operations. He commended their efficiency during a meeting with the staff of the Prime Minister’s Department, acknowledging that while Malaysia’s approach may not be as grand as other countries, the level of preparation is among the best.

Anwar took the opportunity to express his appreciation for the dedication and diligence of civil servants, who work tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the country’s administration, especially in preparing for official events involving international leaders. He noted that these efforts often go unrecognized in media coverage, which tends to focus on blunders or faults.

During his address, Anwar shared his experience of trying out an electric vehicle (EV) gifted by the President of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He expressed that the vehicle symbolizes a gift to the country rather than personal property and emphasized the responsibility of returning it after his tenure as Prime Minister.

While traveling to the Sri Perdana Complex, Anwar observed dozens of civil servants from various agencies, including the Foreign Ministry and the Royal Malaysia Police, diligently preparing for Erdogan’s official visit. He lauded their commitment and expressed his admiration for their hard work.

The President of Turkiye’s two-day visit to Malaysia aims to reaffirm the robust relations between the two nations, following the elevation of their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in July 2022. Both leaders are set to discuss advancements in trade, investment, and various sectors.

In 2024, Turkiye became Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner, with total trade reaching RM24.13 billion (US$5.28 billion), marking an 18.7 percent increase from the previous year.