KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s progress must be anchored in its own internal strength and the development of its own domestic economic resilience, rather than relying on external factors amid ongoing global uncertainties, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said that while explaining to Parliament the challenges the country is facing, particularly on the imposition of tariffs by the United States on many countries, including Malaysia, he had stressed on the need to take a more moderate but firm stance and reject any form of unilateral action.
"And I concluded, that if Malaysia wants to move forward and stand confidently, we must not only rely on external support
"We must build internal strength, which is what we call domestic economic resilience. That is what we must work on," he said in his speech during the launching ceremony and submission of PLKI-ECRL offer letters for the ECRL operations and maintenance phase on Tuesday (May 6).
"Whatever challenges there may be, even if we adopt foreign technologies in the early stages, the country must always seek out new methods," said Anwar.
"This responsibility lies with our youth, they must master knowledge better than the current generation.
"God willing, with this kind of approach, we will be more secure in the future. The country must remain peaceful, stable, and governed by clear policies," he said.
Citing a few examples, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, revealed that he had a series of meetings with leaders and large corporations from various countries including the United States, Japan, and Bahrain.
"I would like to mention, this morning, we had a discussion with one of the world’s leading semiconductor companies from the US, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), that had been operating here for quite some time.
"In the semiconductor sector, we are not being left behind. However, the technology we currently handle is still mainly in the backend.
"It’s limited to manufacturing and processing capabilities, and doesn’t yet include what’s known as advanced packaging or advanced design.
"Now, amidst all these ongoing discussions and challenges, the company stated their intention to make Malaysia their base for advanced packaging and advanced designs, specifically in Penang and Cyberjaya.
And of course, I welcomed them," he said, adding that the government will provide all the necessary facilities, offices, and government support to expedite the process.
"This is extremely important, as it is something we’ve been working toward for a long time
"Our youth must master the latest technology, keep up with current trends, and excel in artificial intelligence so that our workforce can meet the demands of advanced packaging and design, what we refer to as front-end capabilities," he said.," he said.
Anwar also noted he had earlier met with Japan's former prime minister Fumio Kishida, who was sent on behalf of Japan's Prime Minister, to discuss new projects with Asean and Malaysia, particularly on new renewable energy.
'At a time when we’re grappling with what steps to take next, companies from various countries are coming forward.
"Japan has also committed, on behalf of its Prime Minister, to directly participate in development projects," said Anwar.
He added that he also met with two ministers from Bahrain to discuss plans on how to enter the Malaysian market, invest, and enhance economic and trade capabilities.
At the end of the month, Anwar said that the country will also host the Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit involving all the Asean countries and six Gulf nations.
"This means we must always have discipline, a constructive attitude, and make the most of the opportunities before us, anchored in confidence and education.
"This is what we refer to as economic resilience — our ability to endure and adapt," said Anwar.
