JEDDAH: Malaysian prime ministers have generally captured the imagination of the Muslim world with their vision and commitment to creating a prosperous, just and equitable society. Whether it was the late Tun Abdul Razak, Mahathir Mohamad or Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, they were all admired inside as well as outside Malaysia. Their common aim was to build their country from the bottom up into the modern state it is today. Mohammed Najib Tun Abdul Razak, the current prime minister, is no different.
Ever since he took office as the sixth prime minister in April 2009, the affable, wise, popular and politically astute 63-year-old leader has set in motion a series of measures that has seen his country fight off recession and successfully overcome the slowdown in the global economy. Today, under his leadership, Malaysian state-run companies are operating international airports, including the one in Istanbul, Turkey. They are also among the three top bidders for Jeddah’s airport project.
More than his business acumen and vision, Najib Razak’s decision to become part of the Saudi-led 34-nation military alliance and his unflinching stand against foreign (read Iranian) interference in the domestic affairs of other countries are seen as his distinguishing characteristics. Those traits differentiate him from ordinary leaders and turn him into an extraordinary statesman. Son of the late Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak, he was educated at St. John’s Institution in Kuala Lumpur and Malvern Boy’s College in Worcestershire, England, before earning a degree in industrial economics from Nottingham University.
The father of five children, Najib Razak has been in politics since the age of 23. During his current visit to Saudi Arabia, he spoke exclusively to Arab News on Tuesday evening in his suite at the Qasr Al-Sharq luxury hotel overlooking the Jeddah Corniche. He fielded questions on a range of issues, including the importance of Saudi Arabia in the Muslim world, why Malaysia chose to join the 34-nation Islamic Military Alliance, why Malaysia is against Russian intervention in Syria and why his country unreservedly condemned Iran for the recent attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Tehran and Mashhad. Throughout the interview, he spoke in a measured tone and, as is evident from his answers, weighed his words carefully.
Following are excerpts from the interview:
Q: Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, for granting us this interview. What is on your agenda on this current visit?
A: The main purpose is to reaffirm the excellent state of bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. And, in particular, to develop a warm and close working relationship with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and also with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. As part of the visit, I will be speaking at the Jeddah Economic Forum (which he did on Tuesday night) and I will also visit our soldiers and the soldiers of 20 other countries who are taking part in the North Thunder military exercise at King Khaled Military City in Hafr Al-Batin.
Q: Let me first ask you about trade ties. What is their status?
A: The level of bilateral trade between our two countries was $2.8 billion in 2015. This is a decrease from 2014 when it was $4 billion. This 16.4 percent decrease is due to economic headwinds and also because of the drop in oil prices. We want to take this relationship to a much, much higher level. A great deal depends on the price of oil because a huge chunk of our imports is crude petroleum and petroleum products.
Q: Before plunging into politics, you started your career with the Malaysian oil giant, Petronas. How do you see the volatility in the oil market?
A: It is good to have stability in the oil market. If the price is too high or too low, it is not good for the industry. You need to hold the price at a certain level so that it will allow investment in technological improvements and innovation. At the same time, it should not be too high because then it will lead to development of alternative sources. For example, shale oil came into play and...
Q: Changed the whole dynamics?
A: Absolutely. Yes.
Q: So what, according to you, is an ideal price for a barrel of oil?
A: I don’t know. I am not the expert. We would think that anything in the region of $40, plus or minus, is desirable.
Q: As defense minister, you changed the Malaysian military inside out. You turned it into a leaner and more robust military force. Now you are part of the Saudi-led 34-nation Islamic Military Alliance. Can you give us an idea about the abilities of your military?
A: Before I took over, our military was seen purely as a counterinsurgency force. We have done very well in eliminating the threat of communism. The Communists laid down their arms, and that is how we won the fight against Communist terrorists in our country. When I took over as defense minister, I developed a new defense policy.
Q: This was in the 1990s, right?
A: Yes, I am talking about 1990. That is when my first term as defense minister began.
Q: So you developed a new defense policy?
A: I developed a modern force, in the sense that it became a much more conventional military force with certain capabilities. I also stressed the need to have a combined fighting force. In other words, it must be seen as a force where all the three services are involved. I basically integrated the three services — land, air and navy.
