Latest news with #101East
BusinessToday
17-05-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
Anwar Stresses ASEAN Unity Amid Geopolitical Pressures and Tariff Concerns
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to ASEAN unity and constructive regional engagement amid rising geopolitical tensions and external economic pressures. In an interview with Al Jazeera's 101 East , Anwar said the region must present a united front in response to growing trade uncertainties and cross-border challenges, especially as Malaysia prepares to chair ASEAN in 2025. 'We have been quite cohesive. I think we need to strengthen that bond together in this changing geopolitical environment,' he said, stressing that ASEAN's focus should remain on intra-trade, investment, and shared positions on major power relations. Anwar also warned that shifting tariff policies, particularly from the United States, could have adverse effects on Malaysia and the wider region. However, he expressed optimism that stronger ASEAN cohesion could help mitigate the impact. He reaffirmed ASEAN centrality as a guiding principle amid changing global trade dynamics. Addressing the issue of cyber scams in Southeast Asia, Anwar said ASEAN cooperation on cybersecurity and transnational crime has improved, adding that member states are working towards establishing common rules. He dismissed allegations that Cambodia was complicit in scam operations, citing Malaysia's strong cooperation with Cambodian authorities. Anwar also said he would raise any emerging concerns directly with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Malaysia has previously chaired ASEAN in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. Related
The Star
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
PM reaffirms commitment to upholding Asean cohesion
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to Asean cohesion and constructive engagement with regional partners amid complex geopolitical challenges and growing concerns over cross-border repression. In an interview with Al Jazeera's 101 East, released on Thursday on the channel's YouTube platform, Anwar stressed the importance of Asean remaining united as the region faces mounting pressure from major powers and intensifying trade tensions. 'We have been quite cohesive. I think we need to strengthen that bond together in this changing geopolitical environment. 'The focus is on intra-trade, investment and taking a common position vis-a-vis the big powers and our neighbours,' he said during the interview with senior journalist Mary Ann Jolley. The Prime Minister also described Malaysia's relations with neighbouring countries as 'excellent' and emphasised that many regional issues are best resolved through direct personal engagement. He reiterated that Asean centrality must remain a core guiding principle as the region navigates new global trade dynamics, including tariff policies that could impact member states, Bernama reported. While acknowledging that tariff changes, particularly from the United States, could adversely affect Malaysia, the Prime Minister said: 'If we can secure Asean unity and cohesion, we may be able to slightly mitigate the impact.' Malaysia currently holds the Asean chairmanship for 2025. On the issue of cyberscams operating out of South-East Asia, including Cambodia, Anwar said that Asean has stepped up collaboration to tackle transnational crime. He also dismissed claims that the Cambodian government is complicit in the scam industry, despite critical reports from international watchdogs. 'We now have more proactive engagements within Asean on cybersecurity and transnational crimes. 'We are working towards establishing common rules,' he added. He also said Malaysia continues to maintain close and effective cooperation with Cambodian authorities, which he described as 'unrivalled'. Anwar said he would raise any new concerns directly with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
The Star
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysian PM Anwar reaffirms to Asean cohesion, maintains strong ties with Cambodia
KAZAN (Tatarstan), Friday, May 16: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the 16th International Economic Forum 'Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum' (KazanForum 2025), marking the highlight of his official visit to the Russian Federation on its final day. - Photo: Bernama KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to Asean cohesion and constructive engagement with regional partners amid complex geopolitical challenges and growing concerns over cross-border repression. In an interview with Al Jazeera's 101 East, released Thursday on the channel's YouTube platform, Anwar stressed the importance of Asean remaining united as the region faces mounting pressure from major powers and intensifying trade tensions. "We have been quite cohesive. I think we need to strengthen that bond together in this changing geopolitical environment. "The focus is on intra-trade, investment, and taking a common position vis-à-vis the big powers and our neighbours,' he said during the interview with senior journalist Mary Ann Jolley. Anwar also described Malaysia's relations with neighbouring countries as "excellent' and emphasised that many regional issues are best resolved through direct personal engagement. He reiterated that Aseab centrality must remain a core guiding principle as the region faces new global trade dynamics, including tariff policies that could impact member states. While acknowledging that tariff changes, particularly