Anwar has turned the corner
The retirement of chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat without the customary six-month extension caused some quarters to liken it to a judicial crisis, similar to that of the 1988 crisis.
On July 7, former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli led eight out of 31 PKR MPs to call for the formation of a royal commission of inquiry into the judiciary.
This intervention from Rafizi's group gave the impression that all was not well within PKR and Pakatan Harapan, and by extension, the Anwar-led federal government.
Some of them had the unfounded fear that...
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The Sun
23 minutes ago
- The Sun
ASEAN-brokered ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia a remarkable feat
CYBERJAYA: The swift and effective ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia is an unprecedented achievement for ASEAN, demonstrating the strength, commitment and resolve of its leaders, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the breakthrough was made possible through multi-layered cooperation involving the prime ministers and foreign ministers of both nations, their armed forces, and the trust built among ASEAN leaders. 'I must thank both leaders of Cambodia and Thailand, the Cabinet, and the Chief of Defence Forces here, who has played a pivotal role. The relationship and trust between our armed forces and ASEAN leaders are remarkable,' he said, representing Malaysia as ASEAN Chair. Anwar said this in his address at the 58th ASEAN Day celebration here today, held in conjunction with the 58th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), themed Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable ASEAN Future. Anwar said that the high level of trust and confidence enabled all parties to secure an understanding quickly, noting that in the history of ceasefires worldwide over the past decades, if not centuries, this might be the first to work so fast and effectively. Anwar said the United States and China had committed to supporting logistics in the ceasefire area but left it entirely to the bilateral understanding between Thailand and Cambodia, moderated by Malaysia. 'All ASEAN leaders have pledged to provide whatever support is necessary to secure lasting peace between the two countries,' he said. He added that the achievement was possible because Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, had received the mandate and backing of all ASEAN leaders, giving added weight to its mediation efforts. Thailand and Cambodia agreed to implement a ceasefire effective midnight on July 28 at a special meeting in Malaysia chaired by Anwar. The meeting was held following heightened tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbours. 'If this is a good beginning, it augurs well for the future of ASEAN in terms of attaining geopolitical strategy,' Anwar said, adding that Myanmar would be the bloc's next major challenge. According to him, progress has been made towards securing a ceasefire in Myanmar, with the foreign ministers of Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia expected to visit the country soon to press for an end to violence, cessation of hostilities and the resumption of dialogue among stakeholders. Turning to the economic agenda, Anwar said one of the key issues for deliberation at the October ASEAN Summit would be boosting intra-ASEAN trade, cross-border investments, regional energy grid connectivity and other collaborative economic initiatives. Meanwhile, Anwar described the celebration of ASEAN's 58th anniversary as a source of pride and shared appreciation, not only to commemorate the achievements since its founding, but also as a moment to give thanks for the progress made. He said ASEAN's success today is inseparable from the ideas, vision and struggles of the founding leaders of its member states. However, he cautioned that challenges to the region persist, and ASEAN will only remain relevant if it faces them with a strong commitment. ASEAN was established on Aug 8, 1967 in Bangkok, with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration by its five founding members, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.- Bernama
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Anwar: October summit to be Asean's biggest ever
CYBERJAYA: The 47th Asean Summit in October is expected to be Asean's largest and most high-profile gathering of world leaders to date. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said heads of government from Asean, including dialogue partners, would be in attendance. Anwar said it is time for Asean to rise to the occasion and ensure that all leaders have a fruitful dialogue. "In the final week of October, our aim is as audacious as it is consequential - to deliver Asean's largest and most high-profile gathering of world leaders to date. "It will be a veritable assembly of the world's principal centres of power and influence. "We look forward to welcoming the heads of government of Asean and our dialogue partners, including United States President Donald Trump and, I believe, President Xi Jinping of China. "In addition, we have received positive indications of attendance from Brazilian President Lula da Silva and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who currently hold the BRICS and the G20 presidencies, respectively," he said in his speech at the 58th Asean Day celebration. Anwar said that securing their presence is only the first step, as the greater test is to ensure that they leave Malaysia and Asean feeling that their time was well spent. He said it was their duty to ensure the visit yields results of lasting value. "The eyes of the world will be upon us. "We must therefore rise to the occasion," he said. He said that Malaysia stands at the threshold of the culmination point, where what it does in the month ahead will decide how history judges its year as Asean chair. Anwar said Asean should also move to ensure that it remains durable and strong, with enhanced economic relations through intra-Asean trade and investments, regional efforts in energy, the green agenda and connectivity, which happen to be the thrust of its economic agenda. "I believe much more needs to be done. "One of the key issues to be deliberated in October will be intra-Asean trade, cross-border investments, energy and connectivity," he said. Meanwhile, Anwar said the Asean founding fathers would look at the bloc now with great pride. However, he said the motivations and concerns of those who signed the Bangkok Declaration in 1967 should not be taken for granted.
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Anwar says Asean unity helped secure Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire
CYBERJAYA: A ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia was achieved with the full support of all Asean leaders, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In his speech at the 58th Asean Day Celebration, Anwar said he was able to broker the ceasefire with the help of his colleagues and Asean leaders. "I would like to recognise the support mandated by my friends, the Sultan of Brunei, presidents, prime ministers in Asean, who had continuously given full support and endorsement. This is a remarkable thing. "I was able to do that with Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and colleagues because of the solidarity, commitment, trust, friendship, and brotherhood of all Asean leaders. "Every time I spoke to the Prime Minister of Thailand or of Cambodia, I always told them, 'Look, I had this mandate and the support of all my Asean colleagues'. "Therefore, that gave an added strength to what I had to say. And they naturally had to consider it very seriously. "And that's why I think the credit goes to Asean, and I think this is a good beginning. It bodes well for the future of Asean in terms of attaining the geopolitical strategy," he said. Anwar said US President Donald Trump and China were also supporting this effort and recognised the role of the Asean chair and Asean in general. He added that the US and China had committed to providing logistics, but were leaving it entirely to the bilateral understanding between Thailand and Cambodia, with Malaysia as the moderator. "And when necessary, all Asean leaders have given their commitment that, if necessary, they will give their own support and do whatever is necessary to ensure that we secure a lasting peace between Cambodia and Thailand," he said. He also expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces Chief, who played a key role. "It's not just the Prime Minister or foreign minister; it is the army and the relationship, the trust among both our armed forces and Asean leaders that is remarkable. "And it is because of that level of trust and confidence that we're able to continue, not only to secure an understanding. "I was told that in the history of ceasefires in the world, in the past many decades, if not centuries, this was probably the first ceasefire that worked fast and effectively," he said. At the Extraordinary General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting between Thailand and Cambodia yesterday, both sides reached a consensus on five key issues, including a mutual agreement to strictly monitor the ceasefire, covering all forms of attacks and weaponry. On July 28, a special meeting brokered by Anwar in his capacity as the current Asean chair was held at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai attended the meeting. This was their first face-to-face meeting since tensions erupted between the two neighbours on July 24.
