Oleh/By : DATO' SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Tempat/Venue : SRI PERDANA, KUALA LUMPUR
Tarikh/Date : 27/08/94
Tajuk/Title : A DINNER IN HONOUR O F MR. TOMIICHI
MURAYAMA PRIME MINISTER OF JAPAN
I would like to extend a warm welcome to you, your
daughter Mrs. Nakahara and the distinguished members of
your delegation to Malaysia. We are deeply honoured by your
visit which signifies that the Government of Japan, despite
the changes of leadership, remains true to the friendship
between Malaysia and Japan. Your visit will undoubtedly
strengthen further the friendly relations and cooperation
between our two countries.
2. We have looked towards Japan as one of the outstanding
models of economic development in the East, in particular
the ethics and technology that fueled your success. The
continuation of our `Look East Policy' which has brought a
better understanding between our two peoples attest to the
success of our mutual cooperation. We are grateful to Japan
for the assistance and resources which have been extended so
generously to us over these years.
3. I am glad to say that the excellent bilateral relations
between Malaysia and Japan have greatly enhanced Japanese
trade and investments in Malaysia. The cumulative sum of
Japanese investments and business in Malaysia today is in
fact the highest from abroad. I would like to mention here
that our people are ready to benefit more directly from the
presence of Japanese investments in Malaysia in terms of
technology-transfer, management training and technical
skills. After many years of collaboration, we now seek a
real economic partnership with Japan where benefits are
equally shared.
4. We have noted that in Your Excellency's policy speech
last month before the 130th session of the Diet, your
government expressed a desire to play an active role in the
international community as a nation of peace. We fully
welcome Japan's aspiration in that direction. As a
developing nation we have emphasized the need for
socio-economic developments as against any politico-military
arrangements as the foundation of peace and security in the
region. Japan has played an exemplary role in this respect,
contributing much to the economic growth of the region and
acting as a source of development assistance.
5. We believe that Japan as a major global economic power
should assume a greater international role in the
maintenance of peace and security within an improved UN
system. There is a need now to strengthen the protection
and promotion of multi-culturism and pluralistic societies
around the world and turn back a rising tide of racism in
various parts of the world, particularly in Western Europe
and North America. The unprecedented increase in the number
of peace-keeping operations around the world signify the
emergence of new crises after the Cold War. These
substantial increases in demands and costs on the UN
peace-keeping operations are breaching the limits of UN
resources. In the face of discernible reluctance of the
major contributors among the OECD countries to give support
to new peace-keeping operations either in terms of manpower
and financial resources, Japan's role and commitment would
make a crucial difference. In this respect we hope that
Japan would not waver in her financial support for
peace-keeping operations. And of course as a major player
in the international arena Japan must be prepared for
peace-keeping duties directly.
6. We may not see a clash of civilizations notably
between the Eastern and Western cultures as postulated by
the erudite Mr. Samuel Huntington but we are certainly
seeing a rise in regionalism with three regions dominating
the world economy -- the European Union, NAFTA and the East
Asian countries which includes ASEAN. In an attempt to halt
the trend towards exclusive economic groupings we in ASEAN
have adopted, as Your Excellency knows, the concept of EAEC
which will promote open regionalism and the multilateral
trading system. The EAEC is a gathering of East Asian
economies in a consultative process. We hope that Japan in
her wisdom and foresight will see the benefits of the EAEC.
Being a natural member of the region, Japan's participation
in the EAEC will contribute greater dynamism to the region's
economic development.
7. In our desire for greater political stability in the
region as well as economic development for all, ASEAN
countries have done all they could to provide assistance and
share their resources with other countries in Southeast
Asia, particularly those which have been subjected to
internal conflicts and economic stagnation. The decision of
the Japanese Government to send its troops on peace-keeping
mission to Cambodia two years ago under United Nations'
auspices contributed to the process of establishing an
elected government in Cambodia today. However, further
assistance from other countries are required to sustain the
viability of the Cambodian state and its economy. For those
who had earlier committed themselves to helping Cambodia
find its feet and this includes Japan as well as Malaysia,
there is a need now to go the distance to strengthen
Cambodia's economic situation through grants, investments,
trade and human-resource development. Japan's contribution
in that respect would make a welcome and critical
difference. Cambodian peace is one of the very few success
stories of the U.N. We cannot let this achievement come to
nothing in the end.
8. I sincerely hope that the relationship between Malaysia
and Japan will continue to flourish under the emerging new
leadership in Japan. In particular, I hope for a closer
friendship and understanding between the young peoples of
our two countries.
9. We wish you and members of your delegation a pleasant
and enjoyable stay in Malaysia.
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