‘Time to strengthen ties with Australia’

DESPITE the perceived criticism that Australia was supportive of the Barisan Nasional administration, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail wants to move forward and strengthen relations instead of dwelling on the past.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that after the historic 14th General Election, Pakatan Harapan had formed the Government and was looking forward to working with Australia.

“Now, we have a new government. Whatever Australia has done is the past and now, they are offering us help, especially during this transition period,” she told reporters after a courtesy call from Australia's Foreign Minister Julie Bishop in Parliament.

Dr Wan Azizah was asked to comment whether she shared the same sentiment as her husband Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who accused the Australian government of being “complicit” in the alleged corruption of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

In a recent interview with Australia’s ABC radio, Anwar accused the Australian government of being “extremely supportive” of Najib, praising Malaysia’s progress under the former premier.

“This transition is the first thing we discussed,” said Dr Wan Azizah.

“Malaysia has not had a transition of government in 61 years. We discussed how to move forward.”

She said Malaysia and Australia agreed to hold a bilateral Gender Policy Dialogue in November – a key priority for both countries.

“This initiative will bring together Australian and Malaysian experts and allow them to exchange perspectives and efforts to promote women empowerment,” said Dr Wan Azizah.

Dr Wan Azizah said she and Bishop also discussed other areas, including to explore collaboration on issues such as institutional reform opportunities, disaster management, provision of the aged pension and superannuation, child protection and well-being approaches.

On the twin air tragedies of MH370 and MH17, Bishop, who was present at the press conference, said she and Dr Wan Azizah had a positive discussion on the subject.

“Both tragedies had brought us closer together,” she said.

Flight MH370, from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, vanished on March 8, 2014, with 227 passengers and 12 crew members on board.

MH17 was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was shot down over a conflict zone in eastern Ukraine. All 298 people on board were killed.