Q: As we mentioned earlier, you are part of the Islamic Military Alliance created by Saudi Arabia with the participation of 34 countries. What is the message that you are sending by being part of this alliance?
A: Well, we are taking part in the military exercise, called North Thunder, so that we will have the capability to operate as part of a coalition. We are not involved in any actual military action in the region. With our participation in North Thunder, we want to send a strong signal that the security of Saudi Arabia is very important to us. We have a token force at the North Thunder, but we feel it is a very auspicious beginning. We have started small, and perhaps later on we will increase our level of participation (in the alliance).
Q: Do you think this alliance has come at the right time? Or it should have taken place much earlier?
A: It has come at the right time because the unity of the Muslim nation cannot be mere rhetoric. It has to be expressed by action. Saudi Arabia is under threat. Therefore, countries that are supportive of the Kingdom must be ready to stand by Saudi Arabia. Our actions must indicate our solidarity with Saudi Arabia. Being members of the Islamic Military Alliance sends a very strong signal that Saudi Arabia is not alone in facing the threat that may endanger it.
Q: Where do you place Saudi Arabia in the Muslim world?
A: Saudi Arabia is a key country in the Muslim world. It is the land of the Two Holy Mosques. It is important for us to ensure stability and peace in the Kingdom so that Saudi Arabia can provide the leadership to ensure that the two most revered places of worship continue to remain open to Muslims. I have developed a very close rapport with King Salman. I had a close and warm relationship with the previous king as well. I am looking forward to meeting King Salman. (He met King Salman in Riyadh on Wednesday). I am also looking forward to meeting the crown prince and the deputy crown prince.
Q: How do you see the regional conflicts and what is Malaysia’s stand on them?
A: It is important that we should not allow foreign interference in domestic affairs. That exacerbates the situation. There should be no foreign interference — direct or indirect, covert or overt. Interference fuels conflict and tension in the region. We must always strive for political and diplomatic solutions because military solutions cannot secure long-term peace.
Q: Talking about interference, Saudi diplomatic missions were recently attacked and torched in Iran. Malaysia was among the first to condemn the attacks, wasn’t it?
A: Yes, we condemned it unreservedly, because we believe any embassy is sacrosanct and its security must be safeguarded at all times.
Q: What is Malaysia’s position on Syria? Is it aligned with the Saudi position?
A: More or less. Our position is that there has to be a political and diplomatic solution. We would not like direct foreign intervention in Syria because that has not helped. If the conflict goes on, it will be fertile ground for extremist groups, such as Daesh, to gain greater influence and even territory. This will create a threat to many countries.
Q: You mentioned the threat of Daesh. Let me ask you this: The mainstream view is that Daesh is a direct reaction to the terrible atrocities committed by Iranian militias and Iranian-backed terrorist organizations, such as Hezbollah, in Iraq and Syria?
A: There are many theories behind the rise of Daesh. The jury is still out. Whatever the genesis of Daesh, its actions are very brutal and do not reflect the true face of Islam. Malaysia is very much with Saudi Arabia and other like-minded countries in dealing with the threat with all necessary strength.
Q: What is Malaysia’s stand on Bashar Assad?
A: We favor the general principle of a diplomatic solution. What started as a domestic problem should have been solved domestically, but instead it has opened the door to foreign countries and the entry of foreign powers. This has complicated matters.
Q: Mr. Prime Minister, when you talk about the general principle of no foreign interference in Syria, do you also mean the Russian intervention?
A: Yes. We don’t support Russian intervention in Syria.
Q: How are Malaysia’s relations with Iran?
A: We have a good working relationship with Iran but when sanctions were applied against Iran by the United Nations, we also applied them. In other words, we imposed the same sanctions that were imposed by the United Nations. We are against Iran having a nuclear capability, but Iran can develop nuclear power for peaceful purposes.
Q: Malaysia has been a very vocal and integral member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Ordinary Muslims feel that the OIC has not lived up to expectations. What are your thoughts?
