PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is poised to attract global attention at the end of this year and starting next year, as it prepares to host several significant meetings while taking on the Asean chairmanship.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that as such, industry players, including the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) and the Malaysia Chambers of Commerce should give their full cooperation.

"In May, for example, we have the Asean-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council) Summit, where the Arab countries will come (to Malaysia). We will also have Asean-GCC+China (Summit), he said.

Anwar said that at year end, Malaysia would host Asean summits with the United States, China, South Korea, Japan, the European Union, India, Australia and New Zealand.

"These will bring significant attention, and I ask for cooperation. Our focus is on diplomacy that respects our country and its reputation, but primarily on the economy.

"The emphasis is on trade, investment, and business opportunities for the Malaysian people, Malaysian companies and the people," he said in his speech at the ACCCIM 78th Annual General Meeting here today.

Present were Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong, Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor president Datuk Ng Yih Pyng and ACCCIM outgoing president Tan Sri Low Kian Chuan.

In his speech, Anwar said that no one could dictate Malaysia when it came to its relationship with other countries.

"Our stance is that Malaysia wants to progress and befriend everyone, but we are a free and independent nation.

"We make our own decisions to trade with all countries, and that's why we maintain friendships with everyone.

"No country can dictate to us, and I believe this is because our society and our country are multicultural and diverse."

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/10/1119072/malaysia-attract-global-spotlight-asean-chairmanship