Malaysia, Indonesia to sign pacts during annual meet
January 11, 2006
By SA’ODAH ELIAS
The Star

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Indonesia are expected to sign three memorandums of understanding during the upcoming annual consultation meeting in Bukit Tinggi, West Sumatra, next week. 

The memorandums are on an amendment to the Double Taxation Agreement to further enhance bilateral investment, the Cross-Border Agreement to facilitate the movement of people across common borders and cooperation in the commodities field. 

According to Wisma Putra, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will head Malaysia’s delegation to the meeting scheduled tomorrow.  

Prior to the meeting, Abdullah will meetwith Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Both leaders are expected to discuss matters of mutual interest, including the thorny issue of the disputed Ambalat waters off Sulawesi. 

The issue of the oil-rich Ambalat waters, which is claimed by both Malaysia and Indonesia, had strained the relationship between the two countries last year. 

Abdullah and Susilo are also expected to discuss issues pertaining to Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia, although a formal agreement on the matter had already been signed following last year’s annual consultation meeting in Jakarta. 

There are about a million Indonesian registered workers currently working in various sectors in the country, while half a million more are estimated to be working illegally. 

Abdullah will be accompanied by several ministers, prominent businessmen and heads of government-linked corporations, including representatives from Khazanah Nasional Bhd. 

There will also be a briefing session by the Malaysia Indonesia Business Council and the signing of a private sector memorandums of understanding which the two leaders will witness. 

Susilo is expected to head a restricted meeting between Indonesian officials and Khazanah Nasional after the conclusion of the delegation meeting.  

Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/1/11/nation/13061832&sec=nation