SHAH ALAM, June 11 — Malaysia and Singapore play an important role in ensuring ASEAN remains globally significant, so the benefits of regional growth are enjoyed by the people, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He ended a three-day working visit to the republic yesterday, during which he attended a roundtable and fireside chat at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.
“As two closely interconnected economies, Malaysia and Singapore have a responsibility to continue driving cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, food security, energy transition, talent development and the digital economy.
“In an increasingly challenging global geopolitical environment, ASEAN needs to remain united, pragmatic and people-centred,” he said in a Facebook post today.
Amirudin said that during the informal session, he took questions from academics, researchers, policymakers and regional observers on issues ranging from public welfare and socio-economic development to sports, the political landscape, and Malaysia and Selangor’s direction in facing future challenges.
“Also discussed was my view that ASEAN could strengthen cooperation as a dedicated grouping, as well as the proposal for a standardised trading system, a common currency, the sharing of human resources, natural resources and energy, and other forms of cooperation that can elevate ASEAN as a robust and prosperous regional economic bloc.”
Amirudin thanked ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute director and chief executive officer Ng Chee Khern and Malaysia Studies Programme senior fellow Lee Hwok Aun for organising the programme and facilitating discussions on the future of Malaysia, Singapore and ASEAN.
