PM Anwar's Announcement Reflects Strong Economic Fundamentals
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the Sabah government welcomed the people-centric initiatives, as they were aimed at alleviating the people's burden.
'This reflects the Prime Minister's genuine concern for the people's well-being,' he said in a statement today.
Hajiji described the one-off RM100 aid for all Malaysians aged 18 and above to purchase essential items at 4,100 retail outlets, along with the expansion of the Rahmah MADANI Sales to every state constituency, as a welcome move for the people.
He said the move to lower the RON95 petrol price to RM1.99 per litre under the targeted subsidy initiative, which was expected to benefit more than 18 million Malaysians, had truly fulfilled the people's aspirations.
Hajiji said that the additional public holiday on Sept 15, declared in conjunction with Malaysia Day, reflected the federal government's recognition of the significance of this special occasion for the entire nation.
In SARAWAK, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister following today's announcement of various people-centric initiatives.
'The RON95 price will be reduced, and several other forms of assistance will be extended to the people. I am thankful.
'This means that the people of Sarawak will not only be receiving assistance from Kuala Lumpur (federal government), but also from the state government. This will help ease the people's burden,' he said at a press conference after attending an event in Bintulu today.
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The Star
an hour ago
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Leaders set on resolving border issues, boosting ties
Strategic partnerships: Anwar and Prabowo walking together ahead of their bilateral meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta. — AFP JAKARTA: Malaysia and Indonesia reached several important agreements at the 13th Annual Consultation, including border issues, economic cooperation and the implementation of new energy projects, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said among the main achievements of the talks were the signing of four memoranda of understanding covering border issues including Pulau Sebatik, health, information and communication and Internet governance. 'We touched on important issues including a US$30bil (RM127bil) bilateral trade target, investment cooperation in Ibu Kota Nusantara and smoother cross-border access facilities in Entikong,' he said at a press conference after the talks. The Prime Minister was in Indonesia for a two-day working visit in conjunction with the 13th Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Leaders' Consultation. Earlier, he was received by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace, after which the two leaders held a bilateral meeting to discuss various issues of mutual concern. Anwar said Malaysia's investments in strategic sectors in Indonesia were based on the spirit to strengthen regional prosperity. Malaysia's aim, he said, was to be an honest and trustworthy development partner in various fields, including renewable energy with Sarawak as an export hub for infrastructure, housing, education and technology. On the issue of maritime boundaries in the Sulawesi Sea, the Prime Minister said discussions were held based on international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as the interests of both countries, Bernama reported. 'Our spirit is to safeguard each other's interests while respecting the boundaries established in accordance with international law. We will continue with that spirit so that there is no tension.' He said Malaysia and Indonesia also agreed to boost cooperation through the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement framework to maintain peace in the Sulu Sea and Sulawesi Sea. At a dialogue session with the Association of Malaysian-Indonesian Journalists earlier, the Prime Minister said Malaysia has never adopted an aggressive stance in addressing maritime border issues with Indonesia, including the long-standing dispute in the Sulawesi Sea. He said Malaysia remains committed to the legal framework and diplomatic negotiations. 'We follow the legal path. We do not take an aggressive stance. Both sides must avoid encroaching into each other's territory.' The dispute in the Sulawesi Sea involving overlapping maritime claims between East Kalimantan and southeastern Sabah has persisted since Malaysia published a map of its maritime boundaries in 1979. According to a written reply dated July 22 on the Malaysian Parliament portal, the Foreign Ministry said that the ND6 and ND7 oil exploration blocks in the Sulawesi Sea fall within Malaysian sovereign territory under international law. The ministry said Malaysia's stance was based on international legal principles, including the 2002 ruling by the International Court of Justice over nearby territorial disputes.
The Star
an hour ago
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PM: Ceasefire highlights Asean's growing diplomatic clout
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The Star
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World leaders laud Anwar's efforts in brokering peace
Twin joy: Double rainbows appearing behind Cambodians travelling near temporary shelters after the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand agreed to a truce in Srei Snam, Cambodia. — Reuters IPOH: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been lauded for the successful mediation between Thailand and Cambodia, which saw the two countries agreeing to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said his country is grateful to Malaysia for hosting ceasefire talks between Thailand and Cambodia, and applauds the ceasefire declaration. 'President Trump and I are committed to an immediate cessation of violence and expect the governments of Cambodia and Thailand to fully honour their commitments to end this conflict. 'We are grateful to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his leadership and for hosting the ceasefire talks. 'We urge all parties to follow through on their commitments. The United States will remain committed to and engaged in this US-Malaysia organised process to end this conflict,' he said. German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said Chancellor Friedrich Merz had spoken to Anwar to express his appreciation. 'The task now is to further de-escalate the conflict,' said Merz, who also praised the good relations between Germany and Malaysia. 'As the current Chair of Asean and, bilaterally, Malaysia is an important partner for Germany in the region,' he said. A French Embassy spokesperson said France commended the Prime Minister's role in the matter. 'France welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire and the resumption of dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand following the meeting between the Prime Ministers of the two countries in Malaysia. 'It calls for the effective implementation of the ceasefire. 'This significant progress must be the starting point for a lasting settlement of disputes through peaceful means, in accordance with international law. 'France reiterates its willingness to contribute to international efforts, particularly those of Asean in this regard,' said the spokesperson. European Union vice-president Kaja Kallas described the ceasefire agreement as a major breakthrough. 'It's vital both countries implement it in good faith. I thank Malaysia as Asean Chair for helping facilitate the negotiation process,' she said on X. Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Penny Wong called for both parties to honour the ceasefire and work towards a lasting and peaceful resolution. 'We appreciate Anwar and Malaysia's leadership as Asean Chair, and the role played by President Trump,' she said on X. The historic ceasefire made headlines in top world news organisations. This is not the first time Malaysia has played a significant role in mediating regional conflicts. The country has long earned trust as a neutral peace broker, having previously contributed to peace efforts in Aceh, southern Thailand and the southern Philippines.
