Former M'sian PM Gets Offer To Be Yemen's Special Economic Advisor

KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 (Bernama) -- Yemeni Prime Minister Mohamed Salem Basendowah has invited former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, credited with spearheading Malaysia's tremendous economic growth during his 22-year administration, to be Yemen's special economic advisor. Dr Mahathir visited Yemen, an Arab country located in the southern part of the Arabian peninsula, on Thursday to seek further clarification on Mohamed Salem's invitation for the Malaysian statesman to be his advisor, the Malaysian embassy in Sana'a said in a statement Sunday. Dr Mahathir attended a lunch hosted by Mohamed Salem and a meeting which was also attended Yemen's former prime ministers, ministers from the ruling and opposition parties and senior government officials as well as a World Bank official. Mohamed Salem referred to Malaysia's achievements and transformation from an agro-based economy to a developed nation as the 'Malaysian Miracle', the mission said. "He looks forward to gaining Dr Mahathir's insight on how to assist in rebuilding Yemen," it noted. Dr Mahathir, it said, took the opportunity to share Malaysia's experience and policies that were implemented during his tenure as prime minister. "Dr Mahathir informed the Yemeni prime minister that he felt honoured to be invited as Yemen's special economic advisor," the statement said. Mohamed Salem was appointed prime minister on Dec 11, 2011, and is currently spearheading efforts towards Yemen's national reconciliation. Dr Mahathir also called on President Abdu (rpt) Abdu Rabu Mansur Hadi during the visit. -- BERNAMA