Anwar seeks closer Malaysia-Keralam ties in key sectors including digital economy, healthcare

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim receives a souvenir from Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar during their bilateral meeting in Calicut yesterday. — Bernama pic

First Published: Tuesday, 15 Sep 2026 9:22 AM MYT

KERALAM, Sept 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for stronger cooperation between Malaysia and Keralam in key sectors, including the digital economy, healthcare, tourism and education.

He said the longstanding relationship between Malaysia and Keralam, which encompasses trade, education and cultural exchanges, provides a strong foundation for further cooperation.

Anwar said this during a meet with Keralam Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in Calicut, here yesterday.

The Prime Minister said there was also potential to further expand tourism, business and people-to-people exchanges between Malaysia and Keralam.

“Malaysia also welcome greater collaboration in high-value sectors that could create new opportunities and bring mutual benefits to both sides,” he said.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, is accompanied on his working visit by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Minister of Human Resources Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.

Earlier, in a light-hearted gesture, Arlekar presented Anwar with a biography of legendary Indian playback singer Kishore Kumar, following the Prime Minister’s recent viral singing performance of a Kishore Kumar song at the BRICS gala dinner in New Delhi.

Anwar’s rendition of Kishore Kumar’s classic “Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat” went viral on social media, particularly in India, drawing positive reactions from many Indians.

The one-minute, 32-second video of Anwar performing the popular Hindi song attracted widespread attention, with some describing it as a “mic drop” moment that stole the limelight at the summit, while others called it the “sweetest part” of the gathering.

Minister for Industries and Commerce P.K Kunhalikutty and several captains of industries also joined the courtesy call.

The engagement with the Governor was part of Anwar’s programme during his visit to Keralam, following his participation in the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

Anwar is on an official visit to India from Sept 11 to 14, at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. — Bernama