'Turun Anwar': What's next?
From Najib Abdul Razak to Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, from the Sabah mining licence scandal to the judicial crisis, from KK Mart to Teoh Beng Hock, they find Anwar more like an old Umno leader than the man who had fought 25 years to end Umno's hegemony.
Many of these disillusioned voters may not come out to vote in the next general election, or if they do, they may vote for smaller parties or even Perikatan Nasional in protest. Some even hope that the 'Turun Anwar' rally this afternoon would start his downfall or at least humble him.
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Malay Mail
5 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Asean leadership redefined: Anwar's quiet diplomacy halts Thailand-Cambodia deadly clash
COMMENTARY, July 29 — Let's give Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim the credit when it is due. For a while, many were left wondering how he was going to bring together two angry Asean member countries that were locked in a deadly conflict. It didn't help that at one point, a Thai Foreign Ministry official was quoted as saying that it did not need a third country to be involved. The spokesman, Nikorndej Balakura, reportedly stated that Thailand prefers bilateral negotiations. But the Prime Minister quietly and swiftly went behind the scenes to orchestrate a landmark ceasefire. It was complex, more so when it involved resolved historical tensions, but certainly with the hard work of our Foreign Ministry, Anwar pulled it off. It is certainly a boost to his credentials as the chair of Asean 2025. It will be awkward for him to talk about Asean unity if the two nations continue to fire rockets at each other. The five-day border conflict — marked by artillery exchanges and mass civilian displacement — ended with an 'immediate and unconditional' cessation of hostilities. It was a swift and effective intervention, the kind rarely seen in South-east Asian diplomacy. Anwar's role as mediator has earned widespread praise, not only for de-escalating a dangerous flashpoint but also for revitalising Asean's credibility in managing intra-regional disputes. For a regional bloc often criticised for its inertia, Malaysia's leadership in this instance marks a meaningful shift. Critics have always dismissed Asean as a talk shop, but continuous talking to each other is surely better than going to war. It would have badly tarnished his image if Anwar had failed to bring the two nations to the table. What stands out is Anwar's ability to bring both sides to a ceasefire amid rising nationalist rhetoric and domestic political sensitivities in both Bangkok and Phnom Penh. The participation of international observers from the United States and China further underscores the delicate balancing act Malaysia managed to perform. In an era of intensifying superpower rivalry in South-east Asia, Malaysia's non-aligned posture proved an asset, not a liability. Admittedly, economic reforms and domestic governance still dominate the national conversation, but this diplomatic victory may offer a needed boost to Anwar's leadership narrative. It shows a Malaysia that is not merely reactive but assertive and constructive on the global stage. Of course, the road ahead is uncertain. A ceasefire is not a peace treaty. The underlying territorial and political disputes between Thailand and Cambodia remain unresolved. A veteran Thai journalist texted me to warn against any celebrations until the frontiers are actually quiet. The BBC reported that 'shells and rockets continued to land in both countries even as the peace talks were underway; it will take a little longer to cool the emotions on both sides.' Still, Malaysia's offer to facilitate ongoing dialogue — and potentially a peacekeeping framework — positions Kuala Lumpur as a long-term convener, not just a crisis manager. Anwar has long been known as a reformist and a consensus-builder. His handling of this crisis has now added a new credential to his portfolio: regional statesman. For Malaysia, this moment should be a reminder of what thoughtful diplomacy and principled leadership can achieve. The BBC reported that President Donald Trump may have delivered the kick with his trade talks threat that enabled this ceasefire, but it is Malaysia that is getting the credit. It said, 'The world was watching — and Malaysia delivered.' — Bernama * Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai is a national journalism laureate and chairman of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama).
New Straits Times
34 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Sim: AI will redefine, not replace jobs
GEORGE TOWN: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming Malaysia's job landscape by creating new roles and redefining existing ones, rather than replacing human workers. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said as Malaysia accelerated its transition into a digital economy, the public must shed the fear that AI would lead to job losses. "We must move away from the fear that AI is here to take away jobs. AI is transforming jobs, not eliminating them. Those who adapt and upskill will find more opportunities, not fewer," he said after the launch of the 52nd ARTDO International Conference. Sim said a national labour market study commissioned by his ministry late last year revealed that up to 60 per cent of employers across 10 key economic sectors expected AI to lead to job creation, particularly in areas requiring advanced digital skills. The study, incorporating extensive input from industry stakeholders, is now guiding national workforce readiness policy. "AI is changing how we work, not eliminating the need for work itself. The question is not whether AI will take over, but whether we are preparing Malaysians to work with AI." He said the ministry was actively responding to these changes by boosting training and upskilling initiatives through platforms such as MyMahir, a national skills-matching portal. He said under the ministry's initiative, more than 33 government-run industrial training institutes and private providers were offering AI and digital literacy courses. He said these courses were aimed at equipping the workforce with relevant competencies in an increasingly automated landscape. "With the right upskilling, workers can transition into higher-value roles rather than being displaced. AI literacy must become mainstream. "Not everyone will become an AI engineer, but basic familiarity with how AI works will soon be essential across nearly every profession." He said his ministry was working to integrate AI ethics and governance into public awareness, recognising that responsible deployment was just as important as technical know-how. During the recent National Training Week, between 40 and 50 per cent of offerings had AI components, including modules on ethical usage, data protection and digital responsibility. "We want Malaysians to not only use AI but to use it responsibly. We are building not just a skilled workforce but a trusted digital society," said Sim.
Malaysiakini
34 minutes ago
- Malaysiakini
US praises Anwar for mediating Thai-Cambodia ceasefire
The United States praised Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his efforts in brokering a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia recently. 'We are grateful to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his leadership and for hosting the ceasefire talks. 'We urge all parties to...
