Malaysia, India leaders in Asia’s emerging order
ciation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), we also enjoy a free trade area with India.
Since 1998, India has been Malaysia’s largest export destination in the South Asian region, and over the last decade or so, trade has increased by more than four-fold. India is currently Malaysia’s 10th largest trading partner, our seventh largest export destination, and our 12th largest source of imports.
India is also currently Malaysia’s 20th largest investor, with total investment worth $2.31 billion. Malaysia is ranked as the 21st largest foreign investor in India globally, and the second largest from ASEAN.
But our relationship is not just about trade and economics. It’s one that is deeply personal.
I myself have been to India on a number of occasions: having undertaken an official visit in January 2010, and visiting again in December 2012 to attend the ASEAN-India Special Commemorative Summit in New Delhi. We have also welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Malaysia in November 2015, when we elevated bilateral relations to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
Over the course of his visit, we inaugurated the Torana Gate – a gift from India to Malaysia that serves as a vibrant symbol of our friendship, while also providing a new landmark in our capital Kuala Lumpur – for tourists and locals to marvel at its intricate carvings and stunning design.
The site chosen for the Torana Gate is in an area known as “Little India”. It has a special resonance in Malaysia, for our relationship is almost like family. So it is appropriate that our bond is growing across a broad spectrum of sectors, including trade, education, health, defence, security, tourism – even our shared love of Bollywood films!
For Malaysia has the highest percentage of the Indian diaspora outside India, with fully 7% of our population being of Indian origin. And these Malaysian Indians have played a vital role in building our country. Even before independence, it was the Malaysian Indian Congress that was the third member of the Alliance Coalition, which went on to form the first government of independent Malaysia, and which was the forerunner of today’s Barisan Nasional Government.
Malaysian Indians have been at the forefront of governance in Malaysia; of our civil service, business, entertainment, education, and of course, food – which is very important to Malaysians!
Malaysian Indians are a crucial part of our diversity, and their cultures and faiths help make up the rich and varied tapestry of our nation.
Malaysian Indians helped us keep growth on track, at 4.2% last year. They helped us keep unemployment and inflation low, create millions of new jobs, and build a society that is sustainable, inclusive and heading towards high income status nationat ease with itself and with its neighbours. Without Malaysian Indians, Malaysia simply would not be what it is today, and they constitute a very special reason why it is so natural for our two countries to forge ever closer ties.
People-to-people friendship is already there.
Thousands of our citizens study in each others’ countries, while we welcome hundreds of thousands of Indian tourists each year. Malaysian companies are involved in very important infrastructure projects in India, and major Indian businesses are wellestablished in Malaysia.
On security, we are firm partners. Both are committed to combating violent extremism, and neither will give an inch to those who would bring terror and destruction to our streets.
But we want to work even more closely.
In this Asian Century, India and Malaysia have so much to offer each other, the region, and beyond – as examples of moderate, civilised, peaceful countries that prize education, the safety and well-being of our peoples, and the equitable and sustainable pursuit of growth.
Both countries are recognised as leaders in the new emerging order in Asia and the world.
Let us continue to work together to build a future based on stability, prosperity and understanding as the centre of the globe moves inexorably to East.