Marcos gifts Malaysian PM Anwar ‘Noli Me Tangere’ novel

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia. PNA Photo by Rey Baniquet

MANILA, Philippines — As a gift for the Malaysian leader’s visit to the Philippines, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. gave Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim a copy of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal’s novel “Noli Me Tangere.”

According to Malacañang, Marcos and Anwar held a tete-a-tete and an exchange of gifts after the two leaders held a bilateral meeting at the Palace on Wednesday.

The President hands over one of Dr. Jose Rizal’s greatest literary works, Noli Me Tangere (Tercera Edition, 1909), to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim,” a post from the Radio Television Malacañang on Thursday said.

The Malaysian Prime Minister said he considers Dr. Jose Rizal as a “precursor to Asian renaissance”, and deeply appreciates the President’s gesture in giving a very invaluable gift.

Meanwhile, Dr. Wan Azizah binti Wan Ismail, the Prime Minister’s spouse, received a Waling-Waling brass card holder, according to the RTVM.

This is a decorative ornament “that combines the beauty of the Waling-Waling with the durability and attractiveness of brass crafted by Cebuano artisans,” the RTVM said.

The RTVM did not say what Marcos received from Anwar.

Prime Minister Anwar and the Malaysian delegation are in the Philippines for a two-day official visit.

While in the Philippines, Anwar is set to give a lecture at the University of the Philippines about the years following the Asian Renaissance and meet with members of the Malaysian community in Manila.

Marcos welcomed him at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday where they held a bilateral meeting, reaffirming their nation’s commitment to enhance ties.

Anwar is the first head of state to have visited the Philippines since Marcos assumed office.

JMS