PETALING JAYA: Foreign commentators should move beyond outdated stereotypes and acknowledge the realities of the current interconnected and multipolar global economy, says Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah.
The Paya Besar MP’s remarks come after American commentator Bill O’Reilly questioned the rationale behind Chinese President Xi Jinping’s official visit to Malaysia and belittled Malaysia’s economic standing.
Highlighting the country’s role in assuming the Asean Chairmanship this year, Shahar said Malaysia is poised to drive deeper regional integration, champion economic cooperation, and reinforce Asean’s role as a stabilising force in Asia.
“In light of these achievements, it is regrettable that Malaysia continues to be mischaracterised by individuals who choose to speak from assumptions rather than facts,” Shahar said in a statement.
The Paya Besar MP said O’Reilly’s comments, singling out the Malay community, were not only uninformed but also reflected a narrow and outdated view of Southeast Asia.
Shahar, also the Backbenchers Club chairman, said Malaysia is a sovereign nation, an active contributor to global progress, a trusted partner to many, and a rising voice in regional and international affairs.
“Our economy is resilient, with trade performance reaching its highest recorded levels.
“This strength is built every day through the hard work, determination, and unity of our people,” he said.
He cited how Malaysia ranks as the sixth-largest exporter of semiconductors worldwide, contributing 13% of the global market share in packaging, assembly, and testing.
“This sector alone accounts for 40% of our national exports, placing Malaysia at the top of the global electronics supply chain,” he said.
He highlighted China and Malaysia’s trade relations, noting how in 2024, China remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for the 16th consecutive year.
“Bilateral trade rose 7.6% to RM484.12bil, representing 16.8% of Malaysia’s total trade. Imports from China, particularly in E&E products, machinery, and chemicals, reflect Malaysia's industrial demand and economic vibrancy,” he said.
According to him, Malaysia also exported 3.05 million tonnes of palm products to China in 2023 alone, including palm oil and oleochemicals.
“This underlines the strength and trust built over time between our five golden decades of diplomatic relations, which began from May 31, 1974,” said Shahar.
On Malaysia being a resilient and growing economy, he pointed out that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.1% last year, up from 3.6% the previous year.
“Our economy is now valued at RM1.93 trillion at current prices, proving our resilience amid global uncertainties,” he said.
According to him, Malaysia’s Gross National Income per capita also increased by 3.6% in 2024, reaching RM54,894.
“Our domestic private consumption accounted for 59.7% of our nominal GDP in December last year, showing that domestic transactions are the main gear of our economy.
“This growth reflects improving standards of living and greater domestic demand,” he said.
O'Reilly recently belittled Chinese President Xi’s visit, even claiming that "Malays aren't gonna buy your stuff as they don't have the money".
This drew criticism from Malaysians, who accused him of being uninformed.
President Xi began his three-day state visit to Malaysia on Tuesday (April 15) at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
During his visit, 31 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), agreements, and notes between Malaysia and China were exchanged.
Xi’s visit was part of the Chinese President's three-nation tour of Southeast Asia, which included Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia.
