SERI KEMBANGAN: As uncertainty looms amid heightening geopolitical tensions, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia and India can emerge as neutral voices in the region.
"At a time of great uncertainty, our region needs voices that speak for dialogue over confrontation, for cooperation over narrow self-interest.
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"Malaysia and India can be among those voices.
"Together with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, let me reiterate my commitment to deepening cooperation in trade, tech, education and culture," said Anwar during a public engagement session with Modi at Seri Kembangan on Saturday (Feb 7)
Anwar said the worth of any partnership with any nation is measured by the difference it makes in the lives of ordinary people.
As such, he said that he is fortunate to be able to regard Modi as a good friend.
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"I followed your struggle and political tribulations. I must say, I am fortunate to be the personal friend of Modi of India," he said in his speech at the reception event at The Mines Convention Centre on Saturday evening.
Anwar also related a conversation they had in the car ride they shared from the Bunga Raya Complex in KLIA to The Mines Convention Centre.
"As I told you in the car, I am personally thankful and appreciative that I have a good friend from India joining us in Malaysia," he added.
At the same time, Anwar said Indians have come to Malaysia many centuries ago and ever since, they have played a crucial role in nation-building, laying down crucial foundations in the plantations, hospitals, schools and railways.
"They cleared the interiors, they laid all the rail tracks. There are the Malay and Chinese neighbours, who help build the foundation of a great Malaysian economy and country.
"When Malaysia embarked on the great project of building a nation from its diversity, the Indian community was an integral partner in that journey.
"I grew up with neighbours, teachers and colleagues from the Indian community whose dedication shaped everyday life," said Anwar.
"We went to school together, played sports together and celebrated festivals. That is how nations are truly built, not through grand policies alone, but in the classrooms, workplaces and in our shared life," he added.
Anwar also said Indian heritage is seen in various walks of life in Malaysia, from the Little India districts in Brickfields and Penang, to the Bharatanatyam performed on local stages.
"Our cinema, literature and food, where Indian, Malay, Chinese and indigenous traditions have come together into something unmistakably ours.
"Deepavali and Thaipusam are also now celebrations for all Malaysians," said Anwar.
Modi is in Malaysia for a two-day official visit from Feb 7 to 8.
