Latest news with #AseanOutlook
New Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Turkiye lauds Malaysia's leadership on Gaza
KUALA LUMPUR: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan lauded Malaysia's principled stance on Gaza, praising Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's vocal advocacy and moral leadership on the international stage. "We really appreciate what Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is really standing for when it comes to Gaza, defending al-Aqsa Mosque, the rights of oppressed Palestinians, and the freedom of the occupied Palestinian territory. "This is a moment that calls for standing shoulder to shoulder," he said when appearing as a guest on Bernama TV's The Nation: Diplomatic Dispatch current affairs programme, titled 'Malaysia, Turkiye and the Asean Outlook', aired today. Fidan also condemned the ongoing atrocities in the enclave as a stain on the global conscience. Expressing his deepest regret and condemnation over the ongoing genocide in Gaza, which continues to inflict unimaginable suffering upon the Palestinian people, he said, "The ongoing genocide in Gaza is something that burns us deep inside." "It is a big failure for humanity in general, but also for Muslims in particular. So, as an important part of the Muslim ummah, Malaysia, like Turkiye and other countries, has a responsibility to shoulder on the Gaza issue", he said. Asked about the risks smaller nations like Malaysia might face in taking a firm stand, especially against the perpetrators of the violence, the minister acknowledged the reality of geopolitical pressures. Malaysia's distance from the Middle East, Fidan added, does not diminish the moral and strategic weight of its position. "I think as long as we are on the right side of history, it doesn't matter who says what or who applies pressure, because we are defending the right position," he said. He also said that the people of Gaza — over two million of them — are being held hostage in conditions that resemble the concentration camps of the Second World War. "People deliberately and intentionally subjected to starvation, harsh weather and everything else. We cannot let this continue", he added. Fidan is in Kuala Lumpur for high-level talks held in conjunction with the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings. – BERNAMA
New Straits Times
08-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Norway ready to support Asean in addressing Myanmar humanitarian crisis
KUALA LUMPUR: Norway stands ready to support Asean's efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, says Norway deputy foreign minister Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik. At the Trilateral Meeting between Malaysia, Norway and the Asean Secretariat, he said they value Asean's member states' efforts to address the crisis. "I would like to commend your response to the earthquake in March, in cooperation with international actors in line with humanitarian principles, as well as your efforts to engage all stakeholders. "We appreciate your efforts regarding this situation and the priorities moving forward. As a longstanding partner for peace, democracy, and humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar, Norway stands ready to support your efforts," he said in his opening remarks. Kravik said they are also pleased that the Asean Special Representative to Myanmar Tan Sri Othman Hashim attended the Oslo Freedom Forum. "It was very good to have Othman in Oslo to discuss the issue of Myanmar and how we can try to help and ensure that the process moves forward. We look forward to meeting him later today," he said. Kravik said they greatly value the strong relationship and productive cooperation it developed with Asean over the years. He also commended the Asean leadership for their hard work in facilitating all Asean activities, as well as strengthening the role of Asean in the current challenging geopolitical environment. "I would also like to commend Malaysia for its effective leadership of Asean and the initiatives it has taken to enhance the relevance of Asean in the region and beyond. "The topic or theme of inclusivity and sustainability seems appropriate in this very challenging time that we're all going through. "To allude to your introduction to the issue of multilateralism and international law, I think we stand together, both Norway and Malaysia, and also Asean as an institution, in coalescing around these principles," he said. He added that Asean is also a key stabilising force in the Indo-Pacific region, playing an important role in reducing tensions between the major powers. "Norway recognises the importance of this role, and we fully support the fundamental principles of the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific in promoting an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional architecture. I'm very interested in hearing your perspectives on the dynamics of recent developments in the region," he said. Norway was conferred the status of Sectoral Dialogue Partner of Asean at the 48th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) in 2015. Long before the conferment of this formal partnership, Asean and Norway had forged a relationship through a number of cooperative activities.
