Frankly Speaking: How are Saudi-Malaysian bilateral relations faring?

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Updated 06 May 2024
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Frankly Speaking: How are Saudi-Malaysian bilateral relations faring?

  • Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlights close alignment between Malaysia’s Madani economic framework and Saudi Vision 2030, resulting in a “win-win” for both countries
  • Says ties have experienced “phenomenal advance” in terms of trade and investment, sheds light on his friendship with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

DUBAI: Saudi-Malaysia bilateral relations have experienced “phenomenal advance” over the past decade in terms of trade and investment, resulting in a “win-win” for both countries, Anwar Ibrahim, the prime minister of Malaysia, has said.

Speaking to Katie Jensen, host of the Arab News current affairs program “Frankly Speaking,” during a visit to Riyadh for a special meeting of the World Economic Forum last week, Anwar said he would like to see accelerated deepening of ties.

Even compared with six months ago, when he attended the Gulf Cooperation Council’s joint summit with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Riyadh in October, Anwar said the “two-way traffic” of investment had advanced.




Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he would like to see accelerated deepening of ties between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. (AN photo)

“It was a phenomenal advance and improvement in terms of trade, investments, not only in oil and gas by Aramco, but also by leading Saudi companies,” he said in a wide-ranging interview covering development, diplomacy and the fight against corruption.

“A lot of Malaysian companies, too, are involved here, of course, in a smaller scale, in many of NEOM’s and in some of the energy transition programs. And I’m pleased that this two-way traffic is advancing.

“In my discussions with the crown prince, I would like to urge that this be further accelerated because that would be a win-win for both countries.”

Anwar’s personal friendship with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman is part of the reason for this burgeoning bilateral relationship, which has in turn bolstered the GCC-ASEAN partnership.




Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Riyadh on October 22, 2023. (SPA/File)

“I must say that I’m fortunate because Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman considered me as a friend,” said Anwar, who met the crown prince during his visit for the World Economic Forum.

“We do exchange notes from time to time and he personally requested me to be present, and gives me a good opportunity to express some of the concerns and more so to be focused on economic development, on the relationships that it covers, particularly in terms of trade and investments.

“And I think he’s very forthcoming, he’s serious, he’s very determined and he’s tough. And that is to me a credit, particularly when it comes to bilateral relations. Enough rhetoric, enough pious platitudes. We want action and effective economic programs among our countries and the region, which include, therefore, ASEAN and the GCC.”


ALSO READ: Malaysian PM condemns West’s ‘sheer hypocrisy’ over Gaza war


Saudi Arabia and Malaysia also share much in common in terms of their respective economic development programs, which Anwar says are closely aligned.

While the Kingdom recently celebrated the eighth anniversary of its social reform and economic diversification agenda — Vision 2030 — Malaysia is likewise making strides with its own development plan — the Madani economic framework.

Launched in July 2023, less than a year after Anwar became prime minister, the framework aims to position Malaysia among the world’s 30 largest economies, its top 25 least corrupt countries according to the Corruptions Perceptions Index, top 12 in the Global Competitiveness Index and top 25 in the Human Development Index.




Speaking to Katie Jensen, host of the Arab News current affairs program “Frankly Speaking,” Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he would like the deepening of Saudi-Malaysian ties accelerated "because that would be a win-win for both countries.” (AN photo)

Malaysia also aims to raise its female labor force participation rate to 60 percent and lower its fiscal deficit to 3 percent and lower. To succeed in this reform agenda, Anwar intends to weed out corruption, implement good governance, boost foreign and domestic direct investment, and raise wages.

“I studied Vision 2030 extensively,” said Anwar. “And during the session we had during the World Economic Forum, we had an opportunity to engage with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for an hour asking questions on how he then sees this vision coming.”

He added: “We are now moving ahead to deal with issues that would affect the future of the world, particularly the emerging economies … dealing with energy, with digital, with technology, with quality education, with good public health service, with AI.




Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks during panel discussion of the World Economic Forum meeting in Riyadh last week. (X: @WEF)

“And I think this is the direction which is consistent with the Madani, because we also talk about civilization and values and integrity and, more importantly, the issue of good governance.”

A shared economic trajectory is not the only thing Saudi Arabia and Malaysia have in common. Both nations have also pursued their own independent foreign policy, without submitting to the demands of powerful allies or choosing sides in superpower rivalries.

“Firstly, we are not tied to this xenophobic view of viewing China in a negative sense,” said Anwar. “As a neighbor, we have not encountered problems with them.

“Of course, there are teething issues which we do encounter with all our neighbors and countries, but we maintain excellent relations, which would enormously benefit Malaysia as an emerging economy: Investments, trade and even cultural exchanges.




Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (left) meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on March 31, 2023. (PMO photo)

“And we also have a very strong presence of the ethnic Chinese in Malaysia. And I think to deny them a right of engaging would be futile.

“At the same time, as I have said earlier, cumulatively, the US remains the most important trading partner. And we are comfortable with it. We have benefited from its training, the technology transfer and also the workforce.

“Now there’s a continued presence of European countries, including Germany. And I think, why can’t we be just friends and engage with everybody? And those who are having problems should not impose and dictate their policies to the smaller economies, because we cannot afford to have that.

“There’s no reason whatsoever for us to be involved in that sort of a trade war, or bifurcation or tense relations between these countries.”

On the domestic front, Anwar has been true to his word on combating corruption. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has confirmed it is investigating former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in connection with a case involving his sons, Mirzan Mahathir and Mokhzani Mahathir, who have been ordered to declare their assets.

Mahathir is a vocal critic of Anwar, who served as his deputy during the 1990s before being jailed. Anwar has denied accusations of using his anti-corruption drive to settle an old political score.

“We cannot deny the fact that any effective measure to combat corruption would invite some negative political remarks,” said Anwar.

“So, are we suggesting that effective anti-corruption moves should avoid dealing with past corrupt leaders? Of course, the answer is no, because then the public would think that if you belong in a certain level, then you should be safe, excluded from these operations.




Saudi Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission signed an agreement on combating cross-border corruption. (SPA)

“So, I leave it entirely to the Anti-Corruption Commission. They do not consult me. My instructions are clear: We must stop the rot. It does not matter what the position, present or past. If you find basic reasons to suggest that investigations must be conducted fairly and professionally, please do so, because you cannot be selective, whether they are in the government or opposition, whether present leaders or past leaders.

“Otherwise, leaders like me will take the opportunity. You amass wealth as much as possible, quietly, and then later I’ll be safe because past leaders should not be touched. I think this is not the position that we take.

“I started this administration with clear calls. Good governance to rid the country of the scourge of corruption, which has led to so much waste. The endemic corruption is a scourge because it has condemned the society and the poor have suffered due to this. And many of our programs have been somewhat scuttled.

“So, we will proceed regardless. And it does not bother me in terms of the political reaction, because the Anti-Corruption Commission must remain independent and professional.”
 

 


Winter treasures: Truffle hunting in Northern Borders desert

Updated 26 January 2025
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Winter treasures: Truffle hunting in Northern Borders desert

  • The truffle season coincides with the rainy period from late winter to early spring
  • Truffles are celebrated for their unique flavor enhancing the taste of dishes

RAFHA: Truffle hunting in the Northern Borders region is a vibrant annual activity that combines the thrill of discovery with the beauty of heritage, drawing nature and heritage enthusiasts who embark on exciting sunrise journeys in search of these prized delicacies. 
The Saudi Press Agency accompanied a diverse group of enthusiasts on a truffle hunting expedition in Al-Sahin area, where they gathered in a tranquil desert setting, enjoying the scent of rain mingling with the earth and flora. This experience highlights the deep connection between natural heritage and local culture. 

The truffle hunting season is not just a quest for food; it is a celebration of nature and heritage. (SPA)

Enthusiasts draw upon traditional knowledge to interpret soil and plant indicators, identifying potential truffle sites. Using simple tools that reflect humanity's connection to the environment, they employ long sticks to shift the soil and uncover hidden treasures. 
Others use their hands to gently remove the surface layer without damaging the truffles, while bags and baskets are prepared for collection. 

Types of Truffles in KSA

• Zubaidi stands out for its round shape

• Khalasi is the smallest with an irregular shape

• Jabbi is small and round

• Hooper is the tiniest and most irregular in shape. 

The truffle season coincides with the rainy period from late winter to early spring, usually beginning in January and lasting until the end of March. During the Wasm rainy season in Saudi Arabia, the rainfall enriches the soil and activates truffle seeds, with growth rates varying. Some truffles require 50 to 70 days of rain, while others take less time. 
Truffles are wild fungi that grow beneath the surface at different depths, depending on the complex interaction of soil, moisture, and surrounding plants. They thrive in well-ventilated sandy or clay soil, exhibiting signs such as slight cracks or small lumps when ripe. 
Among the various types, the Zubaidi stands out for its round shape, while the Khalasi is the smallest with an irregular shape. The Jabbi is small and round, and the Hooper is the tiniest and most irregular in shape. 

he truffle hunting season is not just a quest for food; it is a celebration of nature and heritage. (SPA)

Truffles are celebrated for their unique flavor enhancing the taste of dishes. The truffle hunting season is not just a quest for food; It is a celebration of nature and heritage, fostering social bonds and revitalizing an age-old tradition passed down through generations. 
As interest in this heritage activity grows, there is an increasing recognition of the need to educate future generations on preserving the environment and the desert landscapes, which are integral to this land’s cultural heritage. The truffle season stands as a testament to the splendor of nature and the importance of heritage. 

