Malaysia optimistic over US visa waiver programme

WASHINGTON: Some five months after the US Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) issue was raised, Malaysia is confident of being on board in the not too distant future.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he had personally conveyed Malaysia’s wish to join the programme soon to US Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Edward Royce in a meeting yesterday.

“I received a briefing on the programme and told Royce of our desire to be part of it soon.

“I am confident that Malaysia will able to join the programme in the next 18 months,” he said.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said the two parties also touched on strengthening bilateral relations, including two-way trade during the meeting.

“We also discussed Malaysia’s border security and role in Asean,” he added.

The VWP will enable Malaysians to enter the United States without applying for visas and to stay in the country for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.

The visa issue was raised during US President Barack Obama’s visit to Malaysia late April.

To date, 37 nations are on the programme, including Asean members such as Singapore and Brunei.

Dr Ahmad Zahid also visited the FBI’s training facilities in Quantico, Virginia.

“Among the areas agreed upon was cooperation between the Malaysian police and FBI through a training exchange programme.

“The FBI also gave a detailed briefing on the simulator used by the MH370 pilot,” he said.

Dr Ahmad Zahid is on a nine-day trip to the United States, which began on Sept 24.