Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar vowed on Wednesday 01 March 2023, to "not only reaffirm but to enhance" ties with the Philippines during his tenured administration and that of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. According to Bernama, Anwar, who was in Manila for a two-day official visit, made the statement in joint press conference with Marcos after their bilateral meeting in Malacanang. The two leaders "reaffirmed our two countries desire to revitalize relations as we traverse past the pandemic then through the years towards a new normal, to enhance relations involving halal industry, agriculture and food security and the digital economy."
Anwar also committed to continue helping the peace process in Mindanao. Malaysia is one of the several countries that have, through the years, aided in the peace process in the Southern Philippines. Anwar praised Marcos for the "strides" he made in the Mindanao peace process under his presidency for continuity of the past achievements. "It has to succeed in the interest of the Philippines and Malaysia and the region and then utilize this enormous potential to the benefit of our people."
In conjunction with this visit, University of the Philippines conferred on Anwar an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. He has been cited for devoted study of the life, works and teaching of freedom fighter and Philippines national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal during the Spanish Empire and World War 1 who was imprisoned prior to his actual execution in 1896. The Rizal Shrine Museum displays memorabilia of the hero in their collection at the Intramuros of historical Fort Santiago, the walled city of Manila.
Fittingly, in his acceptance speech aptly entitled, "30 years of Asian Renaissance: Strategic Takeaways for ASEAN," Anwar extensively quoting Dr. Rizal, whom he had studied and lectured often about, argued with his audience to free themselves from the self-doubt engendered by being colonized, while at the same time remaining vigilant against subjugation by their "homegrown - masters". An unstinting commitment to the pursuit of justice and reality of his democratic ideals and inclusivity.
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