Oleh/By : DATO' SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Tempat/Venue : PARLIAMENT HOUSE, WELLINGTON
Tarikh/Date : 26/03/96
Tajuk/Title : THE OFFICIAL LUNCHEON HOSTED BY
PRIME MINISTER OF NEW ZEALAND
Let me first of all thank you, Mr. Prime
Minister and Mrs. Joan Bolger and the Government of
New Zealand for the very warm welcome and
hospitality accorded to my wife and I, and members
of my delegation since arriving in Wellington this
morning.
2. I recall with fondness my last visit to your
beautiful country in November to attend the
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. I am
particularly delighted to meet you again and to
exchange views on issues of common concern. Our
meeting this morning has been very useful and has
enabled us to review the progress made in bilateral
relations since your last visit to Kuala Lumpur in
May 1994. The discussions we have had revealed yet
again how much our views and aspirations coincide.
I can assure you, Mr. Prime Minister, that Malaysia
is firmly committed to strengthening the close
relations that exist between our two countries.
3. I am also glad that we have been able to
witness the signing of a number of bilateral
instruments in the field of education, defence and
information. Of special significance is the signing
of the instrument on "The Working Holiday
Arrangement" which would allow citizens of both
countries to enjoy an extended holiday in each
other's country whilst engaging in some form of
employment. As you may recall, this was essentially
your own idea which we fully support. New Zealand
is the only country that Malaysia has entered into
such an arrangement. I can confidently say that the
scheme is a practical one that would go a long way
to generating better understanding and cooperation
between the peoples of our two countries. I hope
the scheme can be implemented as soon as possible.
4. Bilateral relations between Malaysia and New
Zealand have seen encouraging progress over the
years. Cooperative efforts in the field of trade,
investment, education, tourism, defence and science
and technology have been enhanced through regular
exchanges of visits at both the ministerial and
senior official levels. The establishment of the
Malaysia-New Zealand Business Council in 1992 in
Kuala Lumpur and its sister organisation, the New
Zealand-Malaysia Business Council, in 1993 in
Wellington have given added impetus to efforts at
promoting greater trade and economic cooperation
between our two countries. Malaysia also
appreciates the close links that we have established
as members of the Five Power Defence Arrangement
(FPDA) and the Commonwealth. Such links have
brought us closer together in the pursuit of common
objectives.
5. Malaysia sees tremendous potentials for both
countries to increase investments in each other's
country particularly in the areas of timber
processing, food processing and tourism. New
Zealand's current level of investment in Malaysia,
amounting to a total of 23 projects with an equity
of US$20.8 million and total proposed capital
investment already approved of US$40.54 million, is
relatively small considering the opportunities
available. More efforts should therefore be made by
both sides to promote investments. I hope the
presence of key business leaders in my delegation
would contribute towards this objective. Malaysian
and New Zealand companies could also look into the
possibility of undertaking joint venture
arrangements in third countries like Vietnam, India,
Cambodia and China.
6. In the field of education, Malaysia appreciates
New Zealand's continued support and cooperation in
the various mutually beneficial programmes between
tertiary level institutions of the two countries.
These include twinning programmes, teacher education
programmes and exchanges of visits and attachments
of students and scholars. In 1994 alone, there were
1,306 Malaysian students pursuing various courses in
New Zealand. Likewise Malaysia hopes to see New
Zealand students taking advantage of the educational
facilities available in Malaysia. It is hoped that
both our countries will continue to collaborate
closely in education in the years ahead.
7. Malaysia is also happy to see New Zealand
getting closer to Asia with a view to fostering
better understanding and mutually beneficial
relations with the various countries concerned. The
establishment of the 'ASIA 2000' Foundation is a
clear testimony of this. Similarly, the
establishment of the 'Chair of Malay Studies' at
Victoria University as well as the setting up of the
New Zealand Asia Institute at Auckland University
for which I have been given the honour to officially
open during the visit are positive developments.
8. The economic dynamism of South East Asia, the
Asia Pacific and Asia generally provides vast
opportunities for all countries in the region. But
uncertainties and challenges continue to prevail.
We continue to suffer the consequences of decisions
made outside our regions. In this context, New
Zealand can certainly play a constructive role. We
appreciate your active participation in the ASEAN
Post Ministerial Conference and the ASEAN Regional
Forum and will continue to work closely with New
Zealand in the interest of peace, stability and
prosperity in the region.
9. Before I conclude, may I once again thank you,
Mr. Prime Minister and Mrs. Joan Bolger for the
gracious hospitality accorded to my wife and I, and
members of my delegation.
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