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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Timor-Leste eyes October deadline
KUALA LUMPUR: Timor-Leste is confident that it can clear all hurdles in time to secure full Asean membership by October. Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão said the nation has fulfilled more than 80 per cent of the bloc's entry requirements and is racing to wrap up the remainder. Buoyed by strong support from Malaysia, particularly Asean chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Gusmão said he is confident Timor-Leste will soon join as the regional bloc's 11th member. "I'm very confident because my friend and brother, Anwar Ibrahim, has given his full support. "I'm also confident because all the countries have said, 'Yes, you must do everything that is still needed to become a member.' "We have to begin fulfilling the remaining requirements. "The main challenge is completing all preparations. We can say that we've achieved more than 80 per cent. "Our immediate task is to send the laws to Parliament," he said. On Tuesday, Anwar announced that the bloc had agreed to accept Timor-Leste as a full member, pending the completion of legal requirements under the Asean Foreign Ministers (AFM) framework. Anwar said Asean will do "whatever is necessary" to ensure that Timor-Leste becomes the bloc's latest member by October. Timor-Leste, the youngest nation in Southeast Asia, has been pursuing full Asean membership since gaining independence in 2002. The country formally applied for membership in 2011. During the Asean Summit in Cambodia in 2022, Timor-Leste was admitted in principle as Asean's 11th member and granted observer status. STRONG POLITICAL WILL Gusmão said there is strong political will across Timor-Leste's leadership to see the membership process through. "Just yesterday, our parliamentary speaker attended the AIPA (Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly) meeting and has become aware of the steps required. "I believe that once she returns to Dili (Timor-Leste's capital), she will do everything she can to convince Parliament to approve the remaining laws." He said some of the legal instruments required for membership need to be ratified by Parliament. "As I understand it, certain laws must first be approved by Parliament, then sent to the president for promulgation, before final ratification. "That's why we are doing everything to become a full Asean member by October." He said Malaysia has been politically and technically supportive, helping Timor-Leste understand Asean's requirements and guiding the country through the membership process. He added that other member states have also offered assistance, including a personal assurance from Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. CONTRIBUTING TO ASEAN Gusmão acknowledged that Timor-Leste, as a young nation, cannot expect to make immediate, significant contributions to Asean upon joining. He said participation will be an ongoing, year-by-year process. Timor-Leste, he said, plans to leverage its membership to boost its capabilities, particularly in human resource development. "At the Asean-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) China Summit, one of the issues that was brought up was people-to-people relations, human resource development and skills exchange. "We will seize the opportunity to learn more, for the benefit of our people. "We cannot immediately say that we can export something," he said. He said some areas Timor-Leste could leverage include agriculture, where the focus is on improving food security. "During the summit, everyone, including Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, talked about agriculture. "As a small, mountainous country facing climate change challenges, we face additional difficulties. If successful practices work elsewhere, we can adopt them to boost our ability to feed our people." He highlighted the importance of respecting the unique circumstances of each Asean nation and noted that understanding neighbours' cultures and ways of life is essential to building strong regional ties. A MEANINGFUL SUMMIT Asked for his views on the Asean Summit and its related meetings, he described the event as highly significant, especially due to the depth and value of the exchanges. "It was meaningful due to the openness and exchange of ideas. Anwar presented what Malaysia, as chairman, would do this year, and the theme was inclusivity and sustainability. "There were productive discussions on this, but it was even more meaningful because he also presented a draft of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration On Asean 2045. "It was wonderful, and it also pointed to more integration between countries in all areas, making it significant." He also described the summit between Asean, GCC and China as significant, as all parties had begun exploring ways to boost cooperation amid the challenging global environment. He said they also reaffirmed their commitment to international law and humanitarian rights, particularly for Palestinians in Gaza, during a time of uncertainty and tension. "The three parties expressed commitment to deepen cooperation in economic security, peace, political dialogue and human rights advocacy.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- General
- Times of Oman
ASEAN Secy-General lauds Indian Parliament's engagement in promoting inter-parliamentary dialogue
