Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (May 17, 2025)
Malaysia:
* Moon sighting for Aidiladha on May 27
* Bilateral ties strengthened following Russia visit, says Anwar
* FRU crash: Lorry driver unable to post bail, say police
* FRU crash: Six personnel still in hospital, one discharged yesterday
* Eight govt hospitals in top 50 list of Malaysia's best hospitals
* Covid-19: Health Ministry monitoring situation closely
* Perak to set new age limit for youth organisations at 30
* Penang to increase monthly allowance for KAFA teachers from July
* Hire foreign workers based on needs not profit, says Sim
* Malaysia: The Migrant Repatriation Programme will be extended for another year
* Cops nab 33-year-old suspect, seize RM1.6mil worth of drugs in Batu Pahat
* Asean Summit: 71 schools in S'gor, KL allowed to carry out online learning from May 26 to 28, says ministry
* Saifuddin denies practice of money politics in PKR polls
* Sabah's future lies in local hands, not political pressure
* All PKR election complaints fully investigated, some resolved, says Dr Zaliha
* MCMC removed over 32,000 items of scam content in first quarter of 2025, says Deputy Minister
A peacock displays its feathers at a park in Singapore. -- Photo by Roslan RAHMAN / AFP
Singapore:
* Over 17.900 people caught for vape possession and use in Singapore
* Two teens in Singapore died of overdoses in January 2025: minister
* Singaporean man, woman found dead in Cheras homestay
* Students, travellers from South-east Asia, including Malaysia, souring on the US amid immigration crackdown
* Should there be harsher penalties for animal abusers in Singapore? Lawyers weigh in
* China warns that Cold War problems could be 'reheated' in Asia-Pacific region
Indonesia:
* Indonesia foils attempt to smuggle its protected and precious seahorse species in Riau Islands
* Indonesia and Australia strengthen defence collaboration and expand market access for both countries
* Indonesia arrests 170 foreigners in immigration sweep
* Indonesia inaugurates US$600mil oil and gas projects
* Trump tariffs seen lowering Chinese firms' US investment plans; South East-Asia countries may be hit
* World climate: Himalayan glaciers melt focus of climate meet
Williams driver Alexander Albon of Thailand steers his car during the first free practice at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari racetrack, ahead the Italy's Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix, in Imola, Italy. -- AP Photo/Luca Bruno
Thailand:
* Aaron-Wooi Yik storm into Thailand Open final / Pearly-Thinaah set up Thai Open title showdown against S. Korea's Na-eun, Yeon-woo
* Top Thai court to rule on former PM Yingluck's rice case on Thursday (May 22)
* Thailand to introduce 'Salt Tax' with tiered rates, driving health food market boom
* Thai govt enforces strict ban on rocket launches near airports during Bun Bang Fai Festival
* 17 charged in fatal tower collapse in Thailand
* Thailand's first tokenised bonds target retail investors
Philippines:
* Meghan Markle's dad, half-brother move to Philippines, live in Cebu apartment
* More setback for Marcos Jr as Duterte's loyal aides top senate race in Philippines
* 'Filipino voters can forget abuses': Polls prove political dynasties still rule Philippines
* Philippines Senate race a blow to President Marcos as he feuds with Vice President Duterte
* The Philippine story: Strong backing for Duterte
Senator-elect Christopher Go (right) poses for a photo during the proclamation of the elected senators in Manila on Saturday, May 17, 2025. -- Photo by Jam STA ROSA / AFP
Vietnam:
* Photo group says it has 'suspended attribution' of historic Vietnam picture because of doubts
* Man arrested for alleged online sexual coercion of minors in Vietnam
* Two Vietnamese women among three held in Melaka drug bust
* Vietnam steps up talks with US to reduce hefty tariff
* Vietnamese police bust counterfeit supplement ring, seize over 100 tonnes of fake goods
Myanmar:
* UN agency, Rohingya refugees allege Indian authorities cast dozens of them into the sea near Myanmar
* Ancient ploughing ceremony adds festivity to South-East Asian rice farming
* Myanmar police seize over 9.7 million stimulant tablets worth millions during special op
* Middle-aged couple battered during house break-in Myanmar's Lamai Township
* In over four years, 77 education workers in Myanmar killed, educational buildings bombed 560 times, and burned 123 times
A cargo ship sails on Saigon river in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam. -- AP Photo/Hau Dinh
Cambodia:
* International Labour Organisation topush 'ship to shore rights' in Asean to protect fishermen
* Pochentong Airport to be preserved as 'historically significant site', says Cambodian president Hun Manet
* Lightning strike at Angkor Wat leaves three dead, dozens injured
* Cambodian environment minister warns: 'one tree falls, one official fired'' at Phnom Khnang Phsar
Laos:
* Police seize 10 million amphetamine pills in northern Laos
* South Korea, Laos join forces to promote green growth, investment cooperation
* Police seize 10 million amphetamine pills in northern Laos
Brunei:
* Bank in Brunei recognised for sustainability
* Minister shares Brunei's strategic directions
* Malaysian coach Raja Isa awaits historic crowning moment in Brunei
(From left) South Korean singer and dancer Park Ji-Min, French actress Nadia Melliti, French actress Hafsia Herzi and French writer Fatima Daas pose during a photocall for the film -- La Petite derniere (The Little Sister) -- at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on Saturday, May 17, 2025. -- Photo by Bertrand GUAY / AFP
