Malaysia upholds ZOPFAN with balanced foreign policy amid US-China ties
'We practise good balance. We are a trading nation, and our economy is based on trade. We cannot be seen to be leaning towards any party,' Mohamad stated during a press conference following the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM). He noted that while the US remains Malaysia's largest investor, China is its top trading partner, necessitating a neutral approach.
The minister highlighted that ZOPFAN, established in 1971 by ASEAN's founding members, remains crucial in maintaining Southeast Asia as a peaceful and stable region free from external interference. 'ZOPFAN is very important for Malaysia and ASEAN. We are in a zone of peace. Therefore, we cannot be seen to lean towards any side,' he added.
Discussions during the ASEAN-US meeting focused on regional security, particularly the South China Sea, rather than specific demands. Mohamad clarified that tariff issues with the US would be addressed bilaterally in upcoming engagements.
The 58th AMM reinforced ASEAN's role in fostering dialogue among major powers without compromising regional sovereignty. Mohamad noted that Malaysia's leadership as ASEAN Chair 2025 underscores the bloc's global credibility. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
34 minutes ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Govt to review UN joint declaration on Hamas, Palestine
Malaysia was asked to sign a joint declaration on Hamas and Palestine following a recent high-level conference at the United Nations, coordinated by Saudi Arabia and France. (AP pic) PETALING JAYA : Malaysia is currently reviewing a United Nations joint declaration to urge Hamas to disarm and relinquish its governance over Gaza, says government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil. Fahmi said the Cabinet had been briefed by foreign minister Mohamad Hasan on the matter following a recent UN high-level conference coordinated by Saudi Arabia and France, Bernama reported. 'Our permanent representative to the UN was asked to review and sign a joint declaration, but the government decided that more time is needed to study it. 'At this point, Malaysia's stance on Palestine has not changed. Our stance is clear. Palestine has the right to exist as a state. We are not looking at any other matters beyond that,' Fahmi told a post-Cabinet press conference. Fahmi Fadzil. On Wednesday, Canada became the third G7 developed nation to announce recognition of Palestine as an independent state as part of a negotiated two-state solution. Britain and France have also announced they would recognise Palestine in September at the UN General Assembly. Fahmi said that Wisma Putra has been given time to review the declaration in full, and the Cabinet has also requested Mohamad to brief the Dewan Rakyat early next week to provide further clarity on the matter. 'That will likely take place between Monday and Wednesday. I believe the minister will provide a more detailed explanation then, but the government's stance remains unchanged,' he said. The UN joint declaration, urging Hamas to disarm and relinquish its governance over Gaza, was signed by 17 countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada. The joint declaration, issued after a UN high-level conference, condemned the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, and called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages. It also urged Hamas to hand over its weapons to the Palestinian authority as part of a two-state solution framework.
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Medicaid, Trump tax cuts 'kick off' 2026 campaign
RESIDENTS of Columbus, Indiana awoke last week to a yellow billboard purchased by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) blaring: "Under Trump's Watch, Columbus Regional Health is Cutting Medical Services." Meanwhile, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), which oversees races for the United States House of Representatives, last month launched a digital ad campaign touting President Donald Trump's tax cuts and blaming Democrats for spiking inflation. As members of Congress return to their home districts for the August recess, the Democratic and Republican parties are launching ad blitzes centred around the tax-cut and spending bill Trump signed into law on July 4, in an unofficial start to the 2026 midterm election campaign. Democrats are focusing their message around access to healthcare while Republicans are countering that the tax provisions will put more money in voters' pockets. The bill makes permanent Trump's 2017 tax cuts and funds his immigration enforcement crackdown, while reducing healthcare and food aid. It devotes US$170 billion to immigration enforcement while cutting US$1.1 trillion from Medicaid and other public health programmes and US$186 billion in food assistance. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that 10 million people would lose their health insurance by 2034 as a result of the bill, and that the tax provisions and increased immigration and military spending would increase the federal deficit by US$3.4 trillion over the next decade. Republican strategists say they have plenty of time to sell the bill's benefits. "We will use every tool to show voters that the provisions in this bill are widely popular," said Mike Marinella, a spokesman for the NRCC. And the party has a cash advantage. The Republican National Committee (RNC) had US$81 million in cash at the end of June, compared with the DNC's US$15 million during the same period. The RNC also enjoys a huge asset in a sitting president who is still holding fundraisers for big-ticket donors. Republicans can only afford a net loss of two of the 220 seats they hold in the House to maintain control. In the Senate, they have a 53-47 advantage. