Oleh/By : DATO' SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Tempat/Venue : SRI PERDANA, KUALA LUMPUR
Tarikh/Date : 19/05/94
Tajuk/Title : THE OFFICIAL DINNER IN HONOUR OF
THE RT. HON. JAMES BOLGER PRIME
MINISTER OF NEW ZEALAND
It is indeed a great pleasure for me to welcome you and
Mrs. Bolger and the other members of your delegation to
Malaysia. We have met in Harare and in Tokyo. Your present
visit provides us the opportunity to renew our friendship
and to discuss important issues of mutual concern. I hope
your brief stay here will be a fruitful and enjoyable one.
2. Malaysia and New Zealand have enjoyed excellent
relations. We are separated by a vast expanse of ocean, yet
we have traditionally had close relations. Strong
historical, institutional and political links as well as
good personal relationships between leaders and officials in
both countries have done much to strengthen our ties. Our
common membership of major regional and international
organisations and shared perspectives on many issues of
common concern have also helped cement further the
relationship over the years. There is great potential for
deepening and expanding our relations and cooperation. Your
visit provides the opportunity for both countries to explore
further areas of cooperation in various fields.
3. Our strong links can be traced back to the days before
Malaysia achieved its independence. Malaysia remains fully
appreciative of New Zealand's contributions towards
safeguarding the security and integrity of this country
against internal communist threat. The sacrifices made by
the many young men from New Zealand in defence of democracy
and freedom in Malaysia will remain forever etched in the
collective memory of this nation.
4. The close relationship nurtured over the years has
evolved and developed into a well established framework of
cooperation between our two armed forces, bilaterally and in
the context of the Five Power Defence Arrangements. Our
armed forces personnel have been participating in various
joint exercises. The regular exchange of visits at the
level of ministers and senior officials of the defence
establishment of both sides has helped to strengthen the
cooperation. Malaysia has benefited from the Mutual
Assistance Programme which has seen some 500 members of the
Malaysian Armed Forces trained in New Zealand between 1979
and 1993. Similarly a number of New Zealand military
personnel have been trained in Malaysia. I firmly believe
that the scope and level of this cooperation can be further
enhanced in the future.
5. Malaysia and New Zealand have also enjoyed close
cooperation in the field of education. Over the years,
thousands of Malaysian students have benefited from their
studies at institutions of higher learning in New Zealand.
At present, there are many Malaysian students studying at
various polytechnics and universities in New Zealand.
Important cooperative ventures between universities and
institutions in both countries have developed such as
between the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and the
University of Otago. Efforts to widen twinning arrangements
between institutions of higher learning in both countries
are a step in the right direction and should be further
encouraged. Malaysia welcomes New Zealand's continued
cooperation in this sector.
6. Most Malaysians are familiar with products of New
Zealand, especially the excellent dairy and meat products.
By now, New Zealanders also should have become quite
familiar with Malaysian products, including our Proton cars
which have been exported to your country over the last few
years. Our annual two-way trade is currently valued at
RM1,139 million. Both sides should endeavour to increase
the volume of trade.
7. There exist tremendous scope and opportunities for
businessmen from New Zealand to collaborate with their
Malaysian counterparts to promote trade and investment
between the two countries. Malaysia continues to welcome
New Zealand participation in Malaysia's economic development
programmes. We are also interested in finding economic
opportunities in your country. I am happy to note that the
business councils established in both countries are in the
forefront in promoting the objective of encouraging greater
economic interaction between the two countries.
8. Malaysia and New Zealand are equally committed to the
principle of free trade among nations. Free trade in fact
forms the fundamental prerequisite for the successful
realisation of Malaysia's Vision 2020. I am quite sure that
New Zealand has similar aspirations. As trading nations we
have worked closely together towards ensuring the speedy
conclusion of the Uruguay Round. We should work together to
preserve our gains. It is vital that after Marakkesh, no
new conditionalities and restrictions are introduced that
would not only scuttle the hard won achievements of the GATT
negotiations but also stymie the socio-economic development
of the developing countries. 9. I am glad that
your Government is taking serious efforts at promoting
relations with your immediate neighbours in the East Asian
region. The policy of Asia 2000 actively pursued by you is
a constructive move that will no doubt bring benefit to New
Zealand in the long term. Your long-standing relationships
with countries in the region, including Malaysia, will prove
to be a valuable asset. So would your recent economic
achievements. New Zealand is one of ASEAN's first dialogue
partners. You have made very important contributions to the
socio-economic development of the ASEAN countries as well as
to the achievement of peace and stability in this region.
10. Malaysia recognises that New Zealand holds an important
position in the international arena currently as a
non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
Membership in the Council bears with it a grave
responsibility. Members of the Council must face up to the
challenges arising from the numerous tragic conflicts
currently raging around the world. We see among others,
endless carnage in Afghanistan, brutal and senseless
massacre in Rwanda and savage aggression perpetrated by the
Serbs in Bosnia-Herzegovina. All these situations call for
decisive action by the Security Council. New Zealand's
decision to provide more troops for peacekeeping in
Bosnia-Herzegovina is most welcomed. Malaysia is also doing
her part within her means. We will continue to uphold the
principles of justice and fairplay. The blatant Serb
aggression must not be allowed to continue in
Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Security Council should take steps
to lift sanctions so as to allow the Bosnians to defend
themselves against Serb aggression. Peace keepers are
useless if they retreat when faced with defiance. If they
are not prepared to take risks they should allow their wards
to defend themselves. Under no circumstance is it justified
for them to sacrifice those they are supposed to protect in
order to save their own skin.
11. The United Nations will soon celebrate its 60th
anniversary in 1995. For the UN to remain effective and
dynamic, its strengths and weaknesses would have to be
reviewed. Where necessary, organisational changes should be
made to benefit all members and the world in general. The
veto power accorded to the permanent members of the Security
Council should be re-examined and the Security Council
membership should also be expanded to take into account
present realities. The credibility of the United Nations is
at its lowest ebb. Unless it is more resolute it will turn
into a welfare body distributing aid after the event.
12. While death, destruction and suffering continue to
plague people in many parts of the world, others have had
the occasion to rejoice and celebrate. There have been
positive developments for the Palestinians. We all wish
them further success in their continued struggle to achieve
their dream of a homeland. We have also just witnessed the
greatest event in the modern history: the final burial of
apartheid and the birth of a democratic and multi-racial
South Africa. Malaysia joins New Zealand in welcoming South
Africa back into the fold of the Commonwealth. It is most
fitting that South Africa should formally rejoin the
Commonwealth at the next CHOGM which will be hosted by New
Zealand. I look forward to being there.
13. Your visit marks an important milestone in the
strengthening of the close and cordial relations between
Malaysia and New Zealand. I hope that, despite its brevity,
your visit would be an enjoyable experience for you and
members of your delegation.
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