Fed: Relations with Malaysia will be better - Howard

AAP General News (Australia)
04-04-2005
Fed: Relations with Malaysia will be better - Howard

(EDS: Reissuing, amending timeframe of visit in second par)



CANBERRA, April 4 AAP - Australia could expect better relations with Malaysia under
the leadership of Abdullah Badawi, Prime Minister John Howard said today.

The new Malaysian prime minister arrives in Australia on Wednesday for his first official visit.

Mr Howard said he was looking forward to the tour and expected political relations
with Malaysia to be better than under former prime minister Mahatir Mohamad.

"I think the relationship will be better at a political level," Mr Howard told ABC radio.

"It was always very good underneath. The people to people links and the business links
were always very strong."

Mr Howard's confidence came despite critical comments made by Dr Badawi in the lead-up
to the visit.

Dr Badawi used a radio interview to accuse Mr Howard of being more interested in echoing
the views of the United States than focusing on the Asian region.

He also panned Australia's policy of pre-emptive action against potential terrorists
in the region.

Mr Howard Dr Badawi's comments were to be expected.

"I think you have to expect it. You don't agree with each other about everything."

Mr Howard stood firm on his pre-emption policy.

"I will, in any discussions I have with world leader, put forward Australia's viewpoints
and I'll advocate Australia's interests, as I expect each leader I meet to advocate his
or her nation's interests.

"But we have an enormous amount in common, Malaysia and Australia.

"There's no nation in the world that we agree with on everything.

"What you have to try and do sensibly - and Abdullah Badawi is a sensible, gracious
man - is find many areas of agreement."

AAP dep/sco/sd

KEYWORD: MALAYSIA AUST (REISSUING)

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