PM Anwar prioritises rakyat-focused projects
Anwar, who is here on a three-day working visit, said despite criticism over government's move to implement certain policies such as subsidy rationalisation or tariff, they needed to be carried out for the benefit of the people.
'All governments, all prime ministers in the past talk about taking away subsidies from foreigners, but none took the right action,' he said at the Majlis Ramah Mesra Bersama Diaspora Malaysia here tonight (Tuesday, July 1).
The premier said various actions taken by the government, including subsidies and tax rationalisations were implemented to build more schools, universities and hospitals that will help the masses.
During the dinner, Anwar also shared that various programmes and policies are being undertaken by his government to ensure the country remains competitive.
'To our diaspora in Italy, you are our ambassadors and our asset. You have a big role to play in bringing Malayia into the international platform.
'Therefore, I leave a message for you to continue to seize every opportunity and space to strengthen your knowledge, skills and networks in order to contribute back to the homeland, good governance,' he said.
Also present at the dinner were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Malaysia's Ambassador to Italy Datuk Zahid Rastam, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
37 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia urges global institutions to reject use of hunger as weapon of war
ROME: Malaysia has reiterated the importance of upholding the credibility of international institutions, particularly in ensuring that hunger is not used as a weapon of war, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said following his participation in the 44th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Conference. Mohamad referred to Pope Leo XIV's message to the conference, in which the pontiff strongly condemned the use of hunger as a weapon of war, in an apparent reference to conflicts such as in Gaza. "We echoed that message, because the credibility of international bodies is increasingly being undermined by the dominance of unipolar powers," he said. He added that the conference had called on the United Nations to reassert its leadership role. "Food security must rise above all political conflict," Mohamad stressed. Nonetheless, he said cooperation between nations remains strong despite differing political views. "For example, between Malaysia and India, when we faced rice shortages, we only had to meet with their ambassador, and they quickly found ways to assist. "Our Prime Minister, during his visit to India, also expressed his gratitude," he said. Mohamad added that such efforts must now be strengthened in light of emerging challenges such as extreme weather and climate change, which can disrupt global food supply chains. On the sidelines of the conference, Mohamad also held informal bilateral discussions with other countries. "They have proposed that we host a regional-level FAO conference in Kuala Lumpur. That will depend on further discussions, including financial considerations and other logistical matters," he said. Mohamad is part of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's delegation currently undertaking a series of official visits to three countries, Italy, France and Brazil, beginning July 1. This initiative is part of Malaysia's ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and promote global economic cooperation.
Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Free Malaysia Today
RM8.13bil in potential investments from Italy trip, says Anwar
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim with Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni at Chigi Palace in Rome. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia has secured RM8.13 billion in potential investments following an economic roundtable and meetings during his three-day official visit to Italy which concluded today. Bernama reported that the potential investments span the petrochemical, machinery and equipment, electrical and electronics, and oil and gas services sectors. Anwar met representatives from 23 companies in manufacturing, nine in services, five government agencies, two industry groups, and two trade organisations during his trip. The engagements are expected to generate RM425 million in potential exports involving oleochemical products, renewable energy, biofuel feedstock, animal feed additives, and food products. During a bilateral meeting with Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, both leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in energy, solar power, geothermal, and hydrogen sectors. Notable collaborations include a Petronas–Eni SpA joint venture in Johor on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a partnership between Perodua and Magna Steyr on electric vehicle batteries, and investment in modernising Malaysia's electricity grid, including links to the Asean Power Grid. Anwar also urged Italy to recognise the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, requested Italian support for a fairer implementation of the EU Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR), and expressed Malaysia's aim to be classified as 'low risk' in the EU's deforestation benchmark by 2026. He also sought Italy's support to conclude the Malaysia-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. Malaysia–Italy trade rose 2% to US$3.18 billion (RM14.61 billion) last year. Meanwhile, Anwar said Malaysia intends to purchase maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters and naval vessels from Italy to bolster its national security capabilities. Bernama reported that the acquisition would include two maritime patrol aircraft, as well as 28 Leonardo AW149 helicopters, while Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri is expected to supply multi-role support ships and littoral mission ships. Anwar said these defence assets would help strengthen Malaysia's long-standing bilateral ties with Italy, which is renowned for its advanced military industry. Anwar arrived in Rome on Tuesday for a maiden official visit at Meloni's invitation. Anwar is also visiting France and Brazil, as part of Malaysia's ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and promote economic cooperation at the global level. Among others, Anwar is scheduled to meet with French president Emmanuel Macron.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Malaysia to buy military assets from Italy to enhance maritime security
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim shakes hands with his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni on Thursday. - Photo: Bernama ROME: Malaysia intends to purchase maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, and naval vessels from Italy to bolster its national security capabilities, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The acquisition will include two Maritime Patrol Aircraft designated for the Royal Malaysian Navy. Additionally, Malaysia also plans to procure 28 Leonardo AW149 helicopters, while the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri is expected to supply multi-role support ships (MRSS) and littoral mission ships (LMS). These defence assets will help strengthen Malaysia's longstanding bilateral ties with Italy, renowned for its advanced military industry, Anwar said at his exit press conference at the conclusion of his three-day official visit to Italy Thursday (July 3). Meanwhile, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who accompanied the Prime Minister on the visit, added that details of the procurement would be finalised to ensure Malaysia benefits from areas such as centralised training and other cooperative opportunities. Initially, operations for the maritime patrol aircraft are expected to be based out of Batu Berendam Airport in Melaka, he noted. Mohamed Khaled also said Malaysia has proposed that the acquisitions be carried out through government-to-government (G2G) agreements. "This approach will help us secure better pricing and asset guarantees directly from the Italian Government," he explained. The Defence Ministry has also recommended exploring new areas of collaboration between the two countries in the defence sector, including artificial intelligence (AI) and underwater security command centres. Anwar arrived here on Tuesday (July 1) for a maiden official visit at the invitation of his Italian counterpart, Georgia Meloni. This is part of Anwar's three-nation visits to Italy, France and Brazil, which form part of Malaysia's ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and promote economic cooperation at the global level. Anwar will later depart for Paris, where he is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron during his two-day stay there. Subsequently, Anwar will attend the 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. - Bernama
