KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman welcomes the initiative to introduce the New Colombo Plan, which is essentially a reverse of the original Colombo Plan, whereby the Australian government will support Australians to study in universities in the Asia Pacific region.
“This will certainly further strengthen the educational ties between Australia and Malaysia as well as pave the way for other forms of networking and linkages between the two countries,” he said during a courtesy call by Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, His Excellency Rod Smith who is in Sabah for the Sandakan Memorial Day.
Musa also hoped to see further cooperation in the economic sector namely in tourism, adding that Australians were always welcomed in Sabah.
“We have historical ties that date back to World War II, namely during the Sandakan Death March,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rod said the inclusion of Malaysia in the New Colombo Plan was greatly supported by both Australia and Malaysia’s foreign ministers as it would not only build stronger educational ties but also promote cultural exchanges.
“I hear a lot of success with Sabah’s conservation efforts. There is a lot you an teach the world about conservation,” he said.
He was also pleased to see the heightened security measures undertaken in the east coast.