Jakarta - Malaysia wants to be a true partner working closely with Indonesia and believes the country of 230 million people has good potential for a bright future, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Monday.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the close cooperation between the two neighbouring countries should cover not only the traditional areas but also new strategic sectors like banking.
"In my meetings with Indonesia`s President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla, I have stressed on this," he said at a press conference after witnessing the signing of an agreement to merge Bank Niaga and Bank Lippo here.
"I have also stressed that the aim of the Malaysian government, through Khazanah Nasional, in taking part in Indonesia`s banking development is in line with the country`s policy," he said.
Najib said the merger of the two banks, whose shares are held by Khazanah Nasional and CIMB Group, enabled them to become the fifth biggest banking group in Indonesia.
He said by following all the local policies, Malaysia showed that it wanted to be a partner in the development and progress of Indonesia`s economic development.
"I also gave the example that the chief executive officer of the merged banking group will be chosen from among Indonesian citizens," Najib said, adding that Malaysia also wanted to attract active Indonesian investors.
Najib said he also exchanged views with the Indonesian leaders on the fuel subsidy as Indonesia had recently reduced its subsidy by 28.7 percent, followed by cash assistance for the poor.
"We can learn from the Indonesian experience in this matter," he said without giving details on how Malaysia planned to reduce its fuel subsidy.
Source: www.bernama.com - Mohd Nasir Yusof (3 Juni 2008)
