Malaysia, Indonesia to hold talks in Penang

Malaysia and Indonesia are set to hold bilateral talks in Penang over the next two months, focusing on issues such as transboundary haze and economic cooperation, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The talks were confirmed when Anwar met Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Prime Minister Anwar stated that the discussions would also encompass expanding trade, strengthening bilateral relations, and collaborating on the haze issue.

It remains unclear whether the proposed meeting in Penang will be the 14th annual Malaysia-Indonesia consultation, which Malaysia is scheduled to host this year. The annual consultation serves as the highest-level bilateral forum between the two nations and was last held in Jakarta in July 2023, marking the first such meeting since Prabowo became Indonesian president.

The previous encounter took place in Kuching, Sarawak, in November 2017 between then-Prime Minister Najib Razak and former Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Anwar has been actively promoting closer ties between Malaysia and Kerala, the southernmost Indian state. During a recent meeting with Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan, they discussed enhancing trade and investment between the two entities.

They also explored prospects in technology, healthcare, tourism, and education. Following the meeting with the Kerala chief minister, Anwar engaged with Kerala governors, who gifted him a book on renowned Indian singer Kishore Kumar, following his rendition of Kishore Kumar's song "Dost Dost Na Raha" at the BRICS Summit. Anwar encouraged Kerala businesses to explore investment opportunities in Malaysia and Malaysian firms to consider ventures in Kerala, highlighting sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence as potential areas of collaboration.