A: We would like to see a more resurgent OIC. There is going to be a summit in Istanbul in April, which I will attend. We hope that something positive will come out of the meeting.
Q: Despite being a predominantly Muslim country, Malaysia is known for its multicultural ethos. We don’t see the kind of extremism and upheaval in your country that we see in other Muslim countries. What lesson can other Muslim countries learn from your example?
A: The solution to all our troubles can be found in Islam because Islam is a religion that preaches moderation. I have started an initiative called the Global Movement of Moderates which is based on the concept of “Wasatiyyah,” meaning the middle path or moderation. This is an Islamic concept. The concept promotes mutual respect. Even during the days of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, Islam coexisted with other religions. This can be used as a basis to promote common core values among people of different faiths. Malaysia has always believed in multiculturalism and a multireligious society. We have been able to ensure social harmony and peace. Of course, there have been challenges. What is important for us is to work for common values and ensure that those who abuse or exploit sensitive issues that affect or hurt the feelings of any community are dealt with in accordance with the rule of law.
Q: Your Excellency, you have just come back from performing Umrah. What was uppermost in your prayers when you were circumambulating the Holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque in Makkah?
A: There is so much violence in the Muslim world. We see that on a daily basis. As a Muslim leader, it is very sad to see that more Muslims are dying at the hands of Muslims than by non-Muslims. We still have major unresolved problems. The Palestinian issue, for example, is still unresolved. Some Muslim countries have been rendered ungovernable. Libya, for example. And the rise of extremism in many parts of the Muslim world. The unfortunate part is that the actions of some groups have led to very negative reactions in the West toward Islam. The rise of Islamophobia is a great concern.
Q: Malaysia has played the role of a facilitator between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine government. There has been a severe setback to the peace process. Can you share something on that with our readers, many of whom are Bangsamoros and Filipinos?
A: I just had a meeting with Haji Murad Ebrahim, chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and I urged him and convinced him to continue the path toward peace, toward the final resolution of the Bangsamoro Basic Law which is yet to be passed by the Philippine Congress. Unfortunately, the term of the present Congress will expire soon. Or, in fact, has already expired. The law will not be passed by the current Congress. It will have to wait until a new Congress and a new president takes office. We hope that whoever comes after Benigno Aquino III will be as committed as he was because it is of no interest to anybody, for us or to anybody, including the Philippine government, to see a new cycle of violence in the southern Philippines (Mindanao).
Q: Is there anything you would want to add?
A: I would like to look into the ways and means of deepening Malaysia’s relationship with Saudi Arabia. For example, Malaysia has been awarded the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Makkah Metro Southern Line project. In some of the key infrastructure projects in the Kingdom, Malaysian companies could be given a chance to compete. They can be considered for those projects. A Malaysian state-run company, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), is bidding to manage King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah. We are among the three bidders for the project. We have extensive experience in managing international airports, including the one in Istanbul. We won the Istanbul airport project through competitive bidding. So, we would like to increase the footprint of our companies here in Saudi Arabia.
Q: Thank you very much, Mr. Prime Minister.
A: Thank you.
Saudi Arabia’s security is very important to us: Najib Razak
Saudi Arabia’s security is very important to us: Najib Razak
Saudi official elected vice chair of organization that sets standards for global food trade
- Saudi Food and Drug Authority says selection of Khalid Al-Zahrani by Codex Alimentarius Commission is a ‘milestone’ and ‘testament to our commitment to global food safety
- Al-Zahrani has represented the Kingdom on several international committees, including at the World Trade Organization
RIYADH: Saudi official Khalid Al-Zahrani was chosen on Wednesday to be vice chair of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, which sets the standards for the international food trade that are designed to ensure products are safe and protect consumer health.
Representatives of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority who were present for the vote at the commission’s 47th annual session in Geneva, Switzerland, congratulated Al-Zahrani on his election.
“This is a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia and a testament to our commitment to global food safety and standards,” said Hisham Aljadhey, the authority’s CEO.
“By assuming the role of vice chair of Codex, (Saudi Arabia) aims to further strengthen international collaboration, promote sustainable food practices and ensure the well-being of consumers worldwide.”
