Oleh/By : DATO' SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Tempat/Venue : SRI PERDANA, KUALA LUMPUR (K.L)
Tarikh/Date : 04/06/90
Tajuk/Title : THE OFFICIAL DINNER HOSTED IN
HONOUR OF HIS EXCELLENCY MR. V.P.
SINGH, PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA
Your Excellency Mr. V.P. Singh,
Prime Minister of India;
Mrs. Singh;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am indeed happy to be able to welcome you and Mrs.
Singh to Kuala Lumpur. We feel particularly privileged be-
cause, I am told, this is Your Excellency's first official
visit abroad since assuming office as Prime Minister.
2. Malaysia and India have a long tradition of friendship
dating back much before the colonial era. India's struggle
for independence was an inspiration to us all. As the bene-
ficiaries of a common colonial heritage we share a number of
institutions - such as the civil service and Parliamentary
democracy - that provide a strong foundation for an enduring
relationship between our two countries. Our peoples have
always interacted freely. Many Malaysians attend tertiary
institutions in India, and, India remains an important and
popular destination for Malaysians who aspire to be doctors.
Now, as members of the Commonwealth we continue to share
many common aspirations.
3. Over the years our relations have expanded as mani-
fested in the increasing trade and intensifying economic
interaction between our two countries. Indian investments
have played a significant role in the growth of the manufac-
turing sector in Malaysia since the 1970s. Indian contrac-
tors are also involved in construction in Malaysia. There
exists considerable scope to further enhance our bilateral
relations by encouraging investments, trade, tourism and
cultural exchanges between our two countries. Such ex-
changes would help promote understanding between our two
peoples and further consolidate the existing close relation-
ship between us. We must together explore these opportu-
nities for our mutual benefit.
Your Excellency,
4. While our bilateral relations have always been
characterised by understanding and warmth, there has also
been frequent consultations and close cooperation on a num-
ber of issues in the international arena. It is perhaps na-
tural that we have an identity of perceptions on a broad
range of subjects of international and economic significance
as we share membership in many international bodies. We
have always stood up against injustices in South Africa,
Palestine and elsewhere. We are both committed towards the
objective of constructive South-South Cooperation. Indeed,
we share the conviction that this world must be made a bet-
ter place for all.
5. We are meeting, Mr. Prime Minister, at a time when
events are unfolding in such a dramatic fashion. Who could
not have foreseen the developments in Eastern Europe. But
while we welcome change, it is essential that we have a
proper appreciation of where the momentum of events will
lead us to. We do not want to be swept willy-nilly by the
euphoria over the changes. Our hope is that when the dust
finally settles we would see a truly better world where ev-
eryone including us in the South would benefit as well.
6. Indeed, if there is to be a better tomorrow, I venture
to suggest that there has never been a more urgent moment
than the present for us to face-up to the challenges that
confront us. While the world may seem a little safer now,
we must not be lulled into believing that all is well. Tyr-
anny and injustice still exist in South Africa, Palestine,
and elsewhere, poverty and disease still remain as endemic
as ever for most of the world; and, developing countries are
still unable to free themselves from the web of indebt-
edness.
Your Excellency,
7. Touching on an issue nearer home, we are encouraged by
efforts to end the conflict in Cambodia. Although peace
still proves elusive, the prospect for a settlement looks
bright. We in ASEAN have always had faith in the value of
constructive cooperation in the promotion of regional sta-
bility and progress. We are therefore supportive of the ef-
forts of the South Asian countries to generate regional
cooperation and peace through SAARC. Functional and practi-
cal cooperation as well as regular consultations between
neighbours, we in ASEAN have learnt, can prove invaluable in
creating the right environment conducive to regional peace
and stability. Malaysia still has intractable problems with
neighbours but we do not allow these to stand in the path of
our cooperation in other fields which can bring mutual bene-
fit.
8. Malaysia stands ready to work in concert with India in
the search for solutions for the many problems that continue
to plague the world. I note with much satisfaction that
India has a tradition of producing great statesmen who have
been at the fore-front of many initiatives to ease global
tensions and to build a more equitable economic order.
India has always worked for a stable international environ-
ment and India's contributions to the developing world is a
matter of record. I feel confident, Mr. Prime Minister,
that under your leadership India will continue in these
endeavours which have become a hall-mark of Indian
statesmenship.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
9. May I invite you to join me in a toast to the good
health of His Excellency Prime Minister Mr. V.P. Singh and
Mrs. Singh, the Government and the people of India, and to
Malaysia-India relations.
Thank you.
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