from the United States (US), could adversely affect Malaysia, he said : "If we can secure ASEAN unity and cohesion, we may be able to slightly mitigate the impact.' Malaysia currently holds the Asean chairmanship for 2025. Asean comprises 10 member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Malaysia has previously chaired Asean in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. On the issue of cyber scams operating out of South-East Asia, including Cambodia, Anwar said Asean has stepped up collaboration to tackle transnational crime. He dismissed claims that the Cambodian government was complicit in the scam industry, despite critical reports from international watchdogs. "We now have more proactive engagements within Asean on cybersecurity and transnational crimes... We are working towards establishing common rules,' he added. He also said Malaysia continues to maintain close and effective cooperation with Cambodian authorities, which he described as "unrivalled'. Anwar said he would raise any new concerns directly with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. "I will speak to my colleague, the Prime Minister (Hun Manet),' he said. - Bernama
The Star
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Some don't want Jho Low back as he could expose more corruption, says Anwar
PETALING JAYA: Certain parties are not keen for fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, to be brought back to Malaysia, as his return could expose more corruption, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said that his main priorities currently were addressing governance issues and systemic corruption in the nation. Anwar said this during Al-Jazeera's 101 East programme when he was asked if certain camps in Malaysia don't want Jho Low back in the country. "I believe so, I am sure… the fact that his (Low) return would probably expose more. I do not want to be distracted to consider this as the only issue that the prime minister Anwar has to deal with. "Anwar has to deal with the issue of governance and rid this country of systemic is a major, arduous battle and it does not start and end with 1MDB," said Anwar during the interview with Al Jazeera on Thursday (May 15). Anwar said the government was trying its best to locate Low, and when he first became prime minister in 2022, he ordered all enforcement agencies to do their best on the matter. 'Because, he is quite instrumental and his testimony will be pivotal in actually closing and putting an end to this case,' said Anwar. Anwar said 'Yes' when asked if the process of bringing back Low was complicated. Asked if Low was in China, Anwar said it cannot be established. 'No, we cannot establish he is in China, seriously, on record. But, we suspect some movements, if I say some more, it will be more complicated,' added Anwar. Asked why it was so difficult to bring back Low, given the mountain of evidence against the fugitive, Anwar said, 'We don't know where he is'. In 2023, Anwar had said negotiations had been ongoing with several countries to speed up the process of repatriating Low. Last year, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the police were committed to locating Low, but there were no leads on his whereabouts.
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Extradition of Cambodian worker followed due process, based on sufficient evidence
KUALA LUMPUR: Cambodian domestic worker Nuon Toeun was deported to her home country last year following a request from the Cambodian authorities, who had submitted the necessary evidence to Malaysia's Home Ministry. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysian authorities were convinced by the case before deciding to extradite Toeun, allegedly over a social media post criticising Cambodia's former leader. "We cannot take the risk as it could affect bilateral relations. We need to establish the case. If we are convinced, meaning the authorities here in Malaysia, we proceed with the extradition. If not, we delay," he said during an interview on Al-Jazeera's 101 East. Anwar said the Home Ministry had briefed the government on the request from Cambodian authorities, with input from the police, Immigration Department, and the legal division under the ministry. "I did communicate with the Cambodian Prime Minister (Hun Manet). I expressed our concerns. He knows my position and background, but he said they had provided all the necessary evidence to the Home Ministry," he said. When interviewer Mary Ann Jolley suggested that the case had tarnished Malaysia's reputation, Anwar disagreed. "If we have grounds to question, we will continue questioning. If there are reasons to delay, we delay. We must respect their (Cambodia's) laws; otherwise, how do we work to make Asean a credible force?" he said. Asked if he was satisfied with the outcome, Anwar said it was not a matter of personal satisfaction but of adhering to evidence that suggested an offence had been committed in Cambodia. "I think there was sufficient reason to agree to the request from the Cambodian authorities. We did not simply concede; the matter was brought up to the prime ministerial level, indicating that it was not an easy decision for us," he said. Anwar added that the Cambodian government had assured that Toeun would go through the proper legal process upon her return. In October last year, Toeun, 36, who had worked in Malaysia for several years, was deported following the request from Cambodian authorities. It was reported that she was sentenced to two years' imprisonment and a fine last month.