Al-Zahrani has served as the Codex chairperson for the Near East region since 2020 and was reelected to the position in 2023.
He also represented Saudi Arabia on several international committees, including the World Trade Organization’s Technical Barriers to Trade, the Gulf Cooperation Council Standardization Organization, and the International Organization for Standardization’s Food Products Committee.
He works closely with the Kingdom’s Food and Drug Authority, which aims to prioritize sustainability and enhance efficiency, inclusiveness and transparency within food systems. The authority was recognized in January by the World Health Organization as one of the first five countries in the world to eliminate the use of industrially produced trans fats in food, alongside Denmark, Lithuania, Poland and Thailand.
“Al-Zahrani’s election highlights the exceptional quality of Saudi staff at the SFDA and the authority's efforts in food-safety legislation and oversight,” the authority said.
The Codex Alimentarius (Latin for “Food Code”) is a collection of internationally recognized standards, codes of practice, guidelines and other recommendations related to food production, labeling and safety, published by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization and the WHO.
Saudi development fund chief meets Congo’s finance minister
CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development Sultan Al-Marshad met Congo’s Minister of Finance Doudou Fumba Likunde, the Saudi Fund said on X on Wednesday.
During the meeting, they reviewed development cooperation between the two sides that began 40 years ago, as well as discussing ways to enhance economic cooperation to develop vital sectors in Congo.
Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Congo Abdulaziz Al-Badi was present during the meeting.
Saudi Arabia halves desalination costs, boosts efficiency by 80%, official says
- Technological advancements have played a critical role in the Kingdom’s water conservation efforts
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has improved its desalination efficiency by 80 percent and halved costs by 50 percent in recent years, a top official from the Kingdom has said.
“Our achievements in desalinated water production in the last eight years are equivalent to what was achieved in the previous four decades,” Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mushaiti said.
He outlined the accomplishments at the 2025 Budget Forum hosted by the Ministry of Finance in Riyadh, calling the progress a “historic milestone” for the Kingdom, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Daily desalinated water production has surged to 6 million cubic meters, contributing to a total capacity of 11.3 million cubic meters daily, he added.
The improvement is testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to water security, environmental sustainability and Vision 2030, the deputy minister said.
He highlighted the monumental scale of the Kingdom’s water infrastructure, noting that water production facilities are primarily located along the coasts, requiring water to be transported across thousands of kilometers.
“The water transmission network we have built spans more than 14,000 km — double the length of the Nile River,” he said. “It crosses mountain peaks, valleys and deserts to deliver water to communities across the Kingdom.”
Strategic water storage capacity has also seen a significant boost, rising from 13 million cubic meters in 2016 to more than 25 million cubic meters today.
“This expansion ensures the Kingdom’s resilience in times of crisis, guaranteeing reliable access to water for all regions,” said Al-Mushaiti.
He attributed the achievements to strong government support and private-sector collaboration.
“We have implemented 29 water projects worth SR28 billion ($7.46 billion), of which 30 percent — SR8 billion — is foreign investment,” he said.
Looking forward, Al-Mushaiti announced plans for private sector projects worth SR58 billion.
“We are building a system where public and private sectors work hand-in-hand to achieve national goals,” he said.
Technological advancements have played a critical role in the Kingdom’s water conservation efforts.
Al-Mushaiti said that by using innovation and sustainable practices, the Kingdom is saving more than 9 billion cubic meters of groundwater annually.
“That’s equivalent to the water consumption of the entire Kingdom’s population for three years,” he added.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the water sector installed 2 million electronic meters, enabling more efficient billing and consumption monitoring.
“These meters send notifications to users when their consumption exceeds normal levels, promoting the principle of ‘responsible consumption’,” Al-Mushaiti said.
Furthermore, water rationalization initiatives in government agencies saved more than 31 million cubic meters of water in 2023 alone.
The ministry’s efforts have also spurred growth in the agricultural sector, which has seen its contribution to gross domestic product rise from SR64 billion in 2016 to SR109 billion in 2023.
“We achieved self-sufficiency rates for many crops that now exceed 100 percent,” Al-Mushaiti said, adding that these gains reflect the success of policies aimed at conserving water resources while boosting productivity.
