conversation with Charles Ortel in Malaysia and Penang and Gordon Chang, my colleague,

asked what is the status of Malaysia's relations with the region and with the United States?

And Charles gives a very careful answer that's most positive, starting with Australia.

Malaysia and the world.

Here's Charles, more of this tonight.

That's a good question.

So there has historically been a strong relationship between Australia and Malaysia,

because after World War II, the Australians, before World War II, the Australians were very helpful in the birth of modern Malaysia and protecting

Malaysia. Historically, of course, there are many different powers competing for a stake in relations with Malaysia, China being an important one.

Germany over long periods of time, going back before World War I, but very important here.

But I think the United States is well received.

United States investors have been strong, particularly here in Penang.

I believe that Intel's first foreign investment was on the island of Penang in I think

1971 or thereabouts.

There are many American and Western companies with deep ties here.

This is a capitalism friendly place. It is a country that has

navigated through civil strife and has amicable relations amongst the Indian, Chinese,

Western, and Malay populations.