GEORGE TOWN: The United Kingdom is committed to further enhancing its bilateral relationship with Malaysia under Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s government.
UK Minister for Asia and the Pacific Mark Field also praised Malaysia and Malaysians’ political maturity which led to the new government, stressing that the recent 14th General Election results in May “put the eyes of the world on Malaysia.”
Speaking to newsmen at the sidelines of his visit to the Loh Guan Lye Specialists Centre here today, the final leg of his three-day tour of the country, Field said he was happy to meet the ministers in the new government and had interesting conversations with them on a host of issues.
“UK and Malaysia enjoy a strong and enduring relationship, with many shared interests, such as advancing prosperity, security and mutual values.
“As we leave the European Union (EU), we are determined to deepen our important relationship with Malaysia as well as securing a strong, fruitful partnership with the rest of Asean. This is a very important region which we hope to be able to foster stronger connections in years to come.
“Moving ahead, I am excited to play my part as a UK minister in the UK and Malaysia relationship, and to improve the government from strength to strength,” he said.
Present was British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vicki Treadell.
On his call on Umno president and former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Field said it was a practice whenever he visited countries in the region.
“I always try to meet with politicians from across the political divide. I think it is healthy.
“The situation in Malaysia was different for the past 61 years as it was only a single-party system and not a two-party system like the UK. I think it is right and proper we continue to engage and I had a chance to meet Zahid, where we spoke, among others, on geopolitical and international issues.
“It is clear from the general election Malaysians chose to change direction and I hope all politicians, whether in the goverment or opposition, cooperate to ensure a brighter future for all Malaysians,” he said.
Meanwhile, Field said his visit to Penang was to meet with representatives of private hospitals to explore opportunities for collaboration with UK healthcare partners.
“Malaysia is set to benefit from the UK’s Global Prosperity Fund Better Health Programme.
“We have committed 1.2 billion pounds to contribute to inclusive economic development through the Prosperity Fund, and I am happy to announce that Malaysia is included in the design of the fund’s global 75 million pounds skills and 79 million pounds health programmes.
“I very much look forward to watching these projects flourish,” he said.
Malaysia is set to benefit 4.5 million pounds over the next three years from the Prosperity Fund.
Treadell, meanwhile, said the focus would be on non-communicable diseases, where a series of meetings had been held with the Health Ministry to look at how to collaborate.