Asean leaders agree to strengthen regional trade and investments, says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean leaders have agreed in consensus to strengthen investments and trade within countries in the region amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the world, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister also said it is important to strengthen resilience among Asean nations and this was agreed by all leaders present in the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits.
"We have to navigate in an increasingly complex global landscape, either shifting geopolitical dynamics, or the unilateral and protectionist tendencies, particularly by the superpowers.
"So, we have to strengthen our internal resilience and this was a consensus among Asean leaders this morning, that the answer, is of course, to negotiate with the rest," said Anwar during his opening remarks at the Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) interface on Monday (May 26).
Anwar also said all Presidents and Prime Ministers present at the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits agreed that there is no reason why inter-Asean trade should be "limited".
"The potential is enormous, so please come up with specific proposals, how we can force policy makers to accept some recommendations," said Anwar to delegates.
At the same time, Anwar said the Asean-BAC interface was an annual affair in Asean Summits because leaders felt that collaborating with the private sector is crucial.
"To ensure that development can be achieved through a faster pace, some decisions must be made by the private sector and business community to complement the efforts of the government.
"That is why, it is a standard procedure that all Asean Summits must have the Asean-BAC interface so that views and suggestions can be expressed," said Anwar, adding that some proposals made during the interface were eventually adopted by governments.
Leaders in the region are meeting during the 46th Asean Summit on May 26 and the summits with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China on May 27.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
2 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Anwar denies seeking immunity after losing bid to refer Yusoff Rawther's suit to apex court
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today said he wanted to ensure that high public office is protected from litigation that may be strategically timed, politically motivated, or institutionally disruptive. PETALING JAYA : Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has rejected suggestions that he is seeking personal immunity from legal proceedings, after the High Court dismissed his application to refer eight legal questions arising from a civil suit filed by a former aide to the Federal Court. Anwar's remarks come amid public and political debate surrounding a civil suit filed by former research assistant Yusoff Rawther, in which questions have arisen about whether the prime minister is seeking legal immunity to avoid standing trial. 'This matter has never been about seeking personal immunity or escaping legal scrutiny,' said Anwar in a Facebook post. 'It concerns the integrity of our constitutional system and the need to ensure that high public office is protected from litigation that may be strategically timed, politically motivated, or institutionally disruptive. 'I remain fully committed to the rule of law, the independence of our courts, and the dignity of democratic governance.' Anwar said the legal process will continue as required, and that he will 'continue to discharge (his) responsibilities without distraction or compromise'. At a press conference after the High Court decision, his lawyer, K Rajasegaran, said Anwar's legal team will immediately file an appeal to the Court of Appeal. Rajasegaran said the eight questions submitted are neither abstract nor academic in nature, but pertain to serious and unresolved constitutional issues. Last Tuesday, Anwar filed an application asking the Kuala Lumpur High Court to refer eight questions of law to the Federal Court for determination, including whether he has immunity from the civil suit brought against him by Yusoff four years ago. He said he wanted the apex court to rule whether Articles 39, 40 and 43 of the Federal Constitution grant him qualified immunity from the suit. Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin then criticised Anwar, stating that Article 8(1) of the Federal Constitution guarantees equality under the law. Hamzah said no one, not even the prime minister, is above the law. The eight questions of law are linked to a civil suit filed by Yusoff over alleged incidents that took place before Anwar assumed office on Nov 24, 2022. Yusoff, a grandson of the late Penang consumer advocate SM Mohamed Idris, claims he was assaulted at Anwar's home in Segambut in October 2018. He is seeking general, special, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as interest, costs and other relief deemed fit by the court. Anwar denies the claim and has filed a countersuit.
