REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY DATO' MOHD ASHRI MUDA
AMBASSADOR OF MALAYSIA
AT THE RECEPTION COMMEMORATING THE
55TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL DAY OF MALAYSIA
TUESDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2012
ROTANA AS-SALAM HOTEL, KHARTOUM
Bismillahirahmanirrahim
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and a very good evening
His Excellency Dr. Khames Kajo Kundah, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Republic of the Sudan
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen
Selamat Datang, welcome to this evening’s reception on the occasion of the 55th Anniversary of Malaysia’s National Day to mark our independence from the British, which began 31st of August, 1957. This reception is also in conjunction with the celebration of the 49th Anniversary of the formation of Malaysia on 16th of September when the state of Sabah and Sarawak of Borneo Island joined the Federation of Malaya to form Malaysia. For this auspicious occasion, we are honoured with the presence of His Excellency Dr. Khames Kajo Kundah, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research representing President Omer Hassan Ahmed Al-Bashir and the Government of the Republic of the Sudan.
Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
2. On this wonderful evening, I won’t take much of your time to listen to my speech. However, allow me to highlight some of the latest achievements of a country that reached the age of 55, in which all promises made by the government to their citizens are fulfilled. The multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural Malaysia continues to enjoy political stability and the people live in peace and harmony. The country is also able to achieve consistent economic development and has worked to raise the income of the citizens. In the span of over 55 years, the nation has graduated from one that was heavily reliant on the export of primary commodities to what it is now a highly industrialized and service-oriented nation.
3. UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2012 showed that Malaysia is one of the top five preferred investment destinations in Asia with foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in 2011 jumped 31.5% from 2010 to US$11.97 billion (RM37.83). The World Bank ranked Malaysia 18th in the Ease of Doing Business. The Institute for Management Development (IMD), Switzerland ranked Malaysia as 14th most competitive economy in the world for 2012. The World Economic Forum (WEF) ranked Malaysia within the top 20% in the Global Competitiveness Index 2012-2013.
4. Amid the more challenging external environment, Malaysia’s economy is projected to experience a steady pace of growth of 4% to 5% this year. All the achievements are in line with the Government’s drive to shift Malaysia from a current, upper middle income country of around US$9,700 per capita income to US$15,000 by year 2020. Innovation, creativity and enhanced productivity and high value sources are currently the focus of the government. The country believes that its future lies in an open and dynamic economy with free and competitive politics.
Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
5. While Malaysia continues to progress, bilateral relations between Malaysia and Sudan which is deep-rooted, remain close and friendly. The Foreign Minister Dr. Ali Ahmad Karti made an official visit to Malaysia in February 2012 and identified ways to further strengthen the bilateral relations. Our national oil company, Petronas, despite facing a difficult time for the past year, remains present in Sudan. Malaysia also continues to offer technical training to Sudan under the Technical Cooperation Programme. We are also happy in hosting more than 4,000 Sudanese students in our higher education institutions.
6. It is a common desire for the two countries to put emphasis on their economic relations. In this regard, there is a plan to convene Malaysia-Sudan Trade and an Investment Forum in Khartoum in early November this year. We hope that this will be a starting point for the second phase of economic cooperation between the two friendly nations.
7. We hope that Sudan will achieve a greater stability in the years to come and able to focus more on the development of the country and bringing benefits to their citizens. On this, Malaysia is always ready to share its experience.
Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
8. We pray to Allah Subhanu wataalla for the good health and well being of His Excellency Omar Hassan Ahmad Al-Bashir, President of the Republic of the Sudan, the success and prosperity of the Government and the people of the Republic of the Sudan.
Shukran Jazilan.
Khartoum
25 September 2012