logo
Thailand-Cambodia talks an early success towards a full resolution, says PM

Thailand-Cambodia talks an early success towards a full resolution, says PM

The Star2 days ago
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia-brokered peace negotiations are just a step towards a full resolution between Thailand and Cambodia over their border tensions, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the situation along their border is still sensitive and tense.
ALSO READ: Thailand and Cambodia should reach common ground in peace talks by Aug 7, says Anwar
"(Despite) this early success, I hesitate to call it a major victory as... mutual accusations (are) still present," Anwar said during Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Aug 5).
He also expressed gratitude to all parties, including Opposition MPs, for their support of the Malaysia-led ceasefire.
ALSO READ: Perikatan hails Anwar's role in Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire
He affirmed the country's readiness to continue monitoring the disputed borders between Thailand and Cambodia if necessary.
"The situation is under control with satellite monitoring in place.
'The resolution negotiations, coordinated by Malaysia, (are) attended by (both countries') defence attachés. We await a decision," he added.
ALSO READ: Malaysia proposes Asean monitoring team for Thai-Cambodian border
Anwar previously indicated that discussions to resolve the border tensions are expected to conclude by Thursday (Aug 7).
He said army generals from both countries are currently in Kuala Lumpur for a meeting coordinated by Malaysia. Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Malaysia's semiconductor exports still exempted from retaliatory tariffs, says Tengku Zafrul
Malaysia's semiconductor exports still exempted from retaliatory tariffs, says Tengku Zafrul

The Star

time21 minutes ago

  • The Star

Malaysia's semiconductor exports still exempted from retaliatory tariffs, says Tengku Zafrul

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's semiconductor exports to the United States remain exempt from retaliatory tariffs for now, says Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. The Investment, Trade and Industry Minister said the exemption remains in place at present, but it is subject to review and may be affected by future shifts in US trade policy. 'Currently, Malaysia's semiconductor exports to the US are not subjected to the retaliatory tariffs. However, this exemption is conditional and may change depending on the US government's evolving policies,' Tengku Zafrul told the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Aug 7). He was responding to Lim Guan Eng (PH–Bagan), who asked about reports that US president Donald Trump had announced plans to impose 100% tariffs on semiconductors imported from countries that do not produce — or do not plan to produce — chips within the US and only companies that have invested in or are building chip-manufacturing facilities in the US would reportedly be exempt. 'This is a significant move that will undoubtedly affect major semiconductor-exporting countries like Malaysia,' Tengku Zafrul said. He said that in April, the US Department of Commerce launched an investigation under Section 232 of its Trade Expansion Act to determine whether imports of semiconductors, chip-making equipment and related products pose a threat to US national security. 'Although the report was initially expected by the end of December, we've learnt that the timeline has been expedited. 'Preliminary findings from this investigation may soon form the basis for future policy decisions — including the possibility of higher tariffs,' he said Tengku Zafrul stressed that the US government has yet to officially announce the mechanism for implementing the tariffs. 'Based on current information, the exemptions may not be based on countries, but on companies that invest directly in the US, regardless of where they are headquartered,' he said. As such, the impact on Malaysia would depend largely on the structure and investment strategies of multinational firms operating locally. Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia's electrical and electronics (E&E) exports to the US totalled RM119bil in 2024 — roughly 20% of the country's total E&E exports. Of that, semiconductors alone made up RM60.6bil, or about 20% of Malaysia's total semiconductor exports. He noted that 68% of Malaysia's semiconductor exports to the US came from American companies based in Malaysia. 'These companies employ around 72,000 skilled Malaysian workers and are supported by approximately 7,200 local suppliers, most of which are SMEs,' he said. He said the government is also ramping up outreach and engagement with key local exporters and players in the semiconductor supply chain, while encouraging companies to expand to alternative markets. 'Ultimately, we are committed to monitoring this development closely and negotiating proactively. 'We want a clear understanding of what the US defines as 'semiconductors' in this context, so our industry can prepare appropriately,' he said.

