Harper touches down in Malaysia

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has touched down in Malaysia’s capital for a two-day stay.

Harper is the first Canadian prime minister to formally visit the southeast Asian country in 17 years.

The prime minister is en route to a summit of Pacific Rim country leaders in Bali. Trade and commerce and the American political gridlock are expected to dominate the agenda.

U.S. president Barack Obama cancelled his visit because of the U.S. government shutdown.