Anwar: Malaysia's Asean Summit success driven by efficiency, teamwork
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the smooth running of the summit was the result of the extraordinary commitment shown by the government machinery, including the public, who understood Malaysia's responsibilities as host.
"I saw excellence at all levels, our public servants were outstanding. From the airport, parades, police, immigration, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), hotel management, to the Foreign Ministry coordinating everything, and the Prime Minister's Department managing the protocol.
"Even I was overwhelmed by the protocol, but I respected what the officers directed the prime minister to do. I followed everything. Why? Because we are a nation with rules, and we work as a team," he said.
He was speaking at the Prime Minister's Department monthly assembly here today, which was also attended by both Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Anwar also commended the cooperation among Asean leaders in making collective decisions while respecting the interests of their respective countries.
"We had to decide on a shared understanding in facing President Trump's tariffs. Each country has its own strategy, which will involve bilateral relations. But we also want to safeguard the interests of more than 650 million people in Asean countries.
"No decision made by Malaysia should harm other countries, nor should decisions by, for example, Vietnam, be detrimental to others. We work as a team," he added.
The 46th Asean Summit concluded on May 27, following a series of high-level meetings focused on enhancing regional cooperation and strengthening strategic partnerships.
Over the two-day event, Asean leaders participated in several key meetings, including the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit, the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, and the 16th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Summit.
As Asean Chair for 2025, Malaysia hosted the 46th Summit under the theme "Inclusion and Sustainability", marking the fifth time the country has held the chairmanship, having previously served in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
11 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Govt will consider more financial assistance for uni students, says PM
CYBERJAYA: The government is open to considering adjustments to the budget and reducing prices of goods to help university students struggling with the rising cost of living, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. During a town hall session at the launch of Multimedia University's (MMU) new Artificial Intelligence and Engineering (FAIE) faculty, a student had asked whether the government would consider providing an additional RM100 on top of the one-off payment that was previously distributed under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah aid programme. "Recently, I approved the RM100 (Sumbangan Asas Rahmah) for all aged 18 and above. Yes, we can look into this. "But what we have given is a one-off RM100. I know there are needs, and we can consider it in the budget, whatever adjustments we can make," he said. Anwar added that despite ongoing cost-of-living challenges, the prices of fuel, chicken, eggs, and sugar in Malaysia remain significantly lower than in many other countries. "We must accept that. Is it worrying? Yes, it is," he said. "If you ask me what concerns me most as Prime Minister, I remain worried about hardcore poverty, general poverty, and the burdens faced by the people." "That is what we must address as best as we can. But believe me, when we raised the salaries of civil servants recently, ministers, deputy ministers and MPs did not get a pay rise. That is a signal that we have responsibilities," he said. He also stressed that the country's procurement system must be transparent to ensure public funds are used prudently. "That's why I keep stressing governance. If we can implement this, we can save more. "How much has been recovered over the past one to two years by the Inland Revenue Board and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission from funds seized from those who amassed wealth outside the rules and laws? It has reached between RM4 billion and RM5 billion," he said. Also present at the launch were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. MMU's new FAIE will feature state-of-the-art laboratories to foster creativity and collaboration between students, researchers and industry partners, ensuring graduates remain competitive in the digital economy. The faculty will introduce a new Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Applied AI) programme, a three-year full-time course beginning in July 2025. Existing engineering programmes will also be enhanced with AI components to equip students with advanced technological skills. Applied AI covers technologies such as machine learning and automation to address real-world challenges, including smart healthcare, autonomous vehicles, intelligent farming and personalised digital assistants.
The Sun
11 minutes ago
- The Sun
Government to carefully study retirement age extension, says Dr Zaliha
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will conduct a comprehensive study on the proposal to raise the mandatory retirement age to 65 for civil servants and private sector workers. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the study under the National Ageing Framework will examine multiple factors. She stated that health, productivity, promotion opportunities for younger officers, and financial implications will be considered. 'The Public Service Department (PSD) is not rushing into this matter and is carrying out a thorough study,' she said. Dr Zaliha noted that discussions with CUEPACS are ongoing, focusing on phased implementation and early retirement options. Health and psychometric assessments for those wishing to work until 65 are also being reviewed. She made these remarks while concluding the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan in the Dewan Rakyat. Until the study is finalised, the retirement age remains at 60 under existing pension laws. Dr Zaliha also addressed measures to support the elderly, projected to make up 17.3% of the population by 2040. Her ministry has proposed elderly-friendly housing concepts under the KL Structure Plan 2040. These include retirement homes, medical-assisted housing, and retirement villages. Eight sites for Subsidised Public Rental Housing (PASS) have been identified, including two in Bukit Bintang. Kuala Lumpur currently has 24.64 km of covered walkways linked to public transport. The city aims to enhance this network to promote efficient and eco-friendly mobility by 2040. - Bernama
Malay Mail
11 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Outburst in front of students: Pendang MP suspended 10 days for Dewan Rakyat chaos last Wednesday
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 — Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul today ordered PAS' Pendang MP Datuk Awang Hashim to be suspended from the House for 10 days. Johari said the decision was made after he witnessed Awang's conduct while presiding over a sitting last Wednesday. 'Why did I take action against Pendang? Firstly, at that time I was the one presiding, and I saw what happened. Secondly, what really upset me was that the gallery was full of schoolchildren — that took me aback,' he said. 'We often talk about the behaviour of our young children in school, about how they should show courtesy. But here we are, in front of those very children, displaying all sorts of behaviour. It doesn't look good. 'This is my decision, in accordance with Standing Order 44(2). I hereby order the Member for Pendang to leave the House for 10 days starting today,' he added. Standing Order 44(2) states that the Chair shall order any member whose conduct is disorderly, in contempt of the House, or who disregards the authority of the Chair to withdraw from the chamber. The withdrawal period shall not exceed 10 days, and the member must leave immediately. Last Wednesday, during the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan, a commotion broke out when Marang MP Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang ended his speech with a poem urging Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders, particularly from DAP, to resign from the government. The disruption lasted about seven minutes and involved, among others, opposition MPs Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (Arau), Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman (Bachok), Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (Besut) as well as PH MPs RSN Rayer (Jelutong) and Chong Zhemin (Kampar). The session was chaired by Suhaizan Kaiat (Pulai). Amid the exchanges, Rayer retorted by asking, 'What if I say PAS stands for Parti Ajaran Sesat?' After Johari invited Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman to resume the debate, Awang was seen gesturing towards Rayer in a confrontational manner, as if inviting him to take the matter outside the House. Johari also urged MPs to stop calling PAS 'Parti Ajaran Sesat' in the Dewan Rakyat. Johari noted that although leaders had said it before outside Parliament, it was not his concern and should be handled by the relevant authorities. 'But the moment you are in this Dewan, do not say it. It brings no benefit whatsoever. There are sensitivities involved,' he said. Johari also warned MPs not to call each other Kafir or infidels. 'It is not proper. When our children hear it, it sounds odd, and it is not good. Enough of that. Such words can sometimes be misunderstood and become a cancer. 'To build a house takes a very long time, but to burn it down takes no time at all,' he added.
