Malaysia, India leaders in Asia’s emerging order
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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 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.