'Malaysia recognised as a global player'
Malaysia recognised as a global player, says Najib
DATUK Seri Najib Razak yesterday described his three-day visit as a huge success. High on the list of achievements, said the prime minister, was the recognition of Malaysia as a significant global player.
A visibly upbeat Najib said Malaysia had also aptly demonstrated its enormous capabilities, including as a major capital exporter to other countries, including the United States.
It was all the sweeter as Najib’s trip coincided with the nation’s 60th Merdeka and Malaysia-US bilateral ties anniversaries.
“I am very happy to be received in this manner by US President Donald Trump not only as prime minister, but as a friend,” he told the Malaysian media at a press conference before leaving for London, where he would meet British Prime Minister Theresa May at 10, Downing Street, on Thursday. Najib’s landmark visit on Trump’s personal invitation was described as stress-free and very positive.
“Despite the negative stories back home, which are nonsense, they (claims of demonstrations) didn’t materialise.
“This has been stress-free and a happy visit. I am delighted that I made the decision to accept his invitation and the visit could not have been better.”
The opposition and some US media had criticised his visit.
Najib said the warm reception by Trump and his cabinet members proved the criticisms wrong and untrue.
Najib said the recognition of Malaysia as a significant global player was proof that the criticisms were unfounded.
The US recognition also came in the form of Trump lining up a senior line-up that included VicePresident Michael Pence, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Deputy Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan, National Security Adviser Lieutenant-General H.R. McMaster, National Economic Council director Gary Cohn and US ambassador to Malaysia Kamala Lakhdhir in the delegation meeting with him and the Malaysian entourage.
“This demonstrates that we have succeeded as a nation. If we are a failed state, it would have been impossible to get the recognition from Trump.”
Najib, who was given a warm welcome by Trump at the White House, said the president took Malaysia’s views seriously.
“In my meeting with Trump, I could feel that he was seeking our views in international issues and our views are taken seriously.”
Other than getting the US to join Malaysia’s chorus in calling for an end to violence in Myanmar, the leaders had also discussed issues related to North Korea, the Middle East and South China Sea.
Counterterrorism, education, people-to-people, political engagement and defence were also discussed.
On his meetings with American captains of industry, Najib said they had expressed confidence in the Malaysian economy.
“I received their feedback that they have confidence in Malaysia’s economy. Most of them will increase their investment and recruitment of workers next year. This shows that they have confidence in Malaysia.”
He said according to a report, 63 per cent of American companies investing in Malaysia expected to make more profit next year.
On his last day of the visit yesterday, Najib also met four American senators to discuss issues of common interest.
He also gave a speech at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies here.