BEIJING (AFP): Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad called on China’s top leadership Monday to help solve his country’s fiscal problems, as he tries to revise major Beijing-backed projects signed under his scandal-plagued predecessor. During a press conference with Premier Li Keqiang at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, Dr Mahathir thanked China for agreeing to increase imports of speciality agricultural products, such as durian. Dr Mahathir is trying to reduce Malaysia’s national debt, which has ballooned to some US$250bil. Despite the threat to revise China-linked contracts, Dr Mahathir is seeking to strengthen business ties with Beijing during the trip. Dr Mahathir also oversaw the signing of a cooperation agreement between Chinese auto firm Geely and troubled Malaysian carmaker Proton.

Source: The Star August 20, 2018 10:52 UTC