Thailand approves Malaysia, US, China as observers for GBC meeting
Acting Defence Minister General Natthapon Nakpanich welcomed the consensus on holding the extraordinary GBC meeting in Malaysia from August 4 to 7, expressing appreciation for the collaborative effort.
'It is my pleasure to confirm that Thailand accepts the proposal to include representatives from Malaysia, as the ASEAN Chair, US and China, who have been providing assistance since July 28, as observers to the GBC meeting,' he said in a statement.
He added that the participation of observers from Malaysia, the United States, and China is scheduled to take place on August 7.
Natthapon also expressed his sincere appreciation to all parties involved in making the preparations possible, particularly to the Malaysian side for its excellent coordination in arranging this important meeting.
Last Thursday, Thailand's Defence Ministry proposed that the upcoming GBC meeting be held on neutral ground, suggesting Malaysia as the venue, and recommended that it run from Aug 4 to 7 to allow sufficient time for comprehensive discussions.
Conflict at the Thai-Cambodian border began with a brief skirmish on May 28 and escalated into armed clashes on July 24.
On Monday, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following a special meeting hosted in Putrajaya by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the current ASEAN Chair. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
8 minutes ago
- The Star
Boeing purchase is part of long-term fleet renewal, says Zafrul
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has dismissed claims that Malaysia Airlines' acquisition of Boeing aircraft was due to US pressure, emphasising that the deal is part of a long-term plan to renew and expand the national carrier's fleet. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said Malaysia Aviation Group's (MAG) aircraft purchase is valued at US$19bil and aims to replace ageing B737-800 planes that have been in operation for an average of 14 years. "The procurement of Boeing aircraft by MAG is part of a long-term, phased plan to renew and expand fleet capacity. "The purchase was not a sudden decision or a result of tariff-related pressure but based on operational requirements to ensure the safety and sustainability of MAG's operations," he said in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Aug 4). Tengku Zafrul explained that MAG initially ordered 25 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft in 2016, of which 13 have been delivered as of November 2, 2023, with the rest to be delivered in stages until 2027. "On March 20, before any tariff-related developments, MAG finalised an additional order for 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with deliveries expected from 2025 through to 2035. "Another 30 aircraft remain under consideration, subject to MAG's future growth strategy," he added. He said the procurement value includes not only the aircraft but also engine costs, training, maintenance, and long-term support services. The minister also spoke of the broader economic benefits of the deal, stating it would bolster Malaysia's aerospace and tourism sectors. "Malaysia's aerospace industry stands to benefit significantly, as Boeing has long been a key partner in this sector, including through Boeing Composite Malaysia in Kedah, which supports Boeing's global supply chain and provides local employment," said Tengku Zafrul. He added that many Malaysian companies supply critical components to both Boeing and Airbus, contributing RM25.1bil annually and supporting 30,000 jobs nationwide. "At the same time, our tourism sector has shown strong post-pandemic recovery. Boeing forecasts global passenger traffic to grow by 4.7% over the next 20 years. "This investment enables Malaysia to tap into the growth potential of both tourism and aerospace industries," he said. Tengku Zafrul also addressed concerns raised by several MPs about possible concessions to the US, reiterating that Malaysia remains committed to safeguarding national interests. "I wish to stress again that the government holds firmly to the principle of no compromise on strategic national policies. "This includes empowerment of local vendors and Bumiputera companies, SME participation in supply chains, protection of critical sectors, and conditions on halal imports and the automotive market," he said. He added that the trade negotiations with the US provided Malaysia with a timely opportunity to review outdated and overlapping non-tariff barriers and bureaucratic procedures.
The Sun
8 minutes ago
- The Sun
Malaysia-Russia ties strengthen with King's historic state visit
KUALA LUMPUR: The state visit of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, to Russia at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin signals a significant step forward in bilateral relations between the two nations. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that the visit, scheduled from August 5 to 10, will enhance cooperation in trade, investment, education, and technology. Anwar stated, 'Malaysia has the potential to attract new investments and advanced technologies from Russia, particularly in the fields of energy, aerospace, defence, and smart agriculture, in line with the MADANI Economy framework that emphasises competitiveness, sustainability, and shared prosperity.' The Prime Minister noted that the visit underscores the monarchy's diplomatic role, reinforcing Malaysia's reputation as a neutral and progressive nation. This marks the first state visit by a Malaysian Head of State to Russia since diplomatic ties began in 1967. Anwar added, 'This reflects His Majesty's role as a symbol of national unity and a strategic contributor to strengthening Malaysia's international relations.' The Prime Minister attended the royal send-off ceremony at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Subang. Russia ranks as Malaysia's ninth-largest trading partner in Europe and 28th globally, with bilateral trade valued at RM11.46 billion (USD2.48 billion) in 2024. From January to June 2025, trade between the two nations reached RM4.13 billion (USD945.7 million). - Bernama
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
'Inappropriate and insensitive', Loke slams DAP vet's senator nomination protest
SEREMBAN: The DAP has expressed regret over a protest by around 50 party veterans in Negri Sembilan, who wore custom-made masks made from sanitary pads to protest the proposed nomination of an "outsider" for the senator post. Party secretary-general Anthony Loke described the act as highly inappropriate and insensitive, noting that members can always raise concerns internally if dissatisfied with leadership decisions. "If they are unhappy, there are internal channels for them to air their grievances. In any political party, decisions are made by the leadership after considering all aspects. Not all decisions can satisfy everyone," he stated after handing over the Jalur Gemilang to schools in the Seremban parliamentary constituency for Merdeka Day celebrations. Loke, who is Seremban MP, said it was improper for the protesters to resort to such a gimmick. The protest involved members of the state DAP Veterans Club, who held a media conference on Sunday (Aug 3) to oppose the appointment of a Johorean senator for Negri Sembilan. They wore the masks to symbolise the state leadership's silence and failure to appoint a local individual. Loke clarified that the protest involved only a few members and did not represent the entire party. The senator post allocated for the state will become vacant as current senator A. Kesavadas Nair completes his second and final term at the end of this month. When asked about the nomination of Vincent Wu Him Ven from Johor, Loke said the proposed name would be tabled at the state assembly sitting on Tuesday (Aug 5). "Once decisions are made, we have to proceed with the decision," he stated without elaborating. Loke noted that there are no legal requirements for the senator post for a particular state to be filled by an individual from the same state. "The usual practice is that component parties in the state government recommend names. Since 2018, PKR and DAP have each been allocated one seat, and the individual can be from anywhere as long as they are a Malaysian citizen," he explained. Nominations are automatically rejected if they do not fulfil legal provisions. It was also reported that Wanita DAP chief Teo Nie Ching slammed the veteran's protest as being disrespectful to women. "Using sanitary pads as tools of attack or ridicule only reinforces the shame and stigma long associated with menstruation," said Teo, who is also the Deputy Communications Minister. Period poverty is a reality in Malaysia, said Teo, adding that some students are forced to miss school due to their inability to afford menstrual products. 'And yet, here they are wasting large quantities of sanitary pads just to mock their political rivals," she said.
