KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia could be seen as a great nation in the region if it remains united, eliminates arrogance and eradicates narrow-minded attitudes.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said following his official visits to other countries, Malaysia has been well recognised and received the attention of foreign investors.
"The country has now received a new attention that is remarkable and prideful.
"If Malaysia unites, eliminates arrogance, eradicates narrow-minded attitudes, and the 'kabilah' thinking, I believe Malaysia as a nation can be elevated as a great nation in this region," he said at the 2024 National Youth Day celebration at Dataran Pahlawan in Melaka.
At the same time, Anwar also said that many foreign investors were now eyeing other states in Malaysia aside from Penang, Selangor, and Kedah, which has its Kulim Hi-Tech Park.
"During a work trip in Japan recently, I met with large Japanese companies, and aside from giving attention to Kulim Hi-Tech Park and Selangor, the focus was also towards Sarawak as the state has an aim to enhance activities in the green hydrogen ammonia and energy transition field.
"(And) this state has also attracted the attention of Germany, the United States, and Japan itself.
"This also means that the focus to develop the nation is not the same as before where we only focus on certain states."
The prime minister added that he would also talk about other states in Malaysia, including Kelantan, Perak, Sabah, Sarawak, and Terengganu for foreign investment opportunities.
"This is to allow every state in our country to be given the attention by foreign investors to increase the opportunities for our youth to work."
Anwar previously said that the country's investment record is expected to jump further this year compared to 2023, evidenced by potential foreign investments totalling RM76.1 billion that have been successfully attracted as of March 2024.
He said the amount was recorded through traditional investors such as the United States and China and included investments from Australia worth RM24.5 billion as well as Germany and France (RM46 billion).