A team consisting of 4 people and led by Dr. Lin Juo-yu, Director and Associate Professor of Southeast Asian Studies, went to Malaysia during winter vacation and they were cordially received by Duan Mahardi, Prime Minister of Malaysia and had held vis-a-vis dialogue with him.

In their in-depth inteview with Duan Mahardi, the important political leader of Malaysia answered questions in regards to many aspects of the Asian-Pacific region, ranging from politics, economics, culture to education and other related areas. Mr. Mahardi pointed out that he expects to strengthen the bi-lateral trade relationship with Taiwan and he will continue to promote the economic ties between the two nations. However, for the time being, it is impossible to sign a free trade treaty with Taiwan. Mr. Mahardi also expressed his concern over Taiwan’s future. If, he said, Taiwan should declare unilateral independence, it could trigger a war between two sides of the Taiwan Strait, which might severely affect the security as well as the interests of Southeast Asian Pact nations. This is the thing that Malaysia would not wish to see to happen.

Prof. Lin said that this is the first time that Prime Minister Mahardi has been interviewed by an academic delegation from Taiwan in 20 years, and has caused quite an uproar in domestic and foreign press in Malaysia. Besides, a visit and a direct contact with their national leader is tantamount to having accomplished a diplomatic mission, though indirectly, for our country.

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