Malaysian Foreign Minister: We Want to Take Part in Saudi Initiatives

Malaysian Foreign Minister Zambry Abd Kadir (Photo Credit: Abdul Rahman Al-Salem)
Malaysian Foreign Minister Zambry Abd Kadir (Photo Credit: Abdul Rahman Al-Salem)
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Malaysian Foreign Minister: We Want to Take Part in Saudi Initiatives

Malaysian Foreign Minister Zambry Abd Kadir (Photo Credit: Abdul Rahman Al-Salem)
Malaysian Foreign Minister Zambry Abd Kadir (Photo Credit: Abdul Rahman Al-Salem)

Saudi Arabia is a vital partner for Malaysia, which is looking forward to working closely with the Kingdom in various fields, confirmed Malaysian Foreign Minister Zambry Abd Kadir.

Kadir’s remark comes at a time when Kuala Lumpur seeks to expand strategic coordination and defense, technological and industrial cooperation with Riyadh.

“Our economic and trade relations grew by 159% during 2022, so I think in the coming years, we will have more trade relationships between the two countries as well as concerning the economic zone,” the minister told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“I discussed with my counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, ways to advance the work of Malaysian-Saudi coordination councils to achieve the greatest benefit for both countries,” said Kadir. He added that these councils could be used as a platform for more cooperation and exploring new partnerships in vital fields such as security, defense, economy, trade, and education.

“Malaysia and Saudi Arabia have a long-term security and defense strategy. A proposal for an MoU on cooperation in science, technology, and industry for national defense was put forward in 2021, so we are firm in terms of our coordination with the Kingdom in combating any possible strike,” affirmed Kadir.

When asked about the objectives behind his visit to Riyadh, Kadir said: “The goal is to confirm the strategy and importance of the two countries’ relationship and to explore more opportunities for comprehensive cooperation.”

Kadir met several Saudi officials, including the Kingdom’s top diplomat, Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

“Saudi Arabia is one of the most important countries in the Middle East and West Asia,” stressed Kadir.

As for his meetings with Saudi officials, Kadir said they encompassed discussions on ways and means to explore and grow economic and trade partnerships.

“I reviewed with Prince Faisal bin Farhan the most important developments in the regional and international arenas,” revealed Kadir, adding that Malaysia seeks to intensify joint coordination in the political field with Saudi Arabia.

Moreover, Kuala Lumpur wants to consolidate economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia in a way that achieves common interests.

As for Saudi Arabia’s climate-focused Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives, Kadir voiced Malaysia’s desire to be a part of the Kingdom’s action plans.

“We want to be part of these initiatives,” affirmed Kadir, adding that Saudi Arabia and Malaysia could utilize smart government companies to strengthen the partnership in developments.

Regarding the fight against terrorism and boosting regional stability, Kadir noted that the Kingdom and Malaysia prioritize eliminating the menace of terrorism, which threatens people worldwide.

“Terrorism issues top our priorities. We must address this matter, as it is not limited to a specific region or country,” said Kadir.

“Terrorism truly poses a danger to all people in the whole world. Therefore, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia have a long-term security and defense strategy,” he added.

“We established a Malaysian Defense Attaché Office in 2017, and our Malaysian Armed Forces have also been invited to participate in training,” reminded Kadir.

“The Malaysian government has agreed to deploy two of our military officers under the auspices of the Kingdom’s invitation to the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition,” said Kadir.

The Coalition is an intergovernmental counter-terrorism body trained by various Muslim countries to enhance cooperation and intelligence sharing in collective counter-terrorism efforts.

“Malaysia has also been a strong supporter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) counter-terrorism initiative to prevent extremism and violence,” added Kadir.

“The world has become interconnected. What happens in one region will have an impact that extends to different parts of the world. If anything happens in this region (Middle East), Southeast Asia and Malaysia will be affected as well,” explained the top diplomat.

Kadir said that the ripple effect necessitates well-coordinated efforts, especially with Saudi Arabia.



Saudi Arabia: Former Public Security Director Convicted of Corruption

The ministry affirmed the Saudi government’s commitment to protecting public funds and combating corruption in all its forms. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The ministry affirmed the Saudi government’s commitment to protecting public funds and combating corruption in all its forms. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia: Former Public Security Director Convicted of Corruption

The ministry affirmed the Saudi government’s commitment to protecting public funds and combating corruption in all its forms. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The ministry affirmed the Saudi government’s commitment to protecting public funds and combating corruption in all its forms. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced on Friday that a final ruling had been issued confirming the conviction of former Public Security Director General Lt. Gen. Khaled bin Qarar Al-Harbi for crimes including bribery, forgery, and abuse of power. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison, fined one million Saudi riyals, and ordered to return embezzled funds.

The ministry’s statement pointed to a royal order to terminate Al-Harbi’s service, retire him, and investigate him for numerous violations aimed at seizing public funds and personal gain. He was charged with several crimes, including forgery, bribery, and abuse of power. The Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority began investigating the former official and referred him to the appropriate court under the criminal procedures system.

A final ruling was issued against Al-Harbi, confirming his guilt on two counts: bribery and forgery. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined one million riyals, to be deposited into the state treasury.

He was also convicted of exploiting his official position for personal benefit, involvement in government contracts, and embezzling public funds. For these crimes, he received an additional 10-year prison sentence, and the bribes he received, totaling SAR10,084,303, were confiscated and deposited into the treasury.

Additionally, Al-Harbi was ordered to return the embezzled amount of SAR2,827,000 to the state treasury. Gifts and other financial aid amounting to SAR175,000 given to his relatives as bribes were also confiscated, along with two agricultural lands he had obtained through these crimes. Furthermore, he was ordered to return another SAR584,000 to the treasury that he had acquired from these offenses.

The ministry affirmed the Saudi government’s commitment to protecting public funds, combating corruption in all its forms, and safeguarding society from those who exploit their positions for personal gain or to harm public interests. It emphasized that the legal systems would be applied to violators, regardless of their position or status.