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Govt considering homes above train stations to ease congestion
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the proposal will involve building both public and private housing above train stations. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The government is exploring plans to build housing above train stations to help ease traffic congestion, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today. He said the proposal is being studied in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and will require regulatory changes. 'This would involve building both public and private housing above train stations, with a portion set aside for the public,' Anwar said during a forum here. Transport minister Loke Siew Fook said the move marks a 'major policy shift' towards developing affordable housing near LRT and MRT stations, with the goal of reducing car dependency and making homes more affordable. 'We are discussing this with the housing and local government ministry. If implemented, it could significantly reduce car usage,' he told reporters. Loke said the plan also includes reviewing car park requirements for developments near transit stations. Reducing these requirements would lower development costs and housing prices. 'If a project is close to a train station, we can cut down on parking needs. That makes the homes cheaper for buyers,' he said. Prasarana president and group CEO Azharuddin Mat Sah said the public transport operator is looking into using its land near rail stations to support affordable housing. 'We have 15 plots of land. Seven are being developed. Previously, we focused on commercial projects with the highest bids,' he said. 'But now there's a shift in thinking. We want to develop affordable, high-rise housing so people can live closer to public transport.' He said the eight remaining land parcels are being considered under this revised approach. Drone transport not a priority Touching on future transport modes, Loke said drone mobility is not a current priority. 'Drone-based transport is still at an early stage. There are many challenges – technology, regulation, operations,' he said. 'Passenger and cargo drone trials are ongoing, but for now, our focus remains on land transport.'
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Wednesday (June 4, 2025)
Malaysia * Anwar: It was never about immunity * High Court denies Anwar's request to refer questions to Federal Court * King, Queen grace Royal Tea Reception at Istana Negara * Former TV station employee faints while facing 743 data tampering charges * Man crushed to death while repairing excavator in Kundasang * Police receive seven reports after 80 haj pilgrims stranded at KLIA * Daim family assets frozen to prevent disposal during probe, says MACC * Man jailed 30 months, fined RM1,500 for breaking into ex-Kedah MB's home * Sibu accountant loses RM50,000 to online investment scam * Tangkak murder victim's mum had 'bad feeling' a month before tragedy * Wildlife threat surges in Kuala Krai, 28 complaints filed since January * Actor nabbed for alleged sexual assault of teen * MMEA detains Malaysian-registered vessel crewed illegally by foreigners * Penang man loses more than RM1.3mil to online scam * No complex legal questions in Muhyiddin's sedition case, prosecution argues * Malaysia to keep strengthening role as global halal hub, says Mohd Sabu * War of words between GRS, Sabah BN hots up with allegations of betrayal, broken promises * Platform doors at all train stations after June 3 fatal incident * FRU crash tragedy: Probe findings to be presented to Cabinet next week, says Loke * Tun Daim's widow to contest asset freeze order * Malaysia to intensify promotion of hidden gems for Visit Malaysia 2026 * New committee to address financial irregularities, says Anwar * Foreign man dies after falling onto LRT track in Puchong * Sixteen people escape unhurt in accident with lorry carrying fish Singapore * Singapore and Philippines to expand collaboration in renewable energy, sustainability and healthcare * Man who made bomb threat while on plane bound for Abu Dhabi to be charged * A year's jail for maid who bit, choked 90-year-old woman with dementia in Singapore * 106 nabbed, S$7.7mil seized in Singapore in transnational anti-scam operation * Singaporean businessman nabbed before flight at Bangkok airport over suspected tax evasion * How to ensure my car is VEP-ready for entry into Malaysia before July 1 * ByteDance food poisoning case: Eatery chain charged, chicken dish allegedly had bacteria * Singapore to acquire 0.79ha of Malaysia-owned land for Woodlands Checkpoint extension * New Toto game with fixed prizes to start in Singapore with June 12 draw * Woodlands Checkpoint extension works to begin in Q3 2025, more private land to be acquired * Full enforcement of VEP to begin on July 1 Indonesia * Couple publicly flogged in Indonesia for sex outside marriage * Kluivert confident Indonesia will edge China in World Cup qualifier * Indonesian, French firms partner up to develop efuels * Indonesian jailed for Bali bombing starts coffee business * Bali to clamp down on illegal foreign-owned businesses * Indonesia issues