Kuala lumpur: Accusations from opposition figures labeling Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official overseas visits as mere ‘sightseeing trips’ reveal a narrow-minded misunderstanding of the strategic importance behind these diplomatic missions. Political secretary to the Prime Minister, Datuk Ahmad Farhan Fauzi, said such accusations reflect a lack of comprehension of the complex geopolitical and geo-economic challenges currently impacting the world, Malaysia, and its people.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Farhan emphasized that each official visit by the Prime Minister carries significant national agendas, including attracting high-quality investments, strengthening strategic partnerships, opening new markets for Malaysian companies, and championing the voice of developing countries on global platforms such as BRICS. He stated that these are not leisure trips but proactive economic and geopolitical diplomacy guided by a forward-thinking vision.
Ahmad Farhan noted that the Prime Minister’s economic diplomacy initiatives create strategic new economic opportunities, such as resuming Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union (EU) and signing FTAs with EFTA countries. He highlighted that Malaysia’s proactive approach has yielded tangible results, with approved investments rising by 14.9 percent to RM378 billion, and trade performance increasing by 9.2 percent to RM2.88 trillion in 2024.
He underscored the significance of this approach for Malaysia as an open economy, where the trade-to-GDP ratio stands at 130 percent. Ahmad Farhan contrasted this with the previous administration, stating that the country’s image was not progressive, and political crises unfolded during that era, which he described as a period of weak and uninspired leadership.
Under the MADANI government’s leadership, Ahmad Farhan said Malaysia is now viewed internationally as a principled, stable, and promising partner. He pointed to Malaysia’s effective foreign policy, which is evident through multi-billion ringgit investments, strategic agreements, and the Prime Minister’s active participation in world-class economic and diplomatic forums.
Ahmad Farhan advised opposition figures to better understand the people, noting that the public does not share their mindset and cannot be deceived by distorted perceptions. He emphasized that the people are discerning and recognize those who genuinely work for the country versus those who spread slander and engage in ‘politics without wisdom.’
Currently, the Prime Minister is leading a Malaysian delegation on official visits to Italy, France, and Brazil since July 1, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing trade and economic cooperation with these countries. This includes attending the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro as a partner country and representing ASEAN 2025, advocating regional interests on issues such as global governance, artificial intelligence, climate, and health.