Malaysia will give significant input to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) which intends to play a role in determining the Post Development 2015, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.
Najib, during the two CHOGM 2013 retreat sessions Saturday, said the Commonwealth organisation intended to play a role in determine the direction of the agenda after 2015, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
"We certainly will give our input (to CHOGM)," he told Malaysian journalists after opening the one-stop Malaysian processing centre, Foshwa Pvt Ltd, at the World Trade Centre, here.
Prior to that, Najib attended the CHOGM retreat session at the Waters Edge Hotel, which he said was held in a relaxing and calm surrounding.
Najib said the Commonwealth Finance Minister's conference would be held to determine the agenda after 2015.
During the retreat which explained the agenda on fair and inclusive development, Najib said all leaders were supportive of the concept of fair and inclusive development that was tabled.
Various suggestions were submitted by the Commonwealth leaders on fair and inclusive development, among them, the need to continue with efforts to reduce poverty, development of "people-centred" projects, like education, besides issues on climatic change, he added.
He said his views on fair and inclusive development was taken into account by CHOGM and would be included as part of the CHOGM Communique.
Earlier in his speech, Najib said he was confident Foshwa would address the problems on the delay in visa processing for tourists from south Asia who wished to visit Malaysia.
"This will not only reduce the cost of visa processing, but also the responsibility of the office of the Malaysian Embassy, as well as enhance effectiveness," he added.
Najib said Malaysia was targetting 28 million tourists in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2014, with about 1.06 million from South Asia.
Foshwa, a Malaysian out-sourcing company, obtained the Home Ministry's approval to open the visa processing centre in Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Bernama
Sun Nov 17 2013
Najib at the CHOGM retreat on Saturday. -- BERNAMApic
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.