Jakarta: The all-party parliamentary delegation, led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, held a meeting with Secretary-General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn on Wednesday at the ASEAN Headquarters where Hourn highlighted ASEAN'S Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with India. Both sides also exchanged views on transnational crime, including combating terrorism and violent extremism. In a post on X, ASEAN stated, "Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today received a courtesy call from a delegation of Indian Parliamentarians at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. During the meeting, SG Dr. Kao commended the Indian Parliament's active engagement in promoting inter-parliamentary dialogue and ASEAN-India cooperation, particularly as an observer in the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA)." The post further added, "He highlighted the significance of aligning legislative and executive efforts in advancing ASEAN's regional priorities, and reaffirmed ASEAN's commitment to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with India. They also exchanged views on transnational crime, including combating terrorism and violent extremism." The delegation also held a meeting with Indonesia's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arief Havas Oegroseno, on Wednesday. The delegation, led by JD-U MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, includes Aparajita Sarangi (BJP), TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, Brij Lala (BJP), John Brittas (CPI-M), Pradan Baruah (BJP), Hemang Joshi (BJP), Salman Khurshid and Mohan Kumar. Earlier in the day, an all-party delegation met Vice Chairperson of the Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation, Muhammad Husein Fadlulloh, and Chairperson of the Indonesia-India Parliamentary Friendship Group, Muhammad Rofiqi, to brief them on India's strong commitment against terrorism. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Indonesia stated, "The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation, led by Hon'ble MP Mr. Sanjay Kumar Jha, met with Hon. Mr. Muhammad Husein Fadlulloh, Vice-Chairperson of the Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation and Hon. Mr. Muhammad Rofiqi, S.H Chairperson of Indonesia-India Parliamentary Friendship Group, to sensitise them on India's strong commitment against terrorism. Indonesian side conveyed that they condemn terrorism and believe in dialogue for solving problems, not terrorism as it is against humanity, supporting India's zero-tolerance approach." During the meeting, the Indonesian side condemned terrorism and said that they believe in dialogue for resolving problems and not terrorism, as it is against humanity. The delegation is visiting many countries as part of India's global outreach against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. The delegation has so far visited Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Delhi HC reserves order on All India Pickleball Association's recognition dispute
New Delhi [India], May 27 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Tuesday reserved its decision on a petition filed by the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), challenging the Union Sports Ministry's recognition of another entity, the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA). Justice Sachin Datta reserved his order after hearing arguments from all relevant parties. During the hearing, the Union government's counsel argued that there is no enforceable legal right mandating AIPA's recognition, emphasising that the Sports Code does not require a formal hearing. The counsel further stated, 'After analysis, we found that on several parameters, the candidature of the respondent (IPA) was compliant, whereas the petitioner (AIPA) was not.' Additionally, the government pointed out that pickleball still lacks an internationally recognised governing body, as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has yet to acknowledge one. AIPA, in its arguments, urged the court to review the records, asserting that the IPA does not meet the necessary qualifications. In its petition, AIPA, which has been active since 2008 in promoting and developing pickleball in India, contends that the government's recognition of a newly formed organization--only 138 days old--violates the Sports Code. 'The IPA is attempting to fraudulently assume the role of a national sports federation for pickleball despite making no meaningful contribution to the sport's development in India,' AIPA argued in its petition. AIPA also accused the ministry of arbitrariness and lack of transparency, stating, 'The ministry has neither provided a rationale for granting recognition to the IPA nor any supporting material to justify its decision. Moreover, it has failed to offer reasons for rejecting our application.' Adding to the complexities of the case, the Government of India recently informed the Court of another intervening entity--the New Indian Pickleball Association (NIPA), also known as the Indian Pickleball Association. Based in Bangalore and established in 2021, NIPA had formally merged with AIPA last year. It is now challenging the legitimacy of the newly recognised IPA, accusing it of unauthorised use of its name, credentials, and legacy. AIPA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of pickleball in India, asserting that any attempt to bypass due process or disrupt the sport's governance should be subjected to thorough legal scrutiny. Expressing faith in the Indian judiciary, AIPA affirmed its belief that the rule of law will ensure fairness and proper governance in pickleball. The association upholds the values of fair play, sportsmanship, and ethical sports administration and urges the ministry to reconsider and rectify its decision in the broader interest of pickleball and the Indian sporting community. (ANI)