New Straits Times
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
The lesson Asean must draw from the Trump-Musk quarrel
THE public spat between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk should be viewed with detached clarity by Asean policymakers and observers. It is neither a signal of a shift in American foreign policy nor does it foreshadow a major realignment in the global tech landscape. In his second term, Trump has doubled down on his view that the US must be ruled not by institutions but by personalities. He has no patience with those who challenge his centrality. Musk, once an object of Trump's admiration, has become a rival personality. The former's influence spans multiple domains — space, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and digital media. In the eyes of Trump, this influence must be subordinate to political loyalty. Musk's criticism of Trump, whether on policy, personality or principle, has thus drawn an inevitable response. Yet Musk is no innocent bystander. His relentless need to comment, provoke and insert himself into the political arena has increasingly eroded the neutrality that once insulated Tesla and SpaceX from partisan warfare. Since acquiring Twitter — renamed X — Musk has made the platform a personal amplifier of his views, often blurring the line between corporate strategy and personal vendetta. Just as Trump cannot resist attacking, Musk cannot help but respond. The result is a digital 'blood sport'. At a deeper level, Musk's recent provocations may be to deflect attention from his growing troubles. Tesla, long seen as the undisputed champion of electric vehicles, is now steadily losing global market share to China's BYD. Despite Musk's early-mover advantage, the Chinese EV juggernaut has surpassed Tesla in both unit sales and technological innovation, especially in markets across Asia and the Global South. This shift is not just commercial — it is geopolitical. China's industrial policy, from lithium refining to battery standardisation, has enabled firms like BYD to undercut and outpace American competitors. Tesla, by contrast, faces domestic regulatory scrutiny, investor fatigue and inconsistent leadership. Musk, who once rode the wave of futuristic optimism, is now increasingly seen as a mercurial figure whose ventures are overextended and reactive. While American media and pundits obsess about this feud, Asean must resist being distracted. The region is entering a critical decade in which its ability to lead on green transition, artificial intelligence governance and maritime security will define its global role. Whether Musk and Trump call each other names or trade blows on social media is irrelevant to the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, or to the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Moreover, if there is a lesson to draw from this spectacle, it is the danger of personalising power. Asean's strength has always rested in its ability to temper egos through consensus and consultation. That is not a flaw but a survival mechanism. The bloc should be wary of importing political styles rooted in personality cults, where institutions are hollowed out in favour of personal charisma and performative leadership. Musk and Trump are both creatures of the same American pathology: the belief that individual willpower, when fused with wealth or fame, is enough to override complex systems. But Asean is different. The region's success depends not on dominant personalities but on the patient weaving of trust, rules and interdependence. Ultimately, Asean must tune out the noise. There are far more pressing issues to confront — from resolving the Myanmar crisis and addressing climate-induced migration, to strengthening regional supply chains and ensuring cybersecurity. The Musk-Trump bust-up may dominate headlines in Washington, but it is only a sideshow to the real geopolitical currents shaping Asia's future.
Business Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Asean, Gulf bloc, China can work closely on trade and investment, energy, digital economy: PM Wong
[KUALA LUMPUR] In a turbulent world, Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China can do more to promote trade and investment, as well as advance common interests in energy transition and the digital economy, Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Tuesday (May 27). The three partners can work on concrete projects under the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, he added. At the second Asean-GCC Summit in Kuala Lumpur, PM Wong said that Asean and the Gulf bloc should strengthen their ties, with the global environment now much more uncertain than at the inaugural summit two years ago. Wtih relations 'boosted' by the 2023 Framework of Cooperation, the two blocs can build on this to 'forge even closer links', he said, suggesting three areas of focus. One area is trade and investment, including a possible Asean-GCC free trade agreement (FTA). Singapore was the first non-Middle Eastern country to ink an FTA with the GCC, with upgrades now being discussed, noted PM Wong. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up This deal can serve as a pathfinder for a wider region-to-region FTA, he said: 'Such an FTA will lower tariffs, strengthen supply chains, promote food security and enhance investment flows between our regions.' He also suggested exploring collaboration between the GCC and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which would connect the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific. Combined, both groupings represent a 'significant' 35 per cent of the world's GDP, he noted. While an FTA between RCEP and GCC would be very complex, a formal partnership would facilitate trade and investment while helping to uphold key principles of the rules-based trading system, he added. In a separate summit with the GCC and China, PM Wong noted Asean's existing FTA with China – with a '3.0' upgrade due later this year – and added: 'It is natural to extend these linkages towards a trilateral FTA between China, Asean and the GCC in due course.' Asean and Gulf Cooperation Council leaders meet for their second summit PHOTO: CMG Second, the energy transition is another area of common interest. PM Wong welcomed the GCC's support for the Asean Power Grid, from investing in and financing grid infrastructure, to sharing knowledge on cross-border energy transmission. 