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted last month, some 64 per cent of registered voters oppose cuts to Medicaid and food stamps in return for lower taxes for everyone. Democrats are seizing on that sentiment, pushing the idea that Republicans have taken away healthcare to pay for tax giveaways for billionaires. "Republicans threw working families under the bus to fund tax cuts for the wealthy, and we'll never let them — or voters — forget that," said DNC Deputy Communications Director Abhi Rahman in a statement. "This will define the midterms." Republicans say the bill's provisions on tips, overtime and Social Security show the party is focused on issues affecting working families. They also point to a US$50 billion fund the bill establishes to help rural hospitals. Another Republican strategy memo prepared by Trump's pollsters, urges candidates to "lead on kitchen-table issues." Democrats, meanwhile, are trying to tie Medicaid cuts to reduced healthcare access and higher costs. The DNC's website claims that the bill will "cost the poorest 10 per cent of households US$1,600 a year while raising the income of the richest 10 per cent of Americans by US$12,000 a year". Unrig Our Economy, a left-leaning group, is running ads in Iowa, Arizona and Pennsylvania depicting voters voicing frustration at their Republican lawmakers for voting for Trump's bill. "I'm so angry that Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks just voted for the largest cut to Medicaid in history to give tax breaks to billionaires," said one ad in Iowa, featuring a Davenport resident identified as Maria. Protect Our Care, a left-leaning healthcare advocacy organisation, said it planned to spend up to US$10 million on ads in the first half of next year, largely focused on urging Republican lawmakers to restore funding to Medicaid. Climate Power and the League of Conservation Voters spent US$500,000 on an ad pressuring lawmakers in six congressional districts to vote against the bill, claiming that it would increase electricity rates, according to its president, Pete Maysmith.
Malaysian Reserve
3 hours ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Surgical Sutures Market Worth US$6.65 billion by 2030 with 6.5% CAGR
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The global Surgical Sutures Market, valued at US$4.56 billion in 2024 stood at US$4.84 billion in 2025 and is projected to advance at a resilient CAGR of 6.5% from 2025 to 2030, culminating in a forecasted valuation of US$6.65 billion by the end of the period. The demand for surgical sutures is on the rise, driven largely by the increasing frequency of surgical interventions worldwide. This trend is significantly influenced by the aging population, which is more susceptible to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and orthopedic disorders that often require surgical intervention. Additionally, the rising incidence of trauma and accidental injuries globally contributes to the heightened need for sutures. Advancements in suture technology, including the development of absorbable, antibacterial, and barbed sutures, are crucial in enhancing patient recovery, minimizing post-operative complications, and reducing infection rates. These innovations not only improve surgical outcomes but also contribute to the overall growth of the sutures market by addressing specific clinical needs and improving the efficiency of surgical procedures. Download PDF Brochure: Browse in-depth TOC on 'Surgical Sutures Market'348 – Tables52 – Figures319 – Pages By product, Suture thread dominates the surgical sutures market due to its essential role in wound closure across various surgical procedures. As the core component of any suturing system, it is integral to traditional open surgeries and minimally invasive techniques. The preeminence of suture thread can be attributed to its remarkable versatility, diverse material options, and continuous advancements in design and functionality. Innovations such as non-absorbable, absorbable, antibacterial-coated, and barbed suture threads have expanded their application spectrum across various surgical disciplines, including cardiovascular, orthopedic, gynecologic, and general surgery. Clinicians increasingly opt for threads characterized by high tensile strength, minimal tissue reactivity, and reliable absorption profiles—attributes that leading manufacturers consistently refine to meet the evolving demands of surgical practice. By type, Multifilament sutures dominate the surgical sutures market due to their superior handling properties, reliable knot security, and broad application across various surgical specialties. These sutures are constructed from multiple braided or twisted filaments, which give them enhanced flexibility and tensile strength compared to their monofilament counterparts. This makes multifilament sutures particularly well-suited for surgical procedures that demand precise tissue closure, as they can adapt more readily to the contours of the tissue being sutured. The intricate design of multifilament sutures allows for better manipulation during surgical procedures, enabling surgeons to achieve a secure and stable closure. The improved knot-holding capability of these sutures is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the surgical site, reducing the risk of complications that can arise from loosening or failure. In high-pressure clinical environments, where time is often of the essence, the ease of handling that multifilament sutures provide can streamline surgical processes, ultimately contributing to shorter operation times and improved patient outcomes. Their versatility and effectiveness have made multifilament sutures a preferred choice among surgeons in numerous fields, including general