Anwar shares royal compliment on Malaysia's medical expertise

New Straits Times

2 days ago

PETALING JAYA: Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah praised the quality and expertise of doctors at the National Heart Institute (IJN) after receiving treatment there.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim conveyed this during the Higher Education Ministry's Ilmuan Malaysia Madani forum titled "Transport for the People: Balancing Affordability, Quality and Sustainability of Public Transport."
"His Majesty told me that, as someone with exposure to and experience with some of the world's best medical centres, he was very satisfied with the quality of service, excellence, and expertise of our doctors at IJN," he said.
Anwar added that while the government welcomes criticism, Malaysians should also recognise national achievements, especially in healthcare.
"So while we allow criticism, which is not a problem, we must also recognise the strengths we have, and there must be the drive to push ourselves to do better," he said.
The Sultan of Brunei was in Kuala Lumpur for the 46th Asean Summit with other regional leaders.
On May 27, he was reportedly feeling fatigued and was advised by health experts to rest at IJN.
Anwar also spoke about his conversation with President of Guinea-Bissau General Umaro Sissoco Embaló, during which he asked why Malaysia was chosen despite limited bilateral trade.
"His answer was that he follows developments here and sees Malaysia as a country on the rise, with significant potential. That's why he chose to come," he said.
Embaló arrived today for a three-day visit—his first since taking office as president in February 2020.
Malaysia and Guinea-Bissau established diplomatic relations in November 1974.
In 2024, Malaysia's total trade with Guinea-Bissau reached RM4.1 million, with Malaysian exports amounting to RM4.04 million and imports standing at RM0.06 million.