warning over Covid-19 surge in Asia * Indonesia vows to provide US tariff preferences before June talks * Haj visa cancellations spark concerns Thailand * Thai PM Paetongtarn mulls cabinet reshuffle, awaits right timing * Over 14,000 people killed in motorcycle accidents in Thailand last year, bikers urged to wear crash helmets * Thailand chooses Swedish Gripen jets over F-16s for its air force * Coalition crisis forces Thai cabinet shake-up to contain unrest * Covid-19 cases surge in Thailand, over 28,000 new cases in two days Philippines * Top Philippine senator to seek dismissal of Duterte impeachment case * President Marcos retains 21 more agency heads after call for courtesy resignations * 'Rested' Pacquiao relishing boxing comeback at 46 * Major rice importer eyes new supply sources Vietnam * Vietnam faces scrutiny over fake milk and lax food safety rules * Health Ministry urges sugary drink tax as consumption soars in Vietnam * Vietnam ends two-child policy as birth rate hits record low Myanmar * Myanmar aims to export 1.83 million tonnes of beans and pulses in 2025-26 FY Cambodia * Cambodia hosts youth conference on climate change * Thailand calls for bilateral talks on border issue, as Cambodia prepares ICJ case Laos * Laos eyes more Malaysian investments Brunei * Bruneian man imprisoned 20 months for auto thefts * Brunei underscores unity, resilience at Asean Customs meeting * Brunei Sultan returns home after hospital admission in Kuala Lumpur Aseanplus * Continuity or reset? Japan, China seek clues to S. Korea President Lee Jae-myung's foreign policy * Jun Hao reaches second round, Aaron-Wooi Yik bows out * India sets date of population and caste census * HK actress Lana Wong, 94, lives on RM2K legal aid monthly allowance as savings dip below RM5K * Beijing slams Rubio 'attack' on China after Tiananmen Square remarks * Deadly stampede at India cricket celebrations * Pearly-Thinaah overcame Taiwan's Shuo-yan-Chien-hui in Indonesian Open first round * G-Dragon, Le Sserafim, Babymonster push on with overseas concerts amid Covid-19 surge in Asia * Malaysian actor Zhang Yaodong spotted manning steamed seafood stall at kopitiam in Singapore * Japanese mother of abductee frustrated by lack of resolution to issue; no abductees have returned to Japan from North Korea since 2002 * Bangladesh says India pushes back 1,200 people * Fuel prices June 5-11: RON97, diesel down 3sen, RON95 unchanged * Good news as two men's doubles pairs assured of q-finals spots * Bursa Malaysia rebounds to close higher on bargain hunting * Malaysia prepares to assume UN-Habitat presidency, eyes broader urban development role * 238 undocumented migrants held in Sandakan raids * Around 100 dead cats found at Japan woman's home * Japan scientists develop plastic that dissolves in seawater within hours * Xi vows to strengthen ties with S. Korea after Lee's election: CCTV * China really wants to attract talented scientists, and Trump just helped * Australia cracks down on crypto ATMs as scams, fraud uncovered * China universities on the rise in Global 2000 rankings * FBM KLCI erases earlier gains as lacklustre momentum prevails * M'sia, Guinea-Bissau extend ties with focus on halal industry, Islamic finance and energy * Japan must pursue payment innovation as society becomes cash-less, BOJ official says * Asean manufacturing sector records slight uptick in May amid challenging conditions - S&P Global * Global airline association seeks to address growing problem of in-flight theft * Australian accused in mushroom murders recounts fatal lunch * China's top diplomat urges US to put relations on 'right track' * South Korea's new leader vows to 'heal wounds' with nuclear-armed North * Asian stocks track Wall St up after jobs data, Seoul surges on Lee win * Japan PM Ishiba vows to 'energise' S. Korea cooperation under new leader Lee * M'sia-Russia ties to deepen with upcoming joint meeting, says Zambry * North Korea pulls capsized warship upright after botched launch, report says * South Korea's new leader to seek more time for US trade talks: Analysis * Richard Marx to hold concert in Genting Highlands on Aug 16 * Malaysia and UK form joint committee to boost franchise cooperation * 500,000 UK tourist target for Visit Malaysia 2026, says Zahid * Global alarms rise as China's critical mineral export curbs takes hold * Ringgit strengthens against greenback as Trump administration pushes disruptive trade policies * HK actor Peter Pang, who's diagnosed with cancer, continues to work to recoup RM270K in living & medical expenses * Sivasangari storms into British Open quarter-finals * Top retired Chinese general Xu Qiliang dies * Military confirms lost jets * PM quits after losing backing and protests * Over 100 inmates escape during earthquake evacuation shootout * Polio case sets back eradication campaigns * Trump-Xi to talk trade soon * Millions vote in presidential poll * Japan's lower House passes bill to ban online casinos * Swimming-World Aquatics adopts bylaw to stop doping enablers amid Enhanced Games furore * Tennis-Sabalenka calls for marquee women's matches to start later at French Open * South Korea: Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-Myung projected to win Presidency
