Anwar moots Malaysia-Maldives joint commission in KL this year

MALÉ, Sept 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has proposed convening the Malaysia-Maldives Joint Commission in Kuala Lumpur before the end of this year to further advance bilateral relations between the two countries.

Anwar said the Commission would be an important platform to address outstanding issues and translate the close relationship between Malaysia and the Maldives into concrete cooperation.

He said bilateral ties must be built on a sincere appreciation of each other’s needs and strengths, underpinned by mutual respect and trust at both the leadership and country-to-country levels.

“That is why, when the President showed such fondness and commitment, I then proposed that the Joint Commission between the two countries be facilitated at the earliest possible time.

“We will host it in Kuala Lumpur before the end of this year. And that will showcase our commitment to enhance bilateral relations between our two brotherly and sisterly countries,” he said this at a joint press conference with Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu at the President’s Office here today.

Anwar said the Commission could also address issues affecting Maldivians in Malaysia, including students and those seeking healthcare.

More than 2,000 Maldivian students were studying in Malaysia, reflecting not only the friendship between the two countries but also Maldivians’ confidence in Malaysia’s education system, he noted.

He said there were some bureaucratic issues involving parents accompanying their children studying in Malaysia, which he had discussed with his colleagues and hoped could be addressed at the next Cabinet meeting.

“I don’t think this is an issue of policy differences. We don’t have problems with Maldivians living in Malaysia, working in Malaysia, or even studying in Malaysia. So I think we will showcase this and respond positively,” the Prime Minister said.

On healthcare, Anwar said issues involving a small number of Maldivians requiring assistance should be resolved promptly, in keeping with the compassion and caring values underpinning the MADANI framework. — Bernama