Latest news with #Asean-GCC-ChinaSummit
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia's leadership shines at Asean summit with key milestones and global partnership
KUALA LUMPUR: 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.
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysia's leadership shines at Asean Summit with key milestones and global partnership
[COMMENT] Malaysia's leadership shines at Asean Summit with key milestones and global partnership By WONG CHUN WAI KUALA LUMPUR: 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. Asean Summit, GCC, China, Timor-Leste Membership, Dialogue Partners, Anwar Ibrahim
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: Threats won't end the slaughter in Gaza
PRESSURE is piling on Israel as its warmongering leader Benjamin Netanyahu goes on a bloody rampage to drive the 2.3 million Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip. The latest to do so is Asean after the Gulf Cooperation Council called on the bloc to support Palestinian rights at the Asean-GCC-China Summit on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Germany, an ironclad ally of Israel, delivered the "most severe rebuke yet over Gaza", saying the country would not export weapons that are used to break humanitarian law, reported Reuters. Berlin's about-turn is attributed to the European Union's ongoing review of its Israeli policy. Germany is said to be selling about 30 per cent of Tel Aviv's weapons imports. Britain, France and Canada are also threatening "concrete actions" against Israel. Rebukes are good, but they must be followed by deeds. To stop at mere threats would not end Israel's atrocities against the Palestinians. Besides, to do so in the face of war crimes is to be morally and legally irresponsible. War crimes they certainly are, confirmed former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert in an op-ed he wrote in Israeli newspaper Haaretz, quoted by The Guardian. Calling Netanyahu the head of a criminal gang, he said Israel is engaged in indiscriminate, cruel and criminal killings of civilians. Yes, Israel is committing war crimes, he wrote. The British newspaper also quoted Israel's Democratic Party leader Yair Golan as telling an Israeli broadcaster that "a sane country doesn't fight against civilians, does not kill babies as a hobby, and does not give itself the aim of expelling populations". If more evidence is what the European leaders are waiting for, it was provided in an open letter sent to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday by prominent lawyers, academics and former judges, including two from the country's highest court. They are clear about their conclusion: genocide is being perpetrated in Gaza, or at a minimum, there is a serious risk of genocide occurring. All states, including the United Kingdom, are legally obliged to take all reasonable steps within their power to prevent and punish genocide, to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and to bring an end to violations of international law. To date, the UK has failed to meet the standards, the letter concludes. So have others in Europe, we add. The legal practitioners in the UK want Starmer's government to take five "concrete actions". First, use all available means to secure an immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire and ensure the unconditional and unimpeded resumption of aid. Second, lift Israel's ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. Third, impose financial and immigration sanctions on Israeli ministers, military personnel and civil personnel reasonably suspected of involvement in unlawful acts. Fourth, review trade ties with Israel; suspend the 2030 Roadmap for closer UK-Israel partnership; and impose trade sanctions on Israel. Finally, confirm that the UK will adhere to its obligation to execute arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court. This is crucial because without being held accountable, Israel will continue to massacre Palestinians with impunity, as it is doing in Gaza. Britain and the EU have the power to end the slaughter in Gaza. They must exercise their power.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia ready to lead partnerships to address supply chain disruptions: Tengku Zafrul
KLANG: Malaysia is ready to foster and lead regional partnerships to tackle the challenges posed by supply chain disruptions stemming from geopolitical tensions, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz. Malaysia recently concluded the Asean-GCC-China Summit, which highlighted Asean's unity and ability to address global challenges effectively, Tengku Zafrul said. "This summit sent a clear message to the world: Asean is open for business, and we are ready to lead in building a more resilient and interconnected global economy," he said at the groundbreaking ceremony of YCH Group's Supply Chain City Malaysia (SCC MY) today. He added that Asean, guided by Malaysia's leadership, is ready to tackle critical issues including supply chain disruptions, digital transformation and climate change. "We are working closely with our Asean partners to implement the Asean Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF), which aims to ensure a robust and sustainable recovery from the economic impacts of recent global crises. "One of our key priorities is to enhance the Asean Single Window (ASW), a digital platform that streamlines trade processes across member states," he added. Tengku Zafrul said by reducing bureaucracy and enhancing trade efficiency, the ASW will be instrumental in reinforcing regional supply chains and increasing intra-Asean trade, which presently makes up nearly 25 per cent of total Asean trade. He added that Malaysia is leading the development of the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), aimed at harmonising digital trade regulations and encouraging cross-border e-commerce. "This initiative will not only enhance digital connectivity but also create new opportunities for businesses and consumers across the region," Tengku Zafrul said. Singapore-based YCH held a groundbreaking ceremony today for its largest supply chain facility in Bandar Bukit Raja, Selangor. Situated within Sime Darby Property Bhd's Bukit Raja township, the RM500 million project demonstrates YCH's strong long-term commitment to advancing Malaysia's role in regional supply chain development.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Malaysia's Asean Summit success driven by efficiency, teamwork
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia's successful hosting of the recent Asean Summit was driven by the efficiency, dedication and teamwork of all parties involved, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the smooth running of the summit was the result of the extraordinary commitment shown by the government machinery, including the public, who understood Malaysia's responsibilities as host. "I saw excellence at all levels, our public servants were outstanding. From the airport, parades, police, immigration, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), hotel management, to the Foreign Ministry coordinating everything, and the Prime Minister's Department managing the protocol. "Even I was overwhelmed by the protocol, but I respected what the officers directed the prime minister to do. I followed everything. Why? Because we are a nation with rules, and we work as a team," he said. He was speaking at the Prime Minister's Department monthly assembly here today, which was also attended by both Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. Anwar also commended the cooperation among Asean leaders in making collective decisions while respecting the interests of their respective countries. "We had to decide on a shared understanding in facing President Trump's tariffs. Each country has its own strategy, which will involve bilateral relations. But we also want to safeguard the interests of more than 650 million people in Asean countries. "No decision made by Malaysia should harm other countries, nor should decisions by, for example, Vietnam, be detrimental to others. We work as a team," he added. The 46th Asean Summit concluded on May 27, following a series of high-level meetings focused on enhancing regional cooperation and strengthening strategic partnerships. Over the two-day event, Asean leaders participated in several key meetings, including the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit, the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, and the 16th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Summit. As Asean Chair for 2025, Malaysia hosted the 46th Summit under the theme "Inclusion and Sustainability", marking the fifth time the country has held the chairmanship, having previously served in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