ASEAN Chairmanship, BRICS Engagement Key In Building Economic Resilience
ASEAN Chairmanship, BRICS Engagement Key In Building Economic Resilience

BusinessToday

time21 minutes ago

  • BusinessToday

ASEAN Chairmanship, BRICS Engagement Key In Building Economic Resilience

Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, today delivered a keynote address at the PRAXIS 2025 Public Policy Conference, outlining Malaysia's strategy to navigate an increasingly volatile global landscape. Speaking on the theme 'From Fracture to Future,' the minister detailed how Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship and its new engagement with the BRICS bloc are key to building economic resilience and promoting sustainable growth. Tengku Zafrul highlighted several achievements and priorities under Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, which he said is focused on deepening regional cooperation. Trade Agreements: Negotiations have been concluded to upgrade the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA). These new agreements, expected to be signed in October, will expand cooperation into services, e-commerce, and SMEs. Digital Economy: The upcoming ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) is a major priority, aiming to provide a comprehensive framework for a digital economy projected to reach USD2 trillion by 2030. Supply Chain: Malaysia has proposed the ASEAN Framework on Integrated Semiconductor Supply Chain (AFISS) to position Southeast Asia as a unified production base for microchips, promoting collaboration over competition among member states. New Partnerships: Malaysia successfully convened the first-ever ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, which could serve as a springboard for a future ASEAN-GCC Free Trade Agreement. The minister underscored that Malaysia's regional efforts mirror its national priorities of maintaining an open, transparent, and rules-based global trade order. BRICS Engagement: Tengku Zafrul announced that Malaysia was invited as a new Partner Country of BRICS, calling it a significant milestone. He framed this engagement as a forward-looking strategy to diversify partnerships and rebalance the global order, rather than an ideological move to disrupt it. Economic Non-Alignment: The minister firmly stated that Malaysia's policy is one of economic non-alignment. 'It is not in our interest to choose between [the United States and China] or decouple from either,' he said, emphasising that neutrality is Malaysia's strength. Bilateral Growth: He also pointed to recent agreements, including a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with India and MoUs on semiconductors with Brazil, as examples of Malaysia's strategic outreach. Acknowledging challenges like regional disputes and trade tariffs, Tengku Zafrul outlined three key points for ASEAN to move from 'fracture to future.' Double Down on the ASEAN Way: Upholding the principles of non-alignment and dialogue with all like-minded partners. Continue Diversification and Integration: Leveraging the collective strength of ASEAN's 680-million strong market to 'tide us over' during this fractured era. Pursue National and Regional Reform: Emphasising the success of national reform plans like the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) as crucial for building a strong foundation for regional discussions. He concluded that Malaysia will not drift aimlessly in a turbulent global environment, but will 'anchor ourselves to our principles, chart a course through complexity, and embrace the boldness required to lead.'

Budget 2026 to focus on competitiveness, MSMEs and governance as first step in 13th Malaysia Plan, says Amir Hamzah
Budget 2026 to focus on competitiveness, MSMEs and governance as first step in 13th Malaysia Plan, says Amir Hamzah

Malay Mail

time21 minutes ago

  • Malay Mail

Budget 2026 to focus on competitiveness, MSMEs and governance as first step in 13th Malaysia Plan, says Amir Hamzah

PUTRAJAYA, August 7 — The 2026 Budget, which will be tabled this October in the Dewan Rakyat, marks the first budget to support the goals of the 13th Malaysia Plan and will focus on three main pillars, namely raising the ceiling, raising the floor, and strengthening good governance in the public administration. According to the Parliamentary Calendar, the 2026 Budget is scheduled to be presented on October 10. Minister of Finance II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, said that in raising the ceiling, the government aims to enhance the country's competitiveness and support high-growth, high-value sectors, particularly the semiconductor industry, energy transition, and Islamic economy. He added that the government will also continue to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as startups, to become producers of 'Made by Malaysia' products and services. 'The digital and artificial intelligence agenda continues to be prioritised, alongside efforts to nurture creativity and promote value-based economic growth,' he said in his speech at the inaugural Budget 2026 Engagement Council today. The event was also attended by the Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar; the Secretary-General of the Treasury, Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican; the Director-General of Public Service, Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz; the Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour; and the Executive Chairman of the Securities Commission Malaysia, Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi. Nearly 300 participants attended the event, representing public service institutions, industry players, chambers of commerce, technocrats, economists, scholars, non-governmental organisations, and international organisations. — Bernama

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store