NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR MSIA AND US TO ENHANCE TIES

By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Bernama) -- "There are significant opportunities for
the new governments of Malaysia and the United States to advance their
relationship based on mutual respect and mutual benefits," US Ambassador to
Malaysia James R. Keith said.

"President (Barack) Obama welcomes the Prime Minister (Najib Razak)'s desire
to work more closely with the United States," Keith said.

The 20-minute telephone conversation between Najib and Obama last month has
been described as a new milestone in political and economic relations between
the two countries by an analyst, Ahmad Ikram Abdullah, a fellow at the Institute
of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS).

"We already enjoy a strong foundation for cooperation and are looking for
tangible ways to expand our shared agenda in areas ranging from export control
and global non-proliferation to managing the threat from pirates in the Gulf of
Aden to dealing with the effects of the global economic crisis," the ambassador
told Bernama here Friday.

Keith said this when asked to share his thoughts on Najib's 100 days of
administration.

Najib assumed office on April 3 this year, taking over Malaysia's top job.
Despite the challenges, the path is all set for the son of Malaysia's second
Prime Minister Abdul Razak Hussein, to navigate the nation to greater heights.

The recently announced economic liberalisation measures are indication of
his stewardship.

Najib, who is also the Finance Minister, took over the helm at a highly
challenging time when the economy was turning towards recession, with exports
and manufacturing both badly hurt by a slowdown in the global economy.

The present economic difficulties need a steady hand in Najib to pull the
nation through turbulent times.

Malaysia and the United States share a diverse and expanding partnership.
Economic ties are robust. The United States is Malaysia's largest trading
partner while Malaysia is the 18th largest trading partner currently for the
United States. Total trade between them was US$43.7 billion in 2008.

The United States' trade deficit with Malaysia was US$17.8 billion in 2008.
The country is also the largest foreign investor in Malaysia on a cumulative
basis. American companies are particularly active in the energy, electronics,
and manufacturing sectors.
-- BERNAMA