Anwar seeks closer Malaysia-Keralam ties in key sectors including digital economy, healthcare

KERALAM, September 15 — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has advocated for enhanced collaboration between Malaysia and Keralam in crucial sectors like the digital economy, healthcare, tourism and education. He emphasized that their existing relationship, which includes trade, education and cultural exchanges, lays a solid foundation for further cooperation.

During a meeting with Keralam Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in Calicut, Anwar highlighted the potential for expanding tourism, business, and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations. He stated that Malaysia is open to deeper cooperation in high-value sectors that could generate new opportunities and deliver mutual benefits.

Accompanying Anwar on this working visit is Finance Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. Prior to the meeting, Arlekar gifted Anwar a biography of the renowned Indian playback singer Kishore Kumar, a nod to Anwar's recent viral performance of Kishore Kumar's song "Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat" at the BRICS gala dinner in New Delhi.

The video of Anwar's rendition garnered significant attention both in India and internationally, with many praising it as a "mic drop" moment and a highlight of the summit. During his visit to Keralam, Anwar, who is in India from September 11 to 14 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is also expected to engage with other key stakeholders and industry representatives.