Malaysia invites knowledge workers

Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has invited Indian knowledge workers to seek enhanced opportunities and take advantage of the conducive business environment in his country.

The Malaysian Prime Minister extended the invitation against the backdrop of certain untoward incidents that led to the arrest of some knowledge workers from India over visa-related issues. These workers were detained in Malaysia before their departure to India.

In his address to the delegates of the 'Malaysia-India Business Forum in Bangalore', Badawi said, "Indian IT professionals are increasingly coming to Malaysia to seek enhanced opportunities and we welcome them with warmth and a feeling of friendship. I know that once in a while, the media plays up negative stories. Let me give you the assurance that we welcome very heartily your knowledge workers. I give you my word that we will treat them well and I ask Indians and Malaysians to inform my office immediately if anything untoward happens. We want everything right. We will put it right."

In this regard, Badawi added that the Malaysian government has appointed some companies in India to process the visas and expedite them to facilitate a smooth entry and exit.

Later, speaking at a media interaction, the Prime Minister also said that India and Malaysia will soon set up a committee to look beyond the Free Trade Agreement.

"Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and I are keen on going for a more comprehensive agreement which includes sectors like education, biohealth, agriculture etc., Trade will definitely be the big element," Badawi added.

When asked if Malaysia would consider visa-on-arrival, Badawi said that "it was not something impossible".