AseanPlus:
* Asean nations taking steps to establish monetary fund, strengthen regional financial security, says Anwar
* Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship: A defining moment for a more inclusive and sustainable region, says expert
* Dzulkefly to lead Malaysian delegation to WHA78 in Geneva
* Drone operations without permit prohibited during Asean Summit, says CAAM
* Former star Giggs urges big moves to restore United's glory
* No no-fly zones during Asean Summit, says CAAM
* Disabled craftsmen make batik bags for Asean 2025
* Russian airline keen on operating direct flights to Malaysia
* China's humanoid robots will not replace human workers, Beijing official says
* India asks IMF to reconsider Pakistan programme over 'terror funding'
* Massive fire devastates Kumho Tire's Gwangju plant in South Korea; national response order issued
* Chadian national held at Mumbai airport with gold worth US$450,931 hidden in slippers
* Asean media gain insight into Huaihua's economic development
* 'Give me a chance': Chinese influencer exposed as ex-convict sparks mixed reactions online
* China urges US to stop tech suppression
* S. Korea resumes US tariff talks at Apec
* China and EU suspend Brazil chicken imports over bird flu
* North Korea's Kim oversees air drills - in preparation of war
* UN plans to resume humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, says relief chief
* Eight police officers in Japan disciplined over playing online game while at work
* Hong Kong authorities warn ride-hailing firms about legality as taxi drivers petition
* China announces new military academies as part of PLA modernisation drive
* China reasserts India border claims with fresh list of 'standard' place names
* Iran supreme court upholds death sentence against pop singer Tataloo
* Japan's weather agency looks to improve forecasting with AI
* Motor racing-Norris turns tables on Piastri in final Imola practice
* South Korea ex-President Yoon leaves conservative party as candidate trails liberal frontrunner
* Three taken to hospital in suspected gas leak at Osaka Prefecture refinery; one victim suffers cardiopulmonary arrest, another in critical condition
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Malaysiakini
an hour ago
- Malaysiakini
Asean-GCC-China summit: Forging strategic trilateral future
LETTER | On May 27, Kuala Lumpur became the epicentre of a historic diplomatic convergence as the leaders of Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the People's Republic of China gathered for the first-ever Asean-GCC-China Summit. This unprecedented trilateral engagement, held under the chairmanship of Malaysia, marked a milestone in international diplomacy, economic cooperation and strategic alignment among three of the world's most dynamic regions. The summit was more than a mere multilateral meeting. It symbolised the coming together of regions connected by centuries of trade, civilisation, and cooperation from the ancient Silk Road and the maritime powerhouses of Melaka to the energy corridors of the Gulf and the technological advances of modern China. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as host and chair, reflected this spirit by emphasising the deep historical linkages and shared aspirations that bind these blocs together. Anwar described the summit as a 'new chapter in Asean's journey of outward-looking engagement,' underscoring the trilateral potential of a combined population exceeding 2.15 billion and a gross domestic product (GDP) of US$24.87 trillion. He stressed that such a scale presents immense opportunities to synergise markets, deepen innovation, and foster cross-regional investments. Global dynamics The 2025 summit took place against a backdrop of shifting global dynamics, notably the rise in U.S. protectionism under President Donald Trump's second term. As the United States imposed new rounds of tariffs on Asean exports - reaching up to 49 percent for some member states - there was a clear impetus for regional blocs to assert strategic autonomy. The Asean-GCC-China alignment thus appeared not as a defiance of global order, but as a recalibration of priorities towards multipolarity, cooperation and balanced engagement. While Anwar was careful to reiterate that the US remains an important trade partner, he also reaffirmed Asean's intention to maintain a policy of 'constructive, balanced engagement' with all major powers. This was echoed in the summit's joint statement, which pledged to uphold international law, multilateralism and mutual respect. The summit produced a far-reaching Joint Statement, outlining commitments in six primary domains: economic integration, energy and sustainability, digital transformation, food and agriculture, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges. These areas form the backbone of what the leaders termed a 'unified and collective path toward a peaceful, prosperous, and just future.' The summit reaffirmed the centrality of trade as the cornerstone of trilateral relations. Leaders committed to finalising and signing the Asean-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade and looked forward to the early conclusion of the China-GCC Free Trade Agreement. Furthermore, they proposed the establishment of a trilateral regional business council to facilitate dialogue between companies across the three regions, with a special focus on digital trade, fintech, supply chains and empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). There was also a strong push for de-dollarisation strategies, with an emphasis on local currency usage and cross-border payment systems to shield regional trade from external volatility. Infrastructure development was positioned as both an economic and symbolic enabler of regional unity. