Chennai, Sept 8:
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is likely to defer his proposed visit to the UK to meet Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is expected to visit Chennai after attending the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, official sources said.
Vijay was scheduled to leave around September 10 on his first overseas trip as Chief Minister. During the proposed UK visit, he was expected to meet business leaders, showcase Tamil Nadu’s investment potential and oversee the signing of memoranda of understanding with prospective investors.
However, the proposed visit has now run into a scheduling issue with Anwar expected in Chennai on September 13. The Malaysian Prime Minister is scheduled to attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi from September 11 to 13 and had earlier indicated that he would visit Tamil Nadu during his India trip if an opportunity arose.
According to senior officials, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has spoken to Vijay and advised him to defer the UK visit so that he can receive the Malaysian Prime Minister in Chennai.
“Anwar is coming to Chennai specifically to meet the Chief Minister. It would not be appropriate for Vijay to miss the meeting,” officials were quoted as saying.
Arrangements are reportedly being considered for Anwar’s stay in Chennai on September 13, including a reception at Lok Bhavan, where he could hold talks with Vijay.
The proposed meeting assumes significance as Anwar had spoken to Vijay in May and expressed his intention to visit Tamil Nadu during his India trip.
A decision on Vijay’s UK itinerary is expected shortly. The overseas visit is aimed primarily at attracting investments to Tamil Nadu, while the meeting with Anwar could provide an important opportunity to strengthen the State’s engagement with Malaysia.