The bilateral relations between the Philippines and Malaysia are "at their peak," largely due to being "maka-tao" (pro-people) by citizens of both countries, Malaysian Ambassador to Manila Malek Melvin Castelino said.

At the celebration of the 66th National Day of Malaysia on Friday night, Castelino in his speech remembered Philippine national hero Jose Rizal, who he likened to the ideals of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's policy of "Malaysia Madani".

Malaysia Madani—or Civil Malaysia—is a policy framework and government slogan of Ibrahim's administration that focuses mainly on good governance, sustainable development and racial harmony in the country.

"The spirit of Rizal is certainly similar to the ideals of Malaysia Madani, a concept Prime Minister Anwar espouses for the people of Malaysia, the belief of true love for fellow men, respect and dignity," Castelino said.

Ibrahim used to study Rizaliana in his early age. During his visit to Manila in March, the Malaysian leader said the views of Rizal, who he described as "the precursor of Asian renaissance", remained relevant to this day; and must be applied in Myanmar, where people were displaced from their homes and pro-democracy protesters were jailed or killed, among other human rights violations.

"In this regard, it bears repeating these immortal lines from Dr. Rizal… that: 'Justice is the foremost virtue of the civilizing races. It subdues the barbarous nations, while injustice arouses the weakest," he said during the conferment of UP officials of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, on him.

The principles of Rizal, which Ibrahim also follow in his administration, still ring "true today, of liberty, freedom and independence both in Malaysia and the Philippines," according to Castelino.

Castelino lauded the good relations between the two neighboring countries, which were affirmed by the meetings of President Marcos and Ibrahim, both in the Philippines and in Malaysia.

"I am happy to be a part of the history to witness this momentous elevation of our country's relationship," he said as he noted that the two leaders agreed to focus collaborations on halal industry, agriculture, digitalization and green technology.