KL-Manila ties warmer

KL-Manila ties warmer

MANILA (Reuter): Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who arrives in the Philippines yesterday, says ties between Kuala Lumpur and Manila have warmed considerably, despite last year's roundups of Filipina maids in Malaysia.

Mahathir said in a television interview, aired on Friday evening, that relations improved after Philippine President Fidel Ramos visited Kuala Lumpur in 1993 to end decades of hostility caused by Manila claim's to the east Malaysian state of Sabah.

"He brought in a different style," the Malaysian leader said, adding that economic relations have blossomed as a result.

Mahathir said two roundups of Filipina maids in Malaysia, which triggered complaints from Manila, were meant to flush out illegal workers. Kuala Lumpur was not discriminating against Filipinas in its campaign against such workers, he said. "Those actions will continue," he said.

The Malaysian leader is on a two-day private visit and will attend the launch ceremonies of the Proton Wira car.