KUALA LUMPUR – There was no time wasted on frivolous activities or “golf trips” during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent trips overseas, which were aimed at bettering the country’s standing in the eyes of the world.
Anwar said if he happened to have time after carrying out his meetings, he would rather take a brisk walk than indulge in the “old tradition” of playing golf with foreign figures.
“Believe me, (during my recent trip to) Germany for five days, I didn’t even go to any shops (and) just went to my hotel (to rest and prepare myself) as well as meetings. When I had the chance to, I called European academicians and religious scholars to discuss Islamophobia.
“Am I not allowed to go overseas just because I’m a prime minister? It’s not like I went for a meeting one day and played golf the next. That’s an old tradition (that is) no more now.
“If it’s considered wrong for me to take a brisk walk once my programmes are done, then I’m sorry.”
The prime minister said this during his monthly assembly with civil servants from the Prime Minister’s Department in Putrajaya today.
While in Berlin, Anwar had a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, who is also economy and climate action minister. He also paid a courtesy call on German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Anwar said foreign nations currently had a positive view of Malaysia, especially the country’s good governance in combating corruption while implementing initiatives aimed at helping the people.
“We won’t be regarded this way if we don’t go out for official visits. Do I like going overseas? I don’t feel up to it already, I’m not young anymore.
“But, I’m doing this because I have to for the sake of the nation.” – March 18, 2024