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was endorsed as a platform to enhance seamless regional connectivity, particularly through digital infrastructure, maritime security cooperation and the development of logistics corridors. These initiatives are expected to diversify economic access and deepen inter-regional trade links between the Asean archipelago, the Gulf and mainland China. On energy Energy featured prominently, reflecting the Gulf's strength as an energy powerhouse and China's and Asean's increasing drive toward clean energy transitions. The summit participants agreed to collaborate on an inclusive, affordable energy transition aligned with the Paris Agreement. Joint efforts will focus on clean hydrogen, low-carbon ammonia, carbon capture and nuclear energy guided by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards. The parties also committed to strengthening energy market stability, investing in cross-border energy infrastructure such as LNG terminals and undersea power cables and promoting innovation in emerging green technologies. The leaders acknowledged digital innovation as a strategic priority. There was consensus on exploring cross-regional frameworks for cooperation in digital trade, fintech, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, blockchain and smart city development. To ensure inclusivity in the digital age, the summit endorsed skills development, digital literacy programs, and inclusive platform work protections. Food security was highlighted as an urgent issue, especially amid ongoing conflicts and supply chain disruptions. The leaders agreed to enhance sustainable agricultural practices, promote halal food trade through mutual recognition of standards and diversify food sources to strengthen regional nutrition and food resilience. Cultural diplomacy was also a core theme. The summit committed to boosting educational exchange, scholarship programs, mutual tourism marketing, and cross-cultural initiatives through art, music and literature. A special focus was placed on youth engagement and intercultural dialogue to build mutual trust and long-term friendship among the peoples of the three regions. In addition to development priorities, the summit tackled pressing global humanitarian and security concerns. The plight of Palestinians was addressed comprehensively, with the leaders jointly condemning attacks on civilians in Gaza and calling for a durable ceasefire and full humanitarian access. The summit cited the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion (July 19, 2024) and UN resolutions supporting the two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders. Qatar's mediation and China's role in facilitating Palestinian unity through the Beijing Declaration (July 2024) were acknowledged and praised. The leaders also endorsed Saudi Arabia's initiative to co-host a High-Level International Conference for Peace in Palestine with France in June 2025. Myanmar crisis In addressing the Myanmar crisis, the summit called for extending the ceasefire initiated after the March earthquake, although concerns were raised about the military regime's sincerity. Nonetheless, Asean reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful solution through regional consensus and diplomacy. Anwar delivered multiple keynotes during the summit and the accompanying Asean-GCC-China Economic Forum. He celebrated the event as a landmark demonstration of Asean's capacity to convene and lead amidst complexity. Anwar highlighted the rapid economic rise of the GCC, particularly in energy transition and AI development, and reaffirmed China as a vital partner for regional stability, justice, and development. He praised the summit for achieving concrete consensus on governance, economic policy, and human rights advocacy, stating that this summit proves that open dialogue and collective spirit can overcome differences. Chinese Premier Li Qiang echoed similar sentiments, emphasising China's readiness to align development strategies with Asean and GCC partners, and expressing optimism that trilateral synergies would multiply benefits across all regions. GCC leaders, including Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Sabah, stressed the importance of building resilient partnerships to withstand global crises, while advancing negotiations on a free trade area with Asean. The summit concluded with a collective pledge to implement the joint statement through agreed mechanisms and to build on existing frameworks such as the Asean-GCC and Asean-China platforms. The leaders also looked ahead to future summits, including the Asia Cooperation Dialogue in Doha (October 2025) and the Palestine Peace Conference (June 2025). In short, the Asean-GCC-China Summit represents a bold reimagining of global governance. It demonstrated that in a fragmented international order, regional blocs can lead with purpose, foster inclusivity and champion cooperation over conflict. With Malaysia at the helm, the summit has set a precedent for strategic trilateralism that could shape Asia and the Middle East for decades to come. NURUL AMELLYA AZHAR is a doctorate student in International Political Economy at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Cambodia says to file complaint with ICJ over Thai border dispute
