Latest news with #AseanSummits
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Asean reaffirms commitment to Myanmar Five-Point Consensus
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean leaders have reiterated their unwavering commitment to the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) as the main framework for resolving the political crisis in Myanmar amidst deepening conflict and humanitarian conditions in the country. In his Chairman's Statement following the conclusion of the 46th Asean Summit, Asean Chairman and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the leaders remained united in upholding earlier decisions on Myanmar. "We expressed our deep concern over the escalation of conflicts and humanitarian situation in Myanmar and the minimal progress on the implementation of the 5PC. "The leaders upheld the decision limiting Myanmar's participation at the Asean Summits and Foreign Ministers' Meetings to the non-political level and reiterated that Asean community building and decision-making should not be affected," he said. Myanmar has been in turmoil since early 2021, when the military ousted an elected civilian government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering a protest movement that morphed into an armed rebellion against the junta across the country. The 5PC is Asean's agreed framework to address the Myanmar crisis, calling for an end to violence, inclusive dialogue, a special envoy's mediation, humanitarian aid, and a visit by the envoy to engage all parties. Anwar said they also welcomed the exchange of ideas and proposals put forward during the Informal Consultation and the Extended Informal Consultation on the Implementation of the 5PC. He said Asean leaders collectively condemned the violence on the ground, calling for an immediate halt to attacks on civilians and infrastructure. "We denounced the continued acts of violence against civilians and public facilities and urged all parties involved to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence, exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection and safety of all civilians and civilian infrastructures, and create a conducive environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and inclusive national dialogue," he said. Acknowledging efforts on the humanitarian front, he welcomed the work by the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) in implementing Point 4 of the 5PC. "We called for scaled-up additional financial support from the international community for humanitarian assistance, including to ensure the safety and livelihood of internally displaced persons (IDPs)," he said. On the Rohingya issue, he said Asean reiterated support for Myanmar's efforts in Rakhine State and the repatriation of displaced persons. "We reaffirmed Asean's continued support for Myanmar's efforts to bring peace, stability, the rule of law, promote harmony and reconciliation, and sustainable and equitable development in Rakhine State. "We looked forward to Asean's continued support for Myanmar's efforts in the repatriation process through the implementation of projects following the recommendations of the Preliminary Needs Assessment (PNA). "We also looked forward to the Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) when conditions allowed and encouraged the Asean Secretary-General to continue identifying possible areas of cooperation to effectively facilitate the repatriation process," he said. He said Asean leaders also welcomed the work of Special Envoy of the Asean Chair on Myanmar Tan Sri Othman Hashim, who has been engaging various Myanmar stakeholders since his appointment in January. From: Iylia
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Asean deepens global ties in most substantive summit yet
KUALA LUMPUR: The 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits represent one of the most substantive milestones in Asean's history, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, who is also Asean Chairman, said the summit successfully achieved its objectives, attributing the outcome to the strong support and unity among Asean leaders, as well as the bloc's first meaningful engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China. "The inaugural meeting in Riyadh was more of a formality, serving primarily to introduce the programme. However, this time around, there were a series of sessions and in-depth discussions, culminating in a highly detailed and comprehensive joint statement. "Equally significant was the presence of Chinese Premier Li Qiang," he said at a press conference held in conjunction with the 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Also in attendance were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz. Anwar said that even on contentious matters such as Myanmar, a fundamental understanding had been reached. Agreements were also made regarding tariffs and collaborative joint projects. He credited the success of the summit to the exceptionally thorough and commendable preparations undertaken by the ministers and the Foreign Ministry. "Credit must also be given to the minister and staff of Miti, as well as other ministries, including Home, Economy, Finance, and Tourism. "We have delivered one of the most substantive Asean Summits in history, alongside meaningful discussions with the GCC," Anwar said. He expressed hope that progress would be made on all issues discussed ahead of the 47th Asean Summit in October. "We must do whatever is necessary — finalising free trade agreements (FTAs) with the GCC, pursuing an FTA with the European Union (EU), enhancing economic ties and promoting intra-Asean trade. All of these require concrete action. By October, we aim to see real, measurable outcomes. "These discussions are not merely symbolic declarations, but are aimed at driving tangible changes that benefit ordinary citizens. "I can genuinely sense it. There is a substantial — perhaps even dramatic — shift in attitude. We are determined to act, and everything must be done in the spirit of Asean," he said. Under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', the 2025 edition marks Malaysia's fifth term as Asean Chair, following previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. Held in Kuala Lumpur on May 26 and 27, the 46th Asean Summit was accompanied by the second Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, which also took place earlier today.
The Star
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Asean leaders agree to strengthen regional trade and investments, says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean leaders have agreed in consensus to strengthen investments and trade within countries in the region amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the world, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister also said it is important to strengthen resilience among Asean nations and this was agreed by all leaders present in the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits. "We have to navigate in an increasingly complex global landscape, either shifting geopolitical dynamics, or the unilateral and protectionist tendencies, particularly by the superpowers. "So, we have to strengthen our internal resilience and this was a consensus among Asean leaders this morning, that the answer, is of course, to negotiate with the rest," said Anwar during his opening remarks at the Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) interface on Monday (May 26). Anwar also said all Presidents and Prime Ministers present at the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits agreed that there is no reason why inter-Asean trade should be "limited". "The potential is enormous, so please come up with specific proposals, how we can force policy makers to accept some recommendations," said Anwar to delegates. At the same time, Anwar said the Asean-BAC interface was an annual affair in Asean Summits because leaders felt that collaborating with the private sector is crucial. "To ensure that development can be achieved through a faster pace, some decisions must be made by the private sector and business community to complement the efforts of the government. "That is why, it is a standard procedure that all Asean Summits must have the Asean-BAC interface so that views and suggestions can be expressed," said Anwar, adding that some proposals made during the interface were eventually adopted by governments. Leaders in the region are meeting during the 46th Asean Summit on May 26 and the summits with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China on May 27.
New Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Asean flag deserves a spot next to Jalur Gemilang
How many Malaysians can readily identify the Asean flag, the emblem that represents unity, strength and shared identity among Southeast Asian nations? Not many. Yet in recent weeks, the flag has gained prominence, being displayed in Kuala Lumpur as Malaysia hosts the 2025 Asean Summit, alongside the summit's logo and theme of sustainability and inclusivity. Amid the hustle and bustle usually associated with such high-level meetings, the Asean flag stands as a silent yet powerful reminder of Malaysia's deep-rooted connection to this organisation. But should our recognition of the flag be limited to Asean Summits held every decade or the annual Asean Day celebrations on Aug 8? Certainly not. Malaysia's identity in Asean deserves more than fleeting visibility. It should be ingrained in our national consciousness, just as deeply as our Jalur Gemilang. The Asean flag is more than a decorative emblem; it represents tangible opportunities for Malaysians. For young professionals in Malaysia, it can signify the importance of the Asean Mutual Recognition Arrangements that enable engineers, nurses and tourism specialists to work in Asean nations with recognised qualifications. It also ties into the Asean Smart Cities Network, which drives urban development and digital connectivity in the region. For business owners and corporate executives, Asean offers vast opportunities across multiple sectors, thanks to its regional trade agreements, economic integration and strategic location. Malaysia's strong economic performance, strategic location and trade agreements make it a key player in Asean's growth. Businesses can leverage these opportunities to expand regionally and globally. A key driver is the Asean Free Trade Area, which allows for tariff reduction, thus making Malaysian exports more competitive. Malaysia's trade with Asean reached RM765 billion in 2024, accounting for 26.6 per cent of the country's total trade. With Asean's digital economy growing, it offers new business models for Malaysian firms. And there's also the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which provides expanded market access to Asean and the Asia Pacific. If Malaysians lack awareness of Asean's significance, how can they seize these opportunities? The answer lies in stronger visibility and education about Asean's presence, starting with recognising its flag and all it stands for. To decode the symbolism of the Asean flag, let's look at the elements: Dark Blue Background: Represents peace and stability, a commitment shared by member nations; Bright Red Circle: Mirrors the courage and dynamism of Asean, signifying collective strength in facing challenges; and, White Circle Enclosing the Emblem: A symbol of unity and harmony, proving that despite diversity, Asean nations stand as one. The 10 yellow stalks of rice represent Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand,and Vietnam, bound together in solidarity and striving for regional prosperity. Rice, a staple food in Asean, further emphasises that shared culture. In promoting the flag's visibility, we must remember that under the Asean Charter, the flag is not limited to embassy grounds; it can be flown in government buildings, ministries, universities and event venues. Asean member states are encouraged to display it alongside their national flags, signifying commitment to the bloc. But there must be protocol for flag display to ensure diplomatic and symbolic respect. The national flag should always take the position of honour. The Asean flag should be of equal size and height when flown with the national flag and should never be placed higher than a national flag, ensuring respect for sovereignty while reinforcing Asean's collective identity. Malaysia, as an integral member of Asean, can normalise the presence of the Asean flag beyond official gatherings. Increased awareness starts with education, visibility and conversations about Asean's role in shaping Malaysia's future. Flying the flag isn't just about symbolism. It t's about acknowledging the economic, cultural and diplomatic benefits Asean provides. If Malaysians are encouraged to embrace it, they will begin to see Asean not as a distant entity but as a powerful force shaping their opportunities and progress. The Asean flag should not be reserved for ceremonial occasions, but should be flown daily as a reminder that Malaysia stands in unity with its neighbours.
New Straits Times
17-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
71 schools in KL, Selangor to switch to PdPR during Asean Summit
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 71 schools in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor have been given the green light to implement home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) from May 26 to 28 in conjunction with the 46th Asean Summit. The Education Ministry, in a statement, said the decision was made to ensure learning continues smoothly amid traffic diversions and increased security throughout the summit period. The ministry said parents, guardians, students and school staff have been advised to refer to official communication channels of their respective schools for further details. "The ministry believes that experience gained from implementing PdPR during the Covid-19 pandemic and in previous disaster situations would help ensure a smooth learning process while safeguarding the well-being of students, teachers and school communities." On April 17, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said a proposal for work-from-home and PdPR arrangements during the Asean Summits in May and October would be brought to the cabinet. On April 21, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry was prepared to implement PdPR during the Asean Summits in May and October to help alleviate traffic congestion. She said the ministry was in the process of identifying schools that would be involved in the implementation. The 46th Asean Summit is scheduled to take place from May 26 to 27, bringing together leaders of the 10 member states to discuss regional issues, enhance economic cooperation, and advance the principles of inclusivity and sustainability.