On the environmental front, Saudi Arabia is making strides with its Saudi Green Initiative.
Al-Mushaiti said that in just three years, the country has planted more than 95 million trees using renewable water and supplementary irrigation.
“This number will surpass 100 million by the end of the year, marking the start of a green era for the Kingdom,” he said.
The deputy minister also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s leadership in addressing global water challenges.
“Water is the backbone of life and development, and achieving sustainability is one of the greatest global challenges,” he said.
In this regard, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2023 announced the establishment of the Global Water Organization, headquartered in Riyadh.
The decision underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing water sustainability worldwide, Al-Mushaiti said.
He added that the World Bank has recognized Saudi Arabia’s water system as unique and a model that others should study.
As Saudi Arabia pushes forward with its ambitious plans for water security, agriculture and environmental sustainability, Al-Mushaiti concluded with optimism: “The journey so far has been remarkable, but the best is yet to come.”
Saudi Geological Survey celebrates excellence in research, innovation
- Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef attended the event
- CEO Abdullah Al-Shamrani reviewed 25 years of accomplishments, emphasizing the survey’s role in advancing geological sciences
JEDDAH: The Saudi Geological Survey recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special event in Jeddah, marking a quarter-century of excellence in geological research and exploration.
Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef attended the event.
The event highlighted the survey’s achievements, future initiatives, and contributions to geological research and innovation. Guests shared insights from their experiences with the organization.
CEO Abdullah Al-Shamrani reviewed 25 years of accomplishments, emphasizing the survey’s role in advancing geological sciences, supporting national development, and managing resources sustainably.
He also outlined plans to raise awareness of geological risks via the “Rawasi” platform, preserve Zamzam water sustainability, and complete digital transformation of technical services.
Al-Shamrani affirmed a commitment to advancing technical achievements, implementing projects, and supporting development for a promising future through skilled Saudi cadres.
Al-Khorayef said that since the start of the millennium, the Kingdom had made intensive efforts in mineral resource research and exploration. Led by SGS employees, this had yielded significant discoveries over the past 25 years, impacting the mining sector by boosting investment and developing mineral wealth.
He added that the aim was to position the Kingdom as a global leader in earth sciences and geology through ambitious plans, aligning with its international standing.
These efforts included fully uncovering its mineral wealth, meeting geological needs, building a global earth sciences database, and creating a platform for stakeholders worldwide, the minister said.
Saudi Ministry of Culture to cooperate with King Charles’ school on craft training
- Kingdom’s initiative will help Saudi artisans to develop skills in design, craftmanship and traditional arts
- Ministry of Culture’s goal is to ‘regenerate and renew Saudi craft traditions across different regions of the Kingdom’
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture has signed an agreement with King Charles’ School of Traditional Arts to cooperate in the programs of the Year of Handicrafts 2025 initiative.
The signing ceremony on Wednesday was attended by Prince Bader bin Farhan, minister of culture, at the Saudi International Handicrafts Week Exhibition (Benan), currently held at the Roshn Front in Riyadh.
Khaled Omar Azzam, director of the traditional arts school at The King’s Foundation, and Hamed Fayez, deputy minister of culture, also attended the signing of the agreement, which aims to revive and promote handicrafts in Saudi Arabia throughout 2025.
A series of sessions and trainings will be launched to revive craft production in several Saudi regions through the “Regeneration of the Crafts of Saudi Arabia” comprehensive program, which will start in January 2025.
The King's Foundation School of Traditional Arts will curate programs, training and initiatives that focus on design and crafts, the Saudi News Agency reported.
“The primary goal is to regenerate and renew Saudi craft traditions across different regions of the Kingdom,” a Ministry of Culture statement said.
The King’s Foundation, a British charity established in 1986 by King Charles III when he was Prince of Wales, has been at the forefront of educating traditional arts alongside urban design and traditional architecture.
The agreement between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and The King’s Foundation school is part of the national culture strategy under the umbrella of Saudi Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia aim to help Saudi artisans, through training, to develop their skills in design, craftmanship and traditional arts.
