Najib raising nation’s profile
Visit to US part of efforts to make country a top 20 nation
Prime Minister’s visit to US as part of efforts to make Malaysia a top 20 nation.
DATUK Seri Najib Tun Razak says his official visit to the United States was part of efforts to make Malaysia a top 20 nation by 2050.
The Prime Minister revealed that in a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump earlier this year, the latter expressed his admiration for Malaysia’s economic growth.
With that in mind, he hoped that his visit to Washington to meet with Trump and key members of his administration would show the world that Malaysia was important to the US.
“We will bring to the table a great deal of value propositions. We come here as a rising star, a country that is successful and growing and determined to succeed to be in the ranks of the top 20 nations by 2050.
“We are not here to ask for money from the US,” Najib told a dinner for the Malaysian diaspora hosted at the Malaysian Embassy here.
He pointed out that despite the strong and deep relationship built with the US over the last 60 years, each time a new administration took over Malaysia had to start anew in terms of seeking opportunities.
“We must not forget the importance of political engagement. We are here to tell the Americans that we can be their partners in the fight against terrorism and extremism, and that Malaysia is a peaceful and harmonious country,” he added.
Najib said Malaysia was an ally of many, naming China, Japan, and countries in the Middle East and Asean as among them.
“I hope our partnership with the US will also rank as one of the most important relationships we enjoy today,” he added.
The PM spoke of the successes of his Government, backing it up with trade figures breaching RM1 trillion between January and July, and huge investments by Malaysian GLCs abroad.
“Does this sound like Malaysia is a failed state?” he asked, adding that Malaysia was not on a slippery slope like what some in the Opposition alleged.
Stating that the country was doing all it could to raise standards, he added: “We cannot accept medi- ocrity and do not want Malaysia to be just like any other developing country. We want to be up there, to leave behind a stronger country for the younger generation.”
Also present were his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and Ambassador to the US Tan Sri Zulhasnan Rafique.