Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's diplomatic efforts to strengthen international relations have the potential to enhance Malaysia's economic ties, trade, and strategic investments amid uncertainties in the global geopolitical landscape, according to an academic.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA's (UiTM) Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Dr Mohd Ramlan Mohd Arshad, said Anwar's recent visits to Kazan, Russia, and Turkmenistan, for example, would help diversify markets and ensure Malaysia's economic resilience. He emphasized that these visits have opened up opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, and technology, potentially bolstering Malaysia's economic standing on the international stage.
'At present, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership is regarded as among the best in ensuring that Malaysia remains a strategic investment destination and adopts a pragmatic approach in international relations,' Dr Mohd Ramlan stated. Meanwhile, Malaysian Indian Youth Council (MIYC) Policy and Think Tank Exco member Siranjeev Ram highlighted the importance of Malaysia's leaders commanding respect internationally to forge strong ties with countries worldwide.
Dentist Dr Lim Yu Xiang shared the sentiment, viewing continued international engagement as a strategic move to secure beneficial trade agreements with emerging global markets. He expressed confidence that the Prime Minister's strong international standing would provide positive momentum to accelerate economic growth and strengthen domestic development for Malaysians.
Media marketing specialist Fiona Lim underscored the importance of maintaining constructive relationships with different nations while safeguarding national interests. She noted that a respected leader not only commands global attention but also helps the world recognize the value and potential of his country, a source of pride for Malaysians.
During Anwar's two-day working visit to Kazan for the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit, bilateral ties between Malaysia and Russia were strengthened, particularly in energy security. A new commitment from Russia to supply petrol, oil, and gas to Malaysia through a more stable long-term arrangement is underway, involving strategic cooperation with Petronas and Tatarstan.
In Turkmenistan, Malaysia's energy sector received a boost as Petronas marked its 30th anniversary of operations in the country. Petronas signed new strategic agreements, including securing a 100 percent participating interest in exploring oil and gas resources in the Caspian Sea's Offshore Blocks 19 and 20. A Long-Term Framework Agreement was also established to explore opportunities in the Galkynysh Gas Field and downstream activities.