MPR Hails Efforts To Increase Trade In Border Areas

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Chairman of the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Zulkikli Hasan has said he welcomes the wish expressed by Indonesia and Malaysia to increase trade in their border areas.

"As nations of the same stock, Indonesia and Malaysia should support each other," Zulkifli Hasan said while receiving Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia, Zahrain Mohamed Hashim, at the Parliament building here on Tuesday.

Zulkifli said he keeps himself abreast of the political dynamics happening in Malaysia, expressing the hope that the Malaysian people would remain united.

"Political egoism should not be at the cost of the Malaysian people and nation. The country should continue to maintain its political stability because otherwise it could harm the interests of the people and the state," he said.

Zulkifli, who is also the chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), said as they come from the same (Malay) stock, both countries should lend support to each other.

If they have any problems between themselves, they should discuss it like brothers.  
According to the MPR Speaker, the two countries' relationship goes a long way back in history. Therefore, both should support each other and share the good things.  

"Both the countries should study their respective strengths. Indonesia should also understand Malaysia, partcicularly with regard to its indigenous people, " he said.

According to Zulkifli, Malaysia's policy on indigenousness was able to eliminate social gaps, and helped place the Malay people in an equal position to those of other ethnic groups.

In the meantime, Malaysian Ambassador Zahrain Mohamed Hashim said Malaysia wanted to continue strengthening the relations between the two countries. Malaysia could learn from the democracy in Indonesia, he added.

Both sides have the desire to increase their trade ties, particularly along their border regions. (WDY)