THE United States has approved a RM1mil grant to help restore Malaysia's Tugu Negara, in a move the US Embassy said reflected deepening ties between Washington and Putrajaya.
US Embassy Kuala Lumpur Charge d'Affaires David H. Gamble announced the funding during the US Independence Day reception in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday (July 2).
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Gamble said the grant recognised the significance of the national monument and symbolised the friendship between the two countries.
"As you may know, in Washington, DC, there is a similar monument with striking similarities, binding our countries together.
"We went back a few months ago and were able to secure permission to provide RM1mil to Malaysia on behalf of the American people,” he said.
Gamble added that the restoration work would be carried out by the Malaysian authorities.
"Malaysia will undertake the restoration. This won't come as a surprise to the government of Malaysia.
"We've been working quietly behind the scenes to make sure this gift from the American people is something useful,” he said.
Elaborating, Gamble said the relations between Malaysia and the US has “been on hyperdrive this year” following a visit by President Donald Trump.
“Since then, all these new opportunities are opening up for Malaysia and the United States.
“On economy, 300,000 jobs here are supported by US businesses and we are Malaysia’s number one trading partner,” he said. - Star
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