JOHANNESBURG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that Malaysia will establish a Centre for African Studies, acknowledging the need for greater engagement and understanding of the African continent.
Anwar said Africa is vast, with each of its 54 countries unique, and admitted that Malaysia’s engagement with African nations was stronger in the 1980s and 1990s than it is today.
"Realising this, the Cabinet decided for Malaysia to take the initiative to forge better ties, not just for economic purposes and tapping new markets, but also for us to have better knowledge," he said at a dinner with the Malaysian diaspora on Friday (Nov 21) night.
Also present were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, and Malaysian High Commissioner to South Africa Datuk Yubazlan Yusof.
Anwar noted that such centres are not new in Malaysia, highlighting the Centre of Islamic Studies and Confucianism at the International Islamic University Malaysia and the Centre for Asian Studies at Universiti Malaya.
"Generally, we don’t have a good understanding of Africa. Perhaps, by setting up a centre as such, we will get to know the continent better," he said.
The Prime Minister’s visits to Ethiopia, South Africa and Kenya reflect a renewed emphasis on expanding Malaysia’s network, accessing new markets and strengthening bilateral relations.
Responding to a question on how Malaysians abroad can support national policies and causes, Anwar encouraged the diaspora to promote Malaysia and exemplify its values while living overseas.
"One can help promote Malaysia not just as a modern and progressive country, but also her beautiful and hospitable people," he said.
