KUALA LUMPUR:Malaysia's international leadership continues to be recognised when the Putrajaya 2040 Vision is accepted and agreed upon as a new vision by APEC member countries to create a peaceful, open and resilient Asia-Pacific Community by 2040, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.

The Prime Minister said Malaysia has made history by successfully organising the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) virtually for the first time in November.

“Indeed, the recognition of APEC member countries is a great and meaningful honour for Malaysia.

"This momentum needs to be maintained to ensure that Malaysia can continue to keep pace with other countries, especially in the Asia-Pacific region in attracting direct investment from abroad," he said in the new year message for 2021 which was broadcast live tonight.

Muhyiddin said in 2021, Malaysia also wants to play a more active role on the global stage.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic had to some extent changed "the global order", thus opening up opportunities for Malaysia to highlight a more dynamic leadership at the global level.

"The time has come for Malaysia to emerge as a respected power, daring to fight for common prosperity and universal peace consistently," he said.

-- BERNAMA