UK offers to help M’sia in reform and anti-corruption efforts
The UK has offered to assist the Pakatan Harapan government in its reform and anti-corruption efforts.
UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Jeremy Hunt said this today during his courtesy call on Wisma Putra...
The UK has offered to assist the Pakatan Harapan government in its reform and anti-corruption efforts.
UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Jeremy Hunt said this today during his courtesy call on Wisma Putra.
“[...] The fact that you made that very crucial step of a peaceful transfer of powers, the first in Malaysia’s history. (This is) a very, very important step.
“And of course, the UK stands ready to help and support you in any way possible, particularly the current government’s very real and important commitment to tackle corruption,” he said in a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah today.
In response, Saifuddin said he welcomed the offer.
“We look forward to further co-operation in certain areas. For example, in furthering our democratisation process (as) this is a new administration after the last general election.
“We also welcome the offer by the British government in assisting us in some of our governmental reform agenda. In particular, transformation of the civil service,” he said.
Next, Hunt will call on Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad before meeting Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
Solve Rohingya refugee crisis
Another issue both parties agreed to work together on was the repatriation of Rohingya refugees.
Saifuddin said both countries were “on the same page” when it came to the humanitarian crisis.
Hunt agreed, adding that the UK also wanted to work with the rest of South-east Asia to help solve the issue.
“Malaysia and the UK are very committed to working with other countries to resolve this humanitarian crisis.
“[...] We intend to work with Malaysia, and with Asean and the UN, to try and make some real progress in this situation,” he said.