PHNOM PENH: Cambodia will file a complaint with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over border disputes with Thailand, Prime Minister Hun Manet said Monday, after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a recent frontier clash. 'Cambodia hopes that the Thai side will agree with Cambodia to jointly bring these issues to the International Court of Justice... to prevent armed confrontation again over border uncertainty,' Hun Manet said during a meeting between MPs and senators. Military clashes between the Southeast Asian neighbours erupted in 2008 and have led to several years of sporadic violence, resulting in at least 28 deaths. The most recent occurred Wednesday, when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a location known as the Emerald Triangle -- a joint border area between Cambodia, Thailand and Laos. The day after, Cambodia's foreign ministry sent a letter to the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh demanding 'an immediate and thorough investigation' into the 'unprovoked attack'. Describing the incident as 'a violation of Cambodian sovereignty', Phnom Penh said it remained committed to resolving the issue through 'peaceful and diplomatic avenues'. Prime Minister Hun Manet said that even if the Thai side did not agree on bringing the issue to the ICJ, Cambodia would still file the complaint. He added that the border dispute was being 'incited by small extremist groups in both countries', which could lead to further clashes. Thailand's ministry of foreign affairs did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP. Cambodia's military had said they were attacked first in Wednesday's incident, while the Thai side said their soldiers were responding to gunshots. The Thai and Cambodian militaries met the following day, agreeing to ease tensions. Thailand says a Joint Boundary Committee will meet in the next two weeks to resolve the issue. The Emerald Triangle is among the areas that will be named in the ICJ complaint, Hun Manet said. Another is Ta Moan Thom Temple, the backdrop for a video posted on social media earlier this year showing a woman singing a patriotic Khmer song which led to Bangkok lodging a formal protest to Phnom Penh. Cambodia and Thailand have long been at odds over their more than 800-kilometre-long (500-mile) border, which was largely drawn during the French occupation of Indochina. The 2008 military clashes erupted over a patch of land next to Preah Vihear Temple, a 900-year-old structure near their shared border. This led to several years of sporadic violence before the International Court of Justice ruled the disputed area belonged to Cambodia.
Borneo Post
2 hours ago
- Borneo Post
PM Anwar: Unity not an option, it's a national requirement
Unity is the foundation of a country's development and is a catalyst for Malaysia's progress, Anwar said. – Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (June 2): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today stressed that national unity is no longer an option, but rather a key requirement to ensure the continuity of the country's development. He said unity is the foundation of a country's development and is a catalyst for Malaysia's progress. 'Malaysia will only remain strong if we stand together united. 'Stability and national unity are the basic conditions for all progress. In a world that is rapidly changing and full of challenges, unity is not an option, it is a necessity,' he said. Anwar said this in his congratulatory speech at the investiture ceremony to present federal awards, stars and medals by Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, in conjunction with His Majesty's official birthday celebration at Istana Negara today. In attendance was Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia. Present at the ceremony were the Prime Minister's wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Dewan Rakyat SpeakerTan Sri Johari Abdul and Dewan Negara President Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah. Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and members of the Cabinet. Anwar said the MADANI government, under the auspices and guidance of His Majesty, will continue to be committed to implementing a comprehensive reform agenda based on the MADANI principles. 'Materialistic development alone is certainly not enough. In fact, it must be balanced with human values, social justice and human kindness,' said the Prime Minister. He emphasised that the development of infrastructure and public facilities should not be limited to mega projects like the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Instead, equal attention must be given to upgrading and enhancing essential services such as schools, hospitals, and transport networks. 'The people are not only promised hope, but also protected tangibly and continuously,' he said. The Prime Minister also emphasised that the strategy to increase the people's income would continue to be driven through economic structural reforms, the influx of high-quality investments and the strengthening of the technology and innovation ecosystem. He said every citizen should have the opportunity to progress, regardless of racial or cultural background. – Bernama anwar ibrahim development lead unity
