MALAYSIA, A FRIEND TO JAPAN IN GOOD AND BAD TIMES

From Mikhail Raj Abdullah

TOKYO, May 26 (Bernama) -- With Japan still reeling from the March 11 devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear fallout, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has told the people of Japan that Malaysia stands by their country as a friend in good times and even more so in bad times.

Emphasising on unity among nations in facing adversity, the prime minister reiterated Kuala Lumpur’s commitment to support his Japanese counterpart, Prime Minister Naoto Kan’s ongoing efforts to rebuild areas devastated by the disaster in north-eastern Japan on March 11.

In his keynote address at the 17th Nikkei International Conference here Thursday, Najib went beyond economics at the prestigious event to show Malaysia’s true sense of friendship and caring.

“I offer my words this morning as a tribute to all those who are no longer with us -- may their souls rest in peace,” he said in what was described by some participants as almost a moving eulogy on the more than 15,000 people killed during the disaster which has been the toughest and most difficult for Japan since World War Two.

The audience, very much appreciative of Najib’s gesture, responded by giving an extended ovation when he finished his speech and left the Fuji Room at Imperial Hotel where the event was held.

According to the organisers, donations and the registration fees collected from the event will be given to the victims of the disaster.

The dangers of an earthquake was very much still on everybody’s mind to the extent that the organisers announced prior to the speech that in the event of an earthquake with a magnitude of more than 5.0, instructions will be given to enable an orderly evacuation from the conference hall.

About 135,000 survivors are living in 2,500 shelters set up in schools and community centres as the Japanese people undertake rebuilding and reconstruction efforts in the affected areas.

Najib also honoured those “dedicated men and women who were working with such dignity and determination to fulfil their responsibilities and to do what is right for Japan.”

He further said that “Malaysia’s commitment to Japan in your hour of need is much more than just a dialogue between governments: it is an understanding between peoples.”

Najib described how the plight of the victims of the earthquake and tsunami that tore across Japan and the loss of so many innocent lives seen live through television globally had touched the hearts of all Malaysians.

The prime minister also paid tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Japanese people, for having met the crisis with honour, discipline and fortitude, saying it would have been all too easy to fall apart by the magnitude of the crisis.

“So, in this, Malaysia -- indeed, the whole of Southeast Asia -- is of one mind and of one purpose.

“Whereas in the past we have been bound by our interests as economic partners, today in the face of crisis and adversity, we are bound to each other as friends and as members of one community -- a community that, far from being imagined, as some would have it, is tangible and real,” he said.

The Japanese government, which just approved a reconstruction funding of US$50 billion, has reportedly said that the damage from the disaster could cost US$309 billion, making it the world's most expensive natural disaster.

Najib said that given Malaysia’s stability, infrastructure and location as an area protected from the ring of fire, it was well-placed to act as a base for those companies which were working to restore Japan.

“We stand ready to continue to support them in whatever way we can,” he said.

The Pacific ring of fire covers a 40,000 square kilometres area encompassing some 10 countries including Japan where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.
-- BERNAMA