'As Asean's demand for clean energy grows, there will also be opportunities for cooperation with the GCC on this front,' he added. Third, Asean could consider a digital partnership with the GCC, once it concludes its own Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) this year. The Asean agreement will provide a basis for the bloc to engage external partners in this domain, noted PM Wong. 'We welcome further cooperation with the GCC on the enablers of the digital economy – including in cybersecurity, data governance and cross-border data flows.' At the Asean-GCC-China Summit, PM Wong said that Asean hopes to leverage the expertise of both the GCC and China to support the Asean Power Grid and DEFA. 'This will help all our regions to harness the potential of technological advances, and to meet our shared goal of a sustainable future,' he said. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong meeting Chinese Premier Li Qiang ahead of a gala dinner on Monday PHOTO: LAWRENCE WONG X At the Asean-GCC Summit, PM Wong also broached the issue of Palestine, saying: 'Between the GCC and Asean, we have always stood for an approach of engagement and dialogue to uphold peace and stability, and this is very important as we confront the ongoing conflicts in the world.' 'Singapore continues, and joins colleagues around the table, to call for an immediate ceasefire and the return of the remaining hostages.' Later, at a wrap-up interview with Singapore media, he added that the humanitarian disaster in Gaza is 'the result of Israel going too far in its actions'. 'A ceasefire is still not enough, because even after a ceasefire – you can have a ceasefire for a few days, a few weeks, a few months, even years – violence can still recur again.' He called for all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and reiterated Singapore's longstanding support for a negotiated two-state solution. Bilateral meetings At the sidelines of the summit, PM Wong met the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for the first time since he became prime minister in 2024. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (left) with the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. PHOTO: MDDI They first met in 2017 when PM Wong was minister in attendance during the emir's state visit to Singapore. In a social media post on Tuesday, PM Wong said: 'I look forward to working closely with His Highness to further deepen our multifaceted cooperation – as we navigate an increasingly complex and challenging global landscape together.' Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (left) with Bahrain Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. PHOTO: MDDI Separately, he also met Bahrain Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Noting that Singapore and Bahrain are small island states of about the same land size, PM Wong said: 'We share a similar outlook – always trying to find relevance and add value to the world.' Both countries have much to gain from the mutual sharing of experiences and best practices, he said, adding that he looks forward to working together to enhance their partnership. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong with King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar PHOTO: BERNAMA PM Wong and his counterparts were also hosted to a royal luncheon by King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar. In another social media post, he called the sultan a 'longstanding friend of Singapore', adding that it was a pleasure to see him again following their last meeting in January. PM Wong also thanked him for his steadfast support for the strong and enduring ties between the two countries.
Business Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Asean must strengthen external ties in new growth areas, even as integration continues: PM Wong
[KUALA LUMPUR] Asean must deepen and expand its external partnerships, especially in new growth areas, even as it steps up its own internal integration, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Monday (May 26). Doing so will help the bloc build a more secure, stable and prosperous region amid an increasingly challenging environment, he said on the first day of the 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Noting that Asean was formed at the height of the Cold War, PM Wong said that while the circumstances are different, today's great power rivalry feels like a 'new Cold War'. The bloc must therefore strengthen its integration to ensure it has 'the manoeuvring space and the agency to continue charting our own destiny forward'. To achieve this, Asean must demonstrate value to its partners and reinforce its centrality, he said, suggesting three ways to do so. Strengthening external partnerships The first is to deepen its engagement with existing partners. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up In the region, this includes China, Japan, South Korea and India. Further abroad, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Canada are also 'very keen to do more with Asean', said PM Wong. The bloc should engage them, particularly in new growth areas like the digital and green economy, he added. Asean leaders and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao (far right) meet in Kuala Lumpur for the first day of the Asean Summit. PHOTO: CMG Second, Asean should explore new partnerships as Asia remains at the centre of global growth 'despite all the issues that we face in the world'. 'We are still a region of tremendous dynamism and vitality, and there are many countries that would like to engage South-east Asia in a bigger way,' he said. Even if some of these countries may not be ready to become formal partners, Asean should engage them 'in specific areas where there is mutual interest', he said. The bloc should also explore 'flexible configurations' for cooperation, as it is doing with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Third, Asean should enhance the value of its existing platforms, said PM Wong. One way to do this is to implement the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific in 'concrete and practical terms'. 'This can help forge habits of consultation and cooperation, manage differences and prevent outright conflict,' said PM Wong. He added that this must especially be done through the East Asia Summit, which brings together all the major powers with interests in the region. 'Although these platforms cannot solve all the issues, they help to foster collaboration and dialogue,' he said.
