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Ties with Malaysia set to grow further

Published : Tuesday, 5 November, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 590
MS Siddiqui
Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim undertook an official visit to the People's Republic of Bangladesh on 4th October 2024, at the invitation of Chief Advisor of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, Nobel-laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus. The Malaysian prime minister accompanied by a 58-member delegation, including the foreign minister, minister of trade and investment, deputy minister of transport, deputy minister of religious affairs, two members of parliament, and senior officials from the Foreign Ministry, among others.

The visit is the first by a foreign head of government since Bangladesh's interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, assumed office.  This was the first visit by a Malaysian prime minister to Bangladesh in nearly 11 years.

During the bilateral meeting, they discussed three core areas - politics, trade and investment. The issues of mutual interest, including economic, political, trade and investment, education, technology and human resource development, manpower export, higher education cooperation, communications, infrastructure development, and defence cooperation were also highlighted.

Malaysia currently stands as the eighth largest investor in Bangladesh. The visit may also explore avenues for increased investment and trade. The recent agreement signed by a Malaysian car manufacturer- Perodua with PHP Motors of Bangladesh for vehicle distribution and assembly underscores scope for Malaysia's establishing a manufacturing base in Bangladesh. This could not only generate employment opportunities but also stimulate the local economy and enhance Bangladesh's position as a manufacturing hub in South Asia. In return, such partnerships would help Malaysia to globalize its investment.

Malaysia requires a steady flow of workers to support its growing economy and Bangladesh seeks to facilitate this demand. Bangladesh remains a crucial source of labour for Malaysia, with over a million of its workers already employed in this Southeast Asian nation, particularly in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture.However, there have been concerns over the fairness and transparency of the recruitment process. The emphasis on transparent labor processes can foster trust and security for workers from Bangladesh, enhancing their prospects and ensuring their rights are protected.

Recently, Malaysia has taken strict policy regarding foreign workers. It has also started to conduct raids to oust the illegal migrant workers there. As Bangladesh has been sending workers to Malaysia for a long time now, flawed recruitment process by Bangladeshi local agencies as well as transnational scammers have capitalized on the flow of workers. As a result, many Bangladeshi workers have become illegal migrants there.Anwar Ibrahim, the honorable PM however, reminded Bangladesh to remain careful about criminal activities of anyone - either Malaysians or foreigners in Malaysia.

Malaysian prime minister assured that his government would give immediate attention to the fresh entry of 18,000 Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia in the first phase. The process will go through very transparent procedures. Malaysia assured that they need workers but they can't be treated as modern slaves, no matter if they are from Bangladesh or any other country.

Prime Minister Anwar's discussions with Prof. Yunus havecovered vital issues, including the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis as well. With Malaysia's active participation in ASEAN, there is potential for collaborative efforts in addressing this humanitarian issue that has significant implications for regional stability.


The potential for collaboration also could be establishing an enhanced medical network among Malaysian medical service and their counterparts in Bangladesh. As medical tourism continues to grow globally, Bangladeshi patients can benefit from Malaysia's expertise in critical diseases. Thailand already offered 5 years multipole medical visa to the patientsand to support persons to the patients. Malaysia may also consider similar medical visa facility.

It is a strategic opportunity for Bangladesh to address its concerns in bilateral relations and elevate its position in the regional politics vis-Ã -vis ASEAN and the Rohingya crisis and unlock new avenues for collaboration. With proactive engagement and commitment to cooperation, the future can be promising for both Bangladesh and Malaysia.The Malaysian prime minister laid emphasis on "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" and addressing the issues of Malaysian companies in Bangladesh and vice-versa at a faster pace.

The visit will also strengthen both countries' soft influence on diplomatic relations. By focusing on collaborative initiatives across various sectors, Bangladesh can benefit significantly from this engagement if cultivated properly. The combination of shared interests, long-standing friendships, and mutual respect can lead to transformative changes that benefit mutually.

Bangladesh has an opportunity to engage more deeply with regional cooperation frameworks. For that it will require support from member states. Malaysia's Chairmanship of Association of South Asian Nations (ASEAN)and unconditional support for Bangladesh would be leverage for Bangladesh in achieving its next objective joining ASEAN. Bangladesh has neither any Free Trade Agreement (FTA) nor joined any trade block so far. Bangladesh may link itself with rest of the world through membership of ASEAN.
 
By this time Bangladesh and Malaysia may sign an FTA and which will enhance opportunity for Bangladesh to enter into ASEAN bloc. 

The writer is a Former Non-Government Adviser, Bangladesh Competition Commission, Legal Economist & CEO, Bangla Chemical


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