surgery, orthopedics, and plastic surgery. By geography, the surgical sutures market is characterized by five key regions: North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. North America stands at the forefront of this market, bolstered by its advanced healthcare infrastructure, high surgical throughput, and the presence of leading industry players. The region features a robust network of hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and specialty clinics that engage in a wide array of complex surgical procedures—including cardiovascular, orthopedic, and general surgeries—all of which rely heavily on high-performance surgical sutures. Particularly, the US accounts for the largest market share due to its aging demographic, the prevalence of lifestyle-related chronic diseases, and an increasing demand for cosmetic and minimally invasive surgical interventions. Furthermore, North America is a hub for technological innovation, housing major corporations such as Ethicon and Medtronic, which consistently introduce cutting-edge suture materials and methodologies. This includes advancements in antimicrobial and absorbable sutures, which are crucial in improving surgical outcomes and patient safety. Request Sample Pages: The key players in the global surgical sutures market are Ethicon [Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.] (US), Medtronic (Ireland), B. Braun SE (Germany), Advanced Medical Solutions Group Plc (UK), Healthium MedTech Limited (India), Boston Scientific Corporation (US) Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (US), Stryker (US), Smith+Nephew (UK), Conmed Corporation (US), Internacional Farmacéutica S.A. de C.V. (Mexico), Corza Medical (US), DemeTECH Corporation (US), Unisur Lifecare Pvt. Ltd (India), Assut Europe (Italy), RESORBA Medical GmbH (Germany), KATSAN Katgüt Sanayi ve Tic. A.S. (Turkey), Sutumed Corp. (US), Mellon Medical (Netherlands), Futura Surgicare Pvt. Ltd. (India), GMD Group (Turkey), Lotus Surgicals Pvt Ltd (India), BioSintex (Romania), Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. (India), and Aqmen Medtech (India). Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. [Ethicon] (US): Ethicon, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, is at the forefront of the surgical suture industry and is recognized for its advanced, high-quality products and comprehensive surgical solutions. The company excels in critical areas such as manufacturing infrastructure, extensive research and development capabilities, and a nuanced understanding of surgical requirements, enabling it to create cutting-edge wound closure innovations. Ethicon's suture portfolio is versatile, catering to various surgical disciplines, including orthopedic, gynecological, cardiovascular, and general surgery. This range encompasses absorbable and non-absorbable sutures, barbed sutures, antibacterial-coated options, and specialty sutures designed for specific applications. The company has made significant investments in technological innovation, especially in automated suture production and the development of bioengineered materials to promote optimal healing outcomes. Furthermore, Ethicon places a strong emphasis on surgeon education, offering global training programs aimed at enhancing surgical techniques and improving patient outcomes. Medtronic (Ireland) Medtronic stands as a prominent force in the surgical sutures sector, leveraging its extensive expertise in surgical solutions and wound closure technologies. The company's competencies are rooted in its innovative approach to clinical effectiveness, producing a diverse portfolio of sutures that effectively support both conventional and advanced surgical techniques. Renowned for high-performance offerings, Medtronic's sutures emphasize durability, biocompatibility, and ease of handling to cater to various subspecialties, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and general surgery. The company maintains a robust commitment to research and development, focusing on enhancing product performance across a range of sutures, including absorbable, non-absorbable, and barbed varieties designed to meet the dynamic demands of surgical practice. One of Medtronic's significant advantages is its expansive global distribution network, coupled with strong engagement with surgeons, facilitating comprehensive training, education, and clinical support on a worldwide scale. Furthermore, the company strategically utilizes its diverse surgical portfolio to create integrated solutions, often bundling sutures with surgical staplers, energy devices, and ancillary instruments. This approach not only provides value-added offerings to healthcare facilities but also enhances surgical efficiency. With a strategic emphasis on expanding market access in emerging economies and addressing the increasing demand for minimally invasive surgical procedures, Medtronic remains a key and adaptive player within the surgical sutures arena. For more information, Inquire Now! Related Reports: Wound Dressings Market Advanced Wound Care Market Minimally Invasive Surgical Instruments Market Endoscopy Equipment Market Electrosurgery Market Get access to the latest updates on Surgical Sutures Companies and Surgical Sutures Market Size About MarketsandMarkets™: MarketsandMarkets™ has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets™ is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines – TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore™, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts. To find out more, visit or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact:Mr. Rohan SalgarkarMarketsandMarkets™ INC.1615 South Congress 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445USA: +1-888-600-6441Email: sales@ Our Website: Logo: View original content:
