Prime Minister of Malaysia: If we do not maintain good relations with China, it will definitely be a loss to us

“If we do not maintain good relations with China, this will definitely be a loss for our country.” Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin expressed the above feeling when facing the media on the first anniversary of his tenure, and said that he plans to visit Saudi Arabia in March this year. After going to the United Arab Emirates, he will visit China.

             It is worth mentioning that after the sudden resignation of former Prime Minister Mahathir last year, the 73-year-old Muhyiddin unexpectedly became a “dark horse” and was nominated as the prime minister’s candidate. After that, Muhyiddin became the prime minister of the country without going through elections. In his anniversary speech on March 1, local time, Muhyiddin once again promised that the country will hold elections again after the epidemic is brought under control.

 Looking forward to visiting China

 The Malay Mail reported on February 28 that Muhyiddin said in an interview that Malaysia’s international diplomatic relations were basically unaffected by the new crown epidemic, and the travel restrictions imposed globally have not become an obstacle to maintaining diplomatic relations.

             He took the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit held in Kuala Lumpur at the end of last year as an example, saying that this summit made history, “I have video interactions with global leaders. Of course, I prefer real-world visits, but this is currently impossible.” And this also shows the importance of promoting vaccines. “It’s not just me or a business delegation going to a foreign country. As long as the vaccine is vaccinated, it will feel safer.”

             Immediately afterwards, Muhyiddin also stated that in order to strengthen bilateral relations with other countries, he plans to open a series of visits in the next few months. The first is to visit Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in March this year, and then he will also visit China. .

  “China is Malaysia’s largest trading partner, and we hope that we can continue to maintain good relations with China. If we do not maintain good relations with China, this will definitely be a loss for our country.”

 Muhyiddin also added that many Chinese investors are keen to invest in Malaysia, including infrastructure development and transportation. “Foreign policy is not limited to peace creation. The results of this relationship will also bring other benefits to the country.” This is why Muhyiddin looks forward to visiting China. He said that the two countries will cooperate on the previously decided agenda.
 

              In addition, Muhyiddin also plans to visit Brunei, Japan and South Korea. “We have established very strong bilateral relations with these countries and reached agreements on business, investment, and education.”

             In addition to ASEAN countries, Muhyiddin said that his government will strengthen relations with Islamic countries. Because Malaysia is recognized as a well-known Islamic country, he believes that such issues were not taken seriously in the previous government.

             Pledge to hold elections after the epidemic

             March 1 is the first anniversary of Muhyiddin’s coming to power. In his national television speech, he promised to hold a general election after the epidemic. “Once the epidemic is over, I hope this will end soon. I will recommend that the Supreme Head of State of Malaysia dissolve the parliament. Until then, my cabinet colleagues and I will do our best to perform our duties.” He also emphasized that the main focus of the current government is to let “the country avoid the double crisis of health and economy.”

  On January 12 this year, in response to the rapidly spreading new crown epidemic, Malaysia’s Supreme Head of State Abdullah declared a national emergency, which is tentatively scheduled to last until August 1 this year, and the country’s parliament immediately suspended operations. Many media reports believe that this gave the weakened Muhyiddin more breathing space, allowing him to consolidate power after the turbulent 2020, and the opposition has also severely criticized this.

              “The Diplomat” magazine believes that Muhyiddin’s anniversary speech is clearly trying to downplay criticism. The South China Morning Post stated that when Muhyiddin reviewed his first year in power, he focused on summarizing the achievements of the government and avoided power struggles during the period.

               However, the report also pointed out that the Supreme Head of State stated in the statement that the parliament can meet in a state of emergency, and the people are dissatisfied with the economic impact of the two blockades. The parliamentarians will be able to meet as early as June, which also means Muhyiddin may face a series of new challenges before the promised election.

               But observers said that unless political opponents can effectively mobilize, otherwise this is not a threat to Muhyiddin. Awang Azman Awang Pawi of the Malayan Institute of the University of Malaya believes that “the opposition still lacks unity…In view of this, it is expected that Muhyiddin will continue to hold office until elections are held”.

 Text/Observer Network Zhang Chenjing