Latest news with #ASEAN
Borneo Post
41 minutes ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Malaysia's leadership shines at ASEAN Summit with key milestones and global partnership
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is seen alongside ASEAN, Gulf, and Chinese leaders during the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit. – Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (May 30): Undoubtedly, the ASEAN Summit held in the capital earlier this week concluded on a high note, marking a significant moment for regional diplomacy and Malaysia's leadership on the Southeast Asian stage. Several key milestones were achieved at the meeting, which was attended by leaders from all ten ASEAN member states and key dialogue partners. One of the most significant outcomes of the summit was the formal announcement that Timor-Leste will become a full member of ASEAN by October 2025. Membership in ASEAN is never an easy path for any country, as the regional bloc works on a consensus basis. All it takes is for a member country to oppose the new entrant, and it goes out the window. There have been some anxious moments for the youngest Asian nation, which has just a 1.5 million population, with one Timor Leste diplomat joking that 'going to heaven is easier than joining ASEAN.' Resource-rich Timor-Leste occupies the eastern part of the island of Timor, at the far eastern tip of the Indonesian archipelago. But with its biggest supporter, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, pushing for its entrance into ASEAN, there were plenty of behind-the-scenes persuasions to ensure a consensus was met. After years of preparation and observer participation, Timor-Leste's accession was unanimously endorsed. The Prime Minister described the decision as 'historic and deeply symbolic,' noting that it represents ASEAN's commitment to inclusivity and support for emerging democracies in the region. Malaysia has been providing training for the country's budding diplomats at the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR). The IDFR also organised a specialised programme for over 50 government officials in support of Timor-Leste's journey toward ASEAN membership. In addition, two key high-level meetings – the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit – concluded successfully on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit. The ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, which was attended by China's Premier Li Qiang, is unprecedented as this is the first of its kind, reflecting Malaysia's push for greater economic cooperation. Against the backdrop of crippling tariffs and rising economic uncertainties, the Al Jazeera described the meeting as 'alternative centres of global power in full display with the GCC and China attending the ASEAN summit for the group's inaugural trilateral meeting.'' The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Both engagements reflected ASEAN's increasing global relevance and its strategy of balanced engagement. For Anwar, the summit was not only a diplomatic success but a personal milestone that underscored his growing influence in regional affairs. The successful hosting of the summit was a defining moment in his premiership as the event offered a platform to showcase his commitment to multilateralism, inclusive development, and principled diplomacy. He was able to forge economic consensus in rallying member states around the ASEAN Digital Trade Framework Agreement (ADTFA), demonstrating his ability to bridge diverse economic interests. He successfully aligned Malaysia's digital economy goals with broader ASEAN ambitions. Some have asked why the Palestine issue was brought up at a forum which should emphasise only regional economic operation, but the point is that ASEAN needs to be a voice that has to be taken seriously by the international community. Anwar used the summit to push for a stronger ASEAN position on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. His passionate advocacy led to a joint ASEAN statement urging an immediate ceasefire and calling for greater humanitarian access – a rare unified stance on a sensitive international issue. Anwar also convened a special session on sustainable energy, bringing together ministers and private sector leaders to discuss accelerating the energy transition. His proposal for a regional ASEAN Green Finance Initiative gained traction, with several member states agreeing to explore joint green bond issuances. Kudos to the Foreign Ministry for elevating the Malaysian diplomatic status with its smooth and well-organised hosting of the summit. It certainly has Malaysia's reputation as a capable and constructive regional player. Anwar's emphasis on dialogue, inclusivity, and regional solidarity certainly resonated with both ASEAN leaders and external partners. But the job for Malaysia's ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship, themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', isn't fully done yet. Three major events are coming up with the ASEAN Foreign Ministers and ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (AMM PMC) in July, and the ASEAN Economic Ministers meeting in September. The grand finale is from Oct 24-26, where the 47th Summit will be held and attended by its dialogue partners. ASEAN dialogue partners are Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. – Bernama Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, a veteran journalist, is the chairman of BERNAMA, the national news agency. anwar ibrahim Asean Summit diplomacy lead leadership
Barnama
an hour ago
- Business
- Barnama
IMT-GT Summit: Anwar Thanks Thai PM For Support On Border Projects
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (centre) poses for a group photo with ASEAN Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) leaders during the 16th IMT-GT Summit, held in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Also present are Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (third, right), Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto (left), Malaysia's Minister of Economy Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli (second from right), and Thailand's Deputy Minister of Finance Julapun Amornvivat (right). KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has thanked the Thai government for facilitating the clearance of several border projects, including the Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok bridge, which are progressing well. Anwar made the remarks to Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during the opening of the 16th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here today. 'Thank you again, specifically to Thailand, because Prime Minister Paetongtarn was fast in ensuring the clearance of the few projects in the border, including the Rantau Panjang and Sungai Golok bridge, and this is going fine,' he said. During his official visit to Thailand in April, Anwar witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the Construction Agreement for the Rantau Panjang–Sungai Golok Bridge Project. The project is expected to significantly enhance connectivity, trade and relations between the two nations. On the 16th IMT-GT Summit, Anwar said his focus was on driving economic transformation, particularly through enhancing cross-border connectivity, tourism, the halal sector, agro-industries and strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the sub-region. 'We are focusing on climate change, which has impacted life and livelihoods across the sub-region. On infrastructure, we stand behind nearly USD39 billion worth of physical connectivity projects across our three countries. 'Thank you very much to the ministers themselves who have done their work to prepare for this session,' he said. The summit was also attended by Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Asian Development Bank president Masato Kanda and Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli.
