Oleh/By : DATO' SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Tempat/Venue : SRI PERDANA, KUALA LUMPUR (K.L)
Tarikh/Date : 26/11/90
Tajuk/Title : THE OFFICIAL DINNER IN HONOUR OF
HIS EXCELLENCY RATU SIR KAMISESE
MARA, PRIME MINISTER OF THE
REPUBLIC OF FIJI
Your Excellency Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara;
Adi Lady Lala Mara;
Excellencies;
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with deep pleasure that my wife and I welcome you
Mr Prime Minister and Adi Lala and members of your deleg-
ation to Malaysia. Your visit is a demonstration of the
warm and friendly relations existing between our two coun-
tries -- a relationship that is built upon a tradition of
mutual trust and assistance. Malaysians recall with appre-
ciation the courage and valour of Fijian soldiers fighting
alongside our own in the Malayan jungles in the defense of
freedom and democracy. Stemming from this involvement there
exists deep affection and goodwill among Malaysians for
Fijians. My wife and I also recall with pleasure the warmth
and kindness with which you and the people of Fiji received
us when we visited Fiji in 1982.
2. Your visit provides an opportunity for us to discuss
substantive elements of our relationship. This morning we
had a useful and productive exchange of views. I am confi-
dent that the new thoughts and ideas that we explored to-
gether could help to provide additional dimension to our
bilateral relations. On my part, I shall do my utmost to
forge more substantive and fruitful links between Malaysia
and Fiji.
3. We have at present three Malaysian companies operating
in Fiji. With the new opportunities which your Government
are offering, I hope many more of our businessmen would ven-
ture into Fiji. Although the trade volume between our two
countries is small, it is increasing. This positive trend
needs to be nurtured and encouraged. While urging Malaysian
businesses to venture into Fiji, I also welcome Fijian busi-
nessmen to explore opportunities available in Malaysia.
Your Excellency,
4. The world today is undergoing changes of major pro-
portions. New patterns of regional and international coop-
eration are emerging. Nevertheless there are still serious
areas of discord which need to be tended to. Inequities
persist in the international economic system and in trade.
Numerous other issues have been introduced that make the re-
solution of such inequities more difficult. Given these
circumstances I believe there is a compelling need for
closer cooperation amongst developing countries when facing
our common challenges. Coordinated and concerted efforts
too have to be made to expand economic relations among the
developing countries. There is much we can learn and bene-
fit from each other.
5. Malaysia is deeply committed to the concept of economic
and technical cooperation among developing countries. Our
hosting the first Summit of the Group of 15 in Kuala Lumpur
and our continued involvement in the Group's activities tes-
tify to this commitment. Another is Malaysia's Technical
Cooperation Programme (MTCP). Within our modest resources,
we would like to share the experience and expertise in de-
velopment acquired over the years which may benefit other
developing countries. I am happy to note that the training
programmes offered within this framework have been widely
utilised by the Government of Fiji. I hope such training
could be usefully adapted to the needs of Fiji. If the
training we are providing to the Fijians is found to be use-
ful, it might be possible to expand the programme to include
other areas not presently covered.
6. While bilateral cooperation is decidedly important, re-
gional cooperation should not be neglected. The various
questions raised by the dramatic changes in the economic and
political scene world wide could best be responded to in a
collective manner. We welcome initiatives and efforts in
establishing dialogue and cooperation between ASEAN and the
South Pacific Forum countries. We are neighbours, a fact
which many of us intellectually accept but very few are se-
rious enough to take advantage of. At the moment, despite
our proximity, there is a lack of substance in the relations
between the two regional groupings. In intiating and pro-
moting this interlocking network of cooperation between
ASEAN and the FORUM countries, it would be more prudent to
limit ourselves to the more pratical projects that will con-
tribute to peace and prosperity in our area.
7. I note that Fiji has made impressive strides both eco-
nomically and politically. The economic gains that accrue
from the Interim Government's pragmatic policies have re-
stored stability to Fiji. Much of the progress I believe is
due to Your Excellency's leadership and wise counsel. And
in much the same fashion, the new Constitution which was
promulgated recently will provide the foundation that the
nation needs to progress futher.
Your Excellency,
8. You and I well know that in managing a multi racial na-
tion, a continuous balance has to be made in meeting the op-
posing demands of our different communities. Despite the
seemingly intractable problems that confront us, very unique
opportunities are given to us to build a united nation whose
people are proud to be its citizens. I believe the Fijians
will rise to the challenges ahead. I wish Your Excellency
and all Fijians of whatever racial antecedents well.
9. Once again, allow me to reiterate how happy we are to
have you and Adi Lala as our guests. I am confident that
your visit will contribute to closer relations between our
two countries. I hope you and Adi Lala will have a most
pleasant stay in Malaysia.
Distinguished guests,
10. May I now invite you to join me in a toast to the Pres-
ident, the Government and the people of the Republic of Fiji
and to the continued friendship of our two countries and
peoples.
Thank you.
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