 


Rare Vatican artifacts on show at Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah

Updated 25 January 2025
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Rare Vatican artifacts on show at Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah

  • More than 500 historic items, contemporary artworks on display
  • 1685 Nile map’s journey to Jeddah a ‘cultural milestone’

JEDDAH: A six-meter map of the Nile believed to be more than 300 years old has left its home in the Vatican archives for the first time to become the centerpiece of the second Islamic Arts Biennale launched in Jeddah on Saturday.

Visitors to Jeddah’s Western Hajj Terminal, the biennale venue, can see the map along with 10 other artifacts from the Vatican Library.

The historic chart, drawn with watercolor ink on Venetian paper and depicting historic sites along the Nile, has been dated to around 1685.

Display space is divided into several sections, each blending Islamic cultural heritage with contemporary interpretations. (Supplied)

Its inclusion in the biennale marks a cultural milestone, showcasing the Vatican’s commitment to interreligious and intercultural dialogue, according to Vatican archivist and librarian Angelo Vincenzo Zani.

The map underwent restoration by the Vatican before making the journey to Jeddah. It is displayed alongside a sister map of the Arabian Gulf from the National Library of Qatar.

Both maps are believed to have been acquired in the 1700s in Constantinople by Giuseppe Alemanni, a Lebanese librarian who later became the Vatican Library’s prefect.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, the exhibition in Jeddah explores faith by juxtaposing contemporary and newly commissioned artworks with historical objects from Islamic cultures.

• More than 30 cultural institutions have provided objects from their collections, as well as 29 newly commissioned works of art.

Zani attended the biennale’s opening ceremony and later told Arab News that the artifacts highlight a rich history of cultural exchange and shared knowledge.

The Islamic Arts Biennale features more than 500 historical artifacts and contemporary artworks, including treasures from Makkah, Madinah, and around the world. (Supplied)

“I think this Islamic Arts Biennale is very important. The concept of art is very important — to expand knowledge and creativity. Art is an emotion that we can all understand. It can cross over in a dialogue that is ‘in between’.”

The 2025 biennale’s theme, “And all that is in between,” draws from the Qur’anic verse “And God created the Heavens and the Earth and all that is in between.”

The Vatican Library is also showcasing several works from its collections in “The Art of Numbers” display at Al-Madar section of the biennale.

Display space is divided into several sections, each blending Islamic cultural heritage with contemporary interpretations. (Supplied)

Al-Madar, or “The Orbit” section, features items from 20 institutions with significant Islamic art collections worldwide.

The section examines the role of numbers in collective history, exploring their origins in natural calculations and applications across Islamic culture, mathematics, architecture, music, design, celestial and terrestrial mapping, ocean navigation, trade and geometric patterns in Qur’anic decoration.

Heather Ecker, Al-Madar’s curator, said the Vatican Library, which was established in the Middle Ages, is the oldest taking part in Al-Madar.

The Islamic Arts Biennale will run in Jeddah until may 25. (Supplied)

“The Vatican has Arabic manuscripts on virtually any subject, and has a large collection of early Qur’ans. It has early translations of the Qur’an, of which we are exhibiting several,” she said.

Ecker said the Nile map appears to have been linked to a travel log and is a visual record of a journey.

“The maps were created from the written text and from memory, apparently,” she said.

The Islamic Arts Biennale features more than 500 historical artifacts and contemporary artworks, including treasures from Makkah, Madinah, and around the world. (Supplied)

“It’s not a map as we conceive it, because it is image with text, with annotations that correspond to observations made during the voyage and notes taken. It collapses geography in a certain way, so it scrunches up the land between the Nile and the Red Sea, for example, in order to include more sites such as Jeddah.”

The map has been in the Vatican since the late 18th century, but had never been restored and was first shown in 2021, Ecker said. The Diriyah Biennale Foundation helped fund its restoration and conservation.

“It’s much brighter now,” Ecker said. “The paper is much more supple now, so it’s really vastly improved, and it’s much easier to exhibit and for people to appreciate. That was a big undertaking, and important in the field of conservation preservation.”

Organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, the Jeddah exhibition explores faith by juxtaposing contemporary and newly commissioned artworks with historical objects from Islamic cultures.

The event has built on the success of the first biennale, and is bigger in scale and ambition, Aya Al-Bakree, CEO of the foundation, told Arab News.

This year, more than 30 cultural institutions have provided objects from their collections, as well as 29 newly commissioned works of art.