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Anwar: ASEAN, GCC and China present vast collaborative potential with combined US$24.87 trillion GDP
Anwar delivers his opening remarks during the ASEAN Leaders' Interface with representatives of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), held in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today. – Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (May 27): ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and China together represent a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of US$24.87 trillion (US$1=RM4.21) and a population of about 2.15 billion, offering vast opportunities to synergise markets, deepen innovation, and promote cross-regional investment, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today. 'For the first time, ASEAN, the GCC, and China come together in this unique configuration – three partners, each rich in history, civilisation, culture, and shared aspirations, gather to open a new chapter of dialogue and cooperation,' he said in his opening remarks at the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit themed 'Synergising Economic Opportunities Towards Shared Prosperity.' Also present were Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, who is also the president of the current session of the Supreme Council of the GCC; China's Premier Li Qiang; Malaysia's Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; and Malaysia's Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz. In 2023, ASEAN's GDP reached US$3.8 trillion, making it the world's fifth-largest economy. That same year, total trade with the GCC stood at US$130.7 billion, with foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows of US$390.2 million. China, meanwhile, remained ASEAN's largest trading partner with US$696.7 billion in trade and US$17.3 billion in FDI, which indicate immense existing linkages as well as substantial untapped potential. 'I hope this summit will stand as a new chapter in ASEAN's journey of outward-looking engagement, demonstrating what can be achieved when partners work together in mutual respect and shared purpose,' said Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister. He expressed confidence that ASEAN, the GCC, and China can draw upon respective unique attributes, and shape a future that is more connected, more resilient, and more prosperous for generations to come. Among the ASEAN leaders attending today's events were the Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Also attending were Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao as Observer, and ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn. – Bernama anwar ibrahim asean China GCC lead summit
The Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
AIPA pushes for women, youth empowerment in ASEAN nation-building
KUALA LUMPUR: ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) president Tan Sri Johari Abdul have conveyed a strong and unified message on the need to enhance female and youth participation across various sectors to advance inclusive nation-building within ASEAN. He stressed that women and youth must be given greater space in leadership, politics and decision-making processes, as they are essential to building a sustainable and people-centred ASEAN. 'Alhamdulillah, in Malaysia, women's involvement is very encouraging in certain areas, particularly in the public sector's supporting services, where we have likely surpassed 50 per cent, and in the education sector as well,' he told reporters after ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representatives of AIPA, held on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit here today. However, he noted that women remain underrepresented in other key fields, especially politics, and emphasised the need to empower young women to take on leadership roles. 'This is the area we want to push, so that the participation of young ladies becomes more active and prominent,' he said. Johari, who is the Dewan Rakyat Speaker, also called for greater empowerment of youth as future leaders, stressing that their aspirations must be meaningfully incorporated across all sectors, including politics, the economy, social development and education. He reaffirmed the shared commitment of ASEAN leaders and AIPA member parliaments to advancing a more inclusive, sustainable and people-centred regional community. Meanwhile, in a statement, the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives noted that Johari commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership as ASEAN Chair and emphasised the importance of strong collaboration between the executive and legislative branches in shaping regional policy. The statement also highlighted the need to strengthen parliamentary initiatives supporting the empowerment of women and youth, the acceleration of digital integration and the advancement of green and sustainable economic growth. As the current ASEAN Chair, Malaysia is hosting the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from May 26 to 27. The ASEAN-AIPA Leaders' Interface is a dedicated platform for dialogue between ASEAN heads of state/government and the Speakers, Deputy Speakers, and representatives of AIPA Member Parliaments to align regional priorities through inclusive, multi-stakeholder governance.