Malay Mail
2 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Global risks, threats to a sustainable world economy — Ahmad Ibrahim
MAY 30 — Climate change and resource depletion are two of the defining risks to the global economy. This explains the growing worldwide efforts to reduce carbon emission and practise the efficient use of resources. But the climate and resource risks, though major, are not the only threats. The world economy today faces a complex, interlinked set of risks. As a country, Malaysia also has to deal with similar risks. Effectively managing them is key to our sustained economic performance. The other major risks include geopolitical tensions and conflicts, global health crises, financial system instability, technological disruptions, cybersecurity risks, inequality and social unrest, and demographic shifts. We also know for a fact that where there are risks, there are also opportunities. There is no doubt that political instability and trade disputes can disrupt supply chains, energy markets, and global investment flows. The Ukraine-Russia war and US-China trade tensions are recent examples. Though many know that diplomacy and multilateralism through forums like the UN, Asean, G20, and WTO are the ways to manage them, executing is never easy. Aside from diplomacy, diversifying trade and energy routes, as well as building regional trade agreements to minimise overdependence on specific countries can be possible solutions. The Covid-19 pandemic showed how a health emergency can cripple economies, disrupt labour markets, and affect global travel and trade. — Unsplash pic The Covid-19 pandemic showed how a health emergency can cripple economies, disrupt labour markets, and affect global travel and trade. Dealing with such health crisis includes investing in global health infrastructure, early warning systems, and pandemic preparedness. They also include building resilient, flexible supply chains for essential goods like medicines and food and of course international cooperation for the rapid deployment of vaccine and treatment. It is no secret that financial crises, market volatility, and debt defaults can destabilise economies. Possible solutions include strengthening global financial regulations and oversight, maintaining sound fiscal and monetary policies. Rapid technological change is also a risk. It can displace jobs, widen inequality, and increase vulnerability to cyberattacks on financial systems, infrastructure, and data. We need to invest in digital infrastructure and cybersecurity, updating regulations to keep pace with technology (AI ethics, data privacy), and reskilling and upskilling the workforce for the digital economy. Rising wealth and income inequality form another risk. They can trigger social unrest, political instability, and economic stagnation. This is where implementing inclusive economic policies and access to education matter. Small businesses need support and strengthening the social protection systems can make a difference. Furthermore, the ageing populations in developed countries create mismatches in the labour markets, pensions, and healthcare. Reforming pension and healthcare systems for ageing societies, investing in education and job creation for young populations, and managing migration policies effectively can be the tonic to neutralise such risks. How then can the world sustain the global economy amid these risks? A popular suggestion is to adopt a circular economy model. And decouple economic growth from resource use and emissions through renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management. Also need to build resilient supply chains by diversifying suppliers, investing in local production capacity, and use digital tools for real-time risk management. No country can tackle these risks alone. Strengthening global governance and partnerships is crucial. Not to mention promote responsible technological innovation. This is where we ensure that emerging technologies are developed with ethics, inclusivity, and sustainability in mind. The risks to the global economy are increasingly interconnected. A financial crisis can amplify social unrest. A pandemic can trigger supply chain and geopolitical tensions. A systems-thinking approach to risk management, grounded in sustainability, resilience, and global cooperation, is the most effective path forward. Systems thinking is increasingly recognised as a powerful approach for managing complex, interconnected risks in today's global economy. Systems thinking is an approach to problem-solving that views challenges as parts of a broader, interconnected system rather than isolated issues. It focuses on understanding relationships and feedback loops, and identifying leverage points for interventions. How then to apply systems thinking to risk management and sustainability? First map the system. Use tools like causal loop diagrams, systems maps, or stock-and-flow models to visualise how different risks and factors interact. Identify reinforcing and balancing loops within the system. Economic inequality reinforcing social unrest, which in turn destabilises markets and worsens inequality. Focus on areas where small interventions can produce large system-wide changes. Education reforms can uplift economies, improve health, reduce crime, and empower communities simultaneously. Move beyond siloed thinking. Address climate, health, financial, and social risks through integrated policies and partnerships. There is no denying that by effectively managing such global risks, the impending threats to the world economy can be neutralised. The systems approach is the right way. * The author is affiliated with the Tan Sri Omar Centre for STI Policy Studies at UCSI University and is an associate fellow at the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya. He can be reached at [email protected]. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Daily Express
