Malaysia, Japan Commemorate 30th Anniversary Of Look East Policy

PUTRAJAYA, March 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda have exchanged special messages to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Malaysia's Look East Policy. In a statement, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said both prime ministers described the policy as a testament to the close bond of friendship and partnership between Malaysia and Japan. "Both sides have also expressed the hope that the recently established Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology in Kuala Lumpur, would significantly develop as a centre of excellence in engineering education, not only in Malaysia but also for the Asean region," it said. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the policy, which was introduced in 1982 by then-prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. The Look East Policy's main objective is to acquire the technological know-how, work ethics and good work values which are seen to be among of the ingredients for the success of the developed countries in East Asia, especially Japan. Some 15,000 Malaysians have benefited under the policy, through studies and training at Japanese universities and companies, especially in sectors that require advanced technical skills and technology. Meanwhile, in his message to Najib, Noda said that since 1982, about 15,000 Malaysian came to learn working ethics as well as management style in Japan. He said these students and trainees have been of some help to Malaysia while many Japanophiles fostered in Malaysia are now playing an important role in bridging the two countries. "It is no exaggeration to say that the good and close bilateral relationship is supported by the 'kizuna' bond of friendship nurtured under the Look East Policy," he said. He noted that the disaster in Japan in March last year had brought suffering and challenges to the people of Japan, but it also became an opportunity to reaffirm such kizuna between Japan and Malaysia. "With the centre of the world history dramatically shifting over the past 30 years, we are transitioning to the Asian century," he said, adding that under Najib's strong leadership, Malaysia continues to register robust economic growth with a view to becoming a high income nation by 2020. He is positive that Malaysia will continue to drive the global economic growth as a growth centre of the world. "I would like to continue to work with Malaysia, recognising that Japan's reconstruction definitely needs kizuna with a wealthy and stable Asia, and Japan's contribution is indispensable to ensure peace and prosperity of Asia," said Noda. In order to strengthen the kizuna in Asia and prosper together, he said it was "extremely significant" that both Japan and Malaysia continue to make efforts under the Look East Policy in developing the human resources for the future of Asia. "I believe that the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology, culmination of the Look East Policy can significantly contribute to the regional development as a centre for excellence in engineering education in Asean," he said. -- BERNAMA