The path Malaysia has taken in development provides important lessons for countries like the Maldives, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said today.
Speaking at the official banquet hosted in honor of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's official visit to the Maldives, President Muizzu stated that Malaysia has demonstrated that modern development can be achieved while preserving a nation's identity. President Muizzu also noted that the country has shown that the economy can be expanded while investing in its people.
"Malaysia's journey (how that country developed) holds important lessons for countries like the Maldives. Malaysia has shown that a country can be modernized while preserving its identity. That the economy can be expanded while investing in its people. That technology and innovations can be embraced while upholding a country's values," the President stated.
He also stated that an absolute commitment has been made to unlock vast opportunities for the people during the journey to completely transform the Maldives. The President noted that the Maldives is investing in advancing education and skills while embracing new technologies and digitalization.
"Looking toward the future, we see Malaysia as a partner with whom we can learn from and move forward by working together," the President stated.
He added that cooperation between the two countries can be expanded into sectors capable of shaping decades ahead, identifying artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and cybersecurity as such fields.
President Muizzu also highlighted health, development, tourism, trade, investment, and the blue economy as areas where collaboration with Malaysia can be pursued.
"Deep within this partnership, I particularly wish to see our youth involved," the President stated.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the Maldivian people, he acknowledged Malaysia's assistance to the Maldives across education, financial sectors, and various other fields.
The President also thanked Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar for stating that a solution would be provided to the visa difficulties faced by parents of Maldivian students studying in Malaysia.
In the joint press statement, Prime Minister Anwar mentioned that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu brought several matters to his attention regarding Malaysia.
One of these includes a USD 100 million facility requested by the Maldives' central bank, the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), from Malaysia's central bank, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). Prime Minister Anwar stated that agreement has been reached to facilitate this facility, and he requested both banks to carry out the necessary work as soon as possible.
It remains unclear how the BNM is facilitating the USD 100 million facility for the Maldives.
Regarding the issue of parents of Maldivian students studying in Malaysia being unable to obtain visas to stay with their students in the country, he stated that it is a bureaucratic issue and that he will submit the matter to the upcoming cabinet meeting.