2 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Federal-Sabah ties must be close, built on mutual trust
Federal-Sabah ties must be close, built on mutual trust – PM Anwar KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for stronger ties between the federal government and Sabah, grounded in mutual trust and aimed at advancing the state's development and protecting the welfare of its people. Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, said Sabah should follow Sarawak's example, where closer federal-state cooperation has shown tangible benefits. Advertisement He reiterated Putrajaya's commitment to working with Sabah's leadership on governance and development, to further safeguard the state's interests and wellbeing. 'The federal government has long prioritised Sabah's needs. This isn't about state elections, it's about responsibility,' he told reporters after meeting Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders on Thursday night. SPONSORED CONTENT Anwar added that the federal government has consistently shown concern for Sabah's needs, and the issue goes beyond electoral considerations. Also present were Sabah PH chairman Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also president of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), PKR Sabah State Leadership Council (MPN) chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmu, and Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. Advertisement Anwar said that under his administration, the Federal Government had demonstrated a strong commitment to implementing the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) through a committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, along with ministers from Sabah and Sarawak. He said that as a result of that determination, nine key matters which were delayed for decades had been successfully resolved, and even more complex issues such as those concerning oil affairs had been addressed. Advertisement 'So we propose the same principle so that more assured revenue for Sabah can be achieved. Not misused - for me, continuity and governance are the priorities, not leaders scrambling for wealth for themselves. 'But to use the opportunity to defend the fate of the people. This is the government that must be upheld and supported for our people,' he said. Anwar said the Federal government has proven its commitment to defending Sabah's rights, especially in addressing the issue of the Sulu group's claim, which was successfully repelled and overcome, thus upholding the dignity of the state as part of Malaysia. "We gave our full commitment in the Cabinet meeting, and even in the recent ASEAN summit, we managed to ensure that Sabah's issues are always prioritised," he said. Asked about PH's cooperation strategy in the Sabah State Election (PRN), Anwar, who is also PH Chairman, said that Sabah PH is currently holding discussions with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN). "Let Sabah PH decide; they are negotiating with GRS and negotiating with Sabah BN. These Sabah PH leaders will come forward and coordinate. Right now, it seems that all meetings are progressing, and we don't anticipate any problems," he said.
Barnama
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Malaysia's Leadership Shines At Asean Summit With Key Milestones And Global Partnership
GENERAL By Wong Chun Wai KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 (Bernama) -- Undoubtedly, the ASEAN Summit held in the capital earlier this week concluded on a high note, marking a significant moment for regional diplomacy and Malaysia's leadership on the Southeast Asian stage. Several key milestones were achieved at the meeting, which was attended by leaders from all ten ASEAN member states and key dialogue partners. One of the most significant outcomes of the summit was the formal announcement that Timor-Leste will become a full member of ASEAN by October 2025. Membership in ASEAN is never an easy path for any country, as the regional bloc works on a consensus basis. All it takes is for a member country to oppose the new entrant, and it goes out the window. There have been some anxious moments for the youngest Asian nation, which has just a 1.5 million population, with one Timor Leste diplomat joking that 'going to heaven is easier than joining ASEAN.' Resource-rich Timor-Leste occupies the eastern part of the island of Timor, at the far eastern tip of the Indonesian archipelago. But with its biggest supporter, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, pushing for its entrance into ASEAN, there were plenty of behind-the-scenes persuasions to ensure a consensus was met. After years of preparation and observer participation, Timor-Leste's accession was unanimously endorsed.
