KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will continue to strengthen its bilateral ties with other nations, particularly with Islamic countries and Asean member countries.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Malaysia had long adopted the principle of preserving good relationships with other nations despite the restrictions resulting from the pandemic.
"It (the pandemic) does not mean that we are not paying attention to enhancing our bilateral ties. Malaysia made history when it successfully organised the first-ever virtual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit (last year).
"The administration under my leadership will give emphasis to enhancing our ties with Islamic nations, apart from countries in Asean.
"From my observation, such matters were not given emphasis during the previous administration."
He said Perikatan Nasional, despite being a new administration, was consistent in its stance on foreign policy, and would continue with policies introduced by the previous government which were good for the country.
Muhyiddin said this in a special interview with senior news editors at his house on Friday. The interview was held in conjunction with Perikatan Nasional's one-year anniversary in administration. The New Straits Times was represented by senior news editor Faridul Anwar Farinordin at the interview.
Malaysia, he added, had been acknowledged as an Islamic country that had made great advancements in technology and other sectors.
He said the government wanted to share the country's experience and expertise with other nations irrespective of economic development, trade and education.
"I also want Malaysia to continue our good ties with China, which is the country's largest trading partner.
"It would be a loss to the country if we do not preserve our ties with China," he said.
He added that China had invested in Malaysia in several sectors, including infrastructure development as well as transportation.
"I learnt that there are many foreign investors from China that are keen to invest in Malaysia.
"Foreign policy is not limited to creating peace, the outcome of the relationship (also) provides other benefits to the country," he said.
Muhyiddin also said he wanted to elevate the Malaysia-Indonesia relationship into a comprehensive strategic partnership, and believed that Indonesia would rise as a big superpower in the region, similar to China.
"I am planning to visit Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates early March.
"I also plan to visit Brunei, Japan and South Korea since Malaysia has good bilateral ties with these nations including in the trade, investment and education sectors, as well as cooperation in the defence sector," he added.