PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia's international profile has been greatly elevated by improvements in governance, as well as the help rendered to investors by civil servants, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said his recent official visits abroad were marked by positive responses from foreign companies and investors who were pleased with the practical attitude shown by the country's civil servants.
“They (foreign investors) are now saying that we are more efficient, there are no more leakages, and we are able to make decisions quickly and firmly, which is why they agreed to invest with us," he said in his speech during the Prime Minister's Department monthly assembly here on Monday (March 18).
“They described our policies and our civil servants as being positive and I am thankful and proud to be working with you because the reception has been extraordinary.
“During the meet-ups, I did ask if there were problems or if (the dealings) were delayed or if they were asked to give commissions but their replies were great and it made me feel better.
“If we can continue with this attitude, believe me, we will be able to boost our economy. I am confident," he added.
With that in mind, Anwar called on civil servants to continue the good work, while stressing the importance of taking Malaysia to greater heights.
“Although there are some small groups who are still problematic, the general view is that we have a better image now.
“Not just one or two companies that are saying this but all of them, especially those that have been cooperating with us for a long time, saying we are showing a new kind of discipline," Anwar said.
As for his detractors and their claims the government was abusing its power, he said they should just look at the statistics and the acceptance shown to the country by the international community.
He stressed that he was not travelling so much for his personal satisfaction, but for the country's benefit.
“I am not young anymore, I don’t have the same energy.
"I make all these (visits abroad) because I have to for the sake of the country. If we don't engage with others, we would not have received such good support.
“Trust me, during my visits, all I do is go from the hotel to meetings. I don't have a meeting one day and play golf the next. No, that was (the old way).
“The only things I did (aside from trade discussions) were meeting with European Islamic scholars to speak about Islamophobia, and going for the occasional power walk. If these are the wrong things to do, then I apologise.
“Yes, there is nothing great about politics, it is ugly. But believe in the numbers and data because our country has not seen such a degree of investments before,” he added.
