TO say Dr Mahathir Mohamad is fond of Japan is an understatement.

After all, he was the man who looked into Malaysia’s own backyard for role models, incorporating the Look East Policy in the the country’s development agenda back in the 1980s when he first became prime minister.

And Dr Mahathir, who is scheduled to arrive in Tokyo tomorrow for a three-day working visit to Japan, is set to breathe new life into the policy, which, according to Malaysian Ambassador to Japan Ahmad Izlan Idris, has contributed immensely to Malaysia’s progress.

Dr Mahathir’s first visit overseas after becoming Malaysia’s seventh prime minister last month is to attend the 24th International Conference on the Future of Asia, or Nikkei Conference, at the invitation of Nikkei Incorporated.

Izlan said the prime minister is a regular attendee at the prestigious event, skipping it only four times, with the last one being in 2014.

Dr Mahathir is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the gathering of top political leaders, business executives and notable guests.

His appearance at the conference this time is generating a lot of interest as participants eagerly await to hear what he has to say after being credited with dislodging Najib Razak of Barisan Nasional, which had ruled Malaysia for six decades.

“It will be a platform for Dr Mahathir to air his views on developments in Malaysia, as well as the region,” said Izlan of the June 11 and 12 gathering, themed “Keeping Asia Open – How to Achieve Prosperity and Stability”.

In a statement on the visit issued in Kuala Lumpur, the Foreign Ministry said the prime minister’s attendance at the conference will provide an opportunity for Malaysia to engage in initiatives aimed at boosting economic cooperation between countries in the region.

Also on Dr Mahathir’s radar during his visit are efforts to bring more Japanese investments into Malaysia.

To this end, the 92-year-old is scheduled to engage with Japan’s captains of industry from business entities such as the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Japan External Trade Organisation and Japan-Malaysia Economic Association.

His talks with his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe, and their joint press conference are another highlight.

Dr Mahathir has said he is keen on strengthening Kuala Lumpur-Tokyo ties, and will touch on the Look East Policy.

“It’s a fact that it is one of the most successful foreign policies in developing Malaysia-Japan relations. It has shaped our ties in various sectors, such as education, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people exchanges,” said Izlan.

He said Japan appreciates Malaysia’s acknowledgment of its role in the latter’s nation-building.

The Foreign Ministry said the working visit will enable Malaysia to highlight its current policies regarding Japan and other countries in the region, especially those related to foreign investment and trade.

Dr Mahathir’s itinerary also includes delivering a special lecture before elected representatives at Japan’s House of Councillors.

“It’s my understanding that not many heads of government are given such an honour,” said Izlan, adding that the Japanese are showing deference to Dr Mahathir by according him the privilege.

Dr Mahathir will be accompanied by his wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, and Foreign Ministry officials. – Bernama, June 9, 2018.