“The biennale is rooted in Saudi Arabia and has become a clear landmark on the international stage as well. We are excited to share this exhibition with audiences from near and far,” Al-Bakree added.

Display space is divided into several sections, each blending Islamic cultural heritage with contemporary interpretations.

The inaugural Islamic Arts Biennale in 2023 attracted more than 600,000 visitors. The 2025 edition will feature more than 500 historical artifacts and contemporary artworks, including treasures from Makkah, Madinah, and around the world.

The 2025 curatorial team is led by Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam, with Saudi artist Muhannad Shono as curator of contemporary art.

The Islamic Arts Biennale will run until May 25.

 


Saudi minister emphasizes Islamic unity at Khair Ummah conference in Bangkok

Updated 25 January 2025
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Saudi minister emphasizes Islamic unity at Khair Ummah conference in Bangkok

  • Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh calls on scholars, preachers to ‘reinforce core principles of Islamic faith’
  • Kingdom committed to fostering a culture of coexistence, cooperation among Muslims, forum told

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Minister Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh inaugurated the third Khair Ummah conference of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Bangkok on Saturday.

The event was attended by Thai National Assembly President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, along with several ministers, muftis, and leaders of Islamic universities, centers, and associations.

Al-Asheikh emphasized that the conference aimed to strengthen Islamic unity and adherence to the truth, promoting solidarity that upholds Islamic identity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Central Islamic Council of Thailand awarded Al-Asheikh with the First-Class Medal for Influential Global Islamic Personalities in 2024. (SPA)

He said that scholars bear a significant responsibility in light of global challenges and the intellectual, political, social, and security changes facing the world.

“This situation calls for a real response from scholars and researchers to clarify the right religious stance against sedition and to reinforce the core principles of the Islamic faith,” Al-Asheikh said.

He added that the responsibility of scholars and preachers is growing due to global calls for intellectual and ideological deviation, requiring careful reflection to realign efforts, uphold Shariah, safeguard the Prophet’s Sunnah, promote Islamic values, and combat extremism.

Al-Asheikh reaffirmed that under its leadership, the Kingdom has diligently fulfilled its responsibility toward the Two Holy Mosques and the holy sites.

“Saudi Arabia is committed to serving pilgrims, visitors, and Umrah performers by implementing substantial projects that enhance their experience and facilitate their rituals. The Kingdom is also dedicated to printing and distributing the Holy Qur’an in multiple languages worldwide,” he said.

Several participants delivered speeches thanking Saudi Arabia for its service to Islam and Muslims, emphasizing the importance of promoting tolerance, combating violence and extremism, and fostering cooperation among Muslims.

Meanwhile, the Central Islamic Council of Thailand awarded Al-Asheikh the First-Class Medal for Influential Global Islamic Personality of 2024. The medal was presented by Bangkok Islamic Affairs Committee President Arun Boonchom.

The award recognized Al-Asheikh’s distinguished contributions to serving Islam, promoting moderation and tolerance, and combating hate speech and extremism, SPA reported.

Al-Asheikh expressed his gratitude to the Sheikhul Islam of Thailand for his efforts in spreading noble Islamic values and fostering a culture of coexistence.

 


Saudi ambassador meets Sweden’s International Development Cooperation Agency chairman

Updated 25 January 2025
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Saudi ambassador meets Sweden’s International Development Cooperation Agency chairman

  • “The two kingdoms, Saudi Arabia and Sweden, are major players on the humanitarian assistance field, with vast opportunities for shared experiences and best practices in the field

RIYADH: Saudi Ambassador to Sweden and Iceland Enass Al-Shahwan recently met chairman of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and former minister for international development cooperation, Gunilla Carlsson.

“The two kingdoms, Saudi Arabia and Sweden, are major players on the humanitarian assistance field, with vast opportunities for shared experiences and best practices in the field, the Saudi ambassador wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Alsheikh met Thailand’s National Assembly President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, in Bangkok on Friday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Matha expressed his appreciation for the Kingdom’s leading role in serving Islam and Muslims, and for its support of interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

 

 


Italian Prime Minister Meloni begins official visit to Saudi Arabia

Updated 25 January 2025
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Italian Prime Minister Meloni begins official visit to Saudi Arabia

JEDDAH: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni began an official visit to Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

Meloni arrived in Jeddah where she was met at the airport by the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz among other officials, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Her visit comes after Saudi Arabia and Italy signed an agreement earlier this month to boost energy cooperation.

The deal includes a possible supply to Europe of green hydrogen made in the Kingdom.

Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman met with Italy’s Minister of Energy and Environment Gilberto Pichetto Fratinon on Jan. 14 to sign the memorandum of understanding.