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BusinessToday
9 hours ago
- Business
- BusinessToday
Malaysia Anchors ASEAN's Call For Rules In South China Sea
Malaysia is stepping up efforts to advance the South China Sea Code of Conduct (COC) and uphold the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar, according to Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz. In a keynote speech delivered on his behalf by Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chief executive officer Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid at the ASEAN Business Forum 2025, Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia is also strengthening its engagements with strategic partners across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Europe, and the United States. 'The recent ASEAN–GCC–China Summit has also positioned our region as a bridge between Asia, the Middle East, and beyond,' he said. 'This trilateral partnership offers an opportunity to combine China's technology and infrastructure capacity, the GCC's energy and capital, and ASEAN's market and industrial dynamism into a new engine for growth and resilience.' He added that ASEAN's newly operational Geoeconomics Task Force — co-chaired by Malaysia and Indonesia — is already offering real-time economic analysis, scenario modelling, and coordinated policy advice to help the bloc manage risks and seize emerging opportunities. Tengku Zafrul also stressed that ASEAN ministers have 'reaffirmed an unwavering commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at its core'. 'Our joint statements underscore a mature, forward-looking approach as ASEAN will respond to external shocks not with retaliation, but with deeper engagement, open dialogue, and collective solutions,' he said. Highlighting ASEAN's resilience, he concluded: 'As the world undergoes a profound realignment, ASEAN's unity and centrality matter more than ever. From the Asian Financial Crisis (in 1997) to the pandemic to the present day, ASEAN has shown the world that collective action, trust, and shared purpose are the bedrock of our success.' Related
Borneo Post
2 days 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
The Star
2 days 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
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
MACC seizes RM32m in luxury property, vehicles and cash from Tan Sri over false highway project claims
KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has seized luxury assets worth RM32 million from a Tan Sri who is under investigation for allegedly making false claims and misusing loan bonds related to a highway construction project in the Klang Valley. According to a source, MACC investigators from the Investigation Division confiscated the assets during raids on two residences belonging to the Tan Sri in the capital today. 'MACC seized nine luxury vehicles including Bentley, Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover cars, with an estimated value of nearly RM7 million,' the source said. 'In the same operation, MACC also seized 217 luxury watches worth around RM5 million, 27 designer handbags valued at over RM1 million, and jewellery worth more than RM4 million,' the source told Harian Metro. The source added, 'MACC also found a storage area containing a wide variety of luxury alcoholic beverages at one of the residences, estimated to be worth around RM3 million.' These items are believed to be linked to money laundering activities. 'During the operation, MACC also seized a luxury condominium unit in the capital, estimated to be worth RM12 million,' the source said. All items and properties were seized for further investigation under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA). Last month, media reported that four individuals, including a Datuk Seri, were arrested on suspicion of submitting false claims totalling around RM360 million. The suspects — three men and one woman aged between their 50s and 70s — were detained when they came to give statements at the MACC office. They are suspected of submitting false claims worth about RM360 million using sukuk funds for a highway construction project in the Klang Valley valued at approximately RM1.3 billion between 2016 and 2017. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki was reported to have said that three investigation papers were opened after the probe began on May 9. He said, 'In the investigation, MACC seized RM1.9 million in cash, two luxury vehicles worth RM900,000 and bank accounts containing RM34 million.'
Barnama
2 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
ASEAN-led Approach Vital To Myanmar's Peace, Says Thai Foreign Minister
He said ASEAN must continue its constructive engagement with Myanmar, noting that efforts spearheaded by Thailand, and Malaysia as ASEAN Chair 2025, have led to significant breakthrough despite the slow pace of mediation process with the junta. KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa emphasised that sustained, inclusive, and ASEAN-led mechanisms are crucial and must remain central in all diplomatic efforts to resolving the quagmire in Myanmar. The minister saw recent crackdowns on online scam syndicates operating in Myanmar and the aftermath of a recent earthquake as starting points to strengthen such negotiations. 'Thailand is trying to change the mindset, from a negative (perception) into positive collaboration,' he told Bernama in a special interview on the sideline of the 46th ASEAN Summit and related summits in the capital. He said Thailand has taken a constructive approach on Myanmar by engaging in meaningful dialogues. Maris highlighted a recent breakthrough in the mediation process that demonstrated ASEAN's resolve under Malaysia's leadership. 'This is the beginning of a platform where Myanmar and neighbouring countries can exchange ideas and work together to tackle such issues,' he said. 'Transnational crime is a major concern for Myanmar's neighbours, and addressing it requires active cooperation from Myanmar. He highlighted the participation of Myanmar Foreign Minister U Than Swe in a virtual emergency meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers, chaired by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, in response to the earthquake. It marked the first time a Myanmar political leader participated in the regional bloc's meeting since the 2021 coup. Following the meeting, Mohamed and Maris jointly led a humanitarian mission to Nay Pyi Taw to assess the post-quake situation, where they also consulted with Chairman of Myanmar's State Administration Council (SAC), Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Than Shwe. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also initiated a meeting with Aung Hlaing and held an online dialogue with the National Unity Government Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Thann during his visit to Bangkok in April, marking a significant step towards fostering direct engagement between the conflicting parties. 'All these efforts are taken under the name of ASEAN. This is a breakthrough. We should keep this momentum, (open) opportunities for Myanmar to talk to us (ASEAN) constructively in order to bring about a durable solution in an ASEAN way,' Maris said. 'Of course, the problem has long history of difficulties, but I believe that this is the very beginning. It will take time, but we are hopeful that the positive outcome will emerge," he added. A military coup on February 1, 2021 ousted the democratically elected National Unity Government led by Aung San Suu Kyi and plunged the country, which was already embroiled in decades of turmoil, into deeper unrest. Over 6,000 lives have been reported lost to this ongoing armed conflict. A devastating earthquake on March 28, 2025, aggravated the crisis and prompted the junta to extend ceasefire until May 31 to facilitate relief efforts. For their part, ASEAN leaders have adopted a Five-Point Consensus (5PC) in April 2021 after the military coup to serve as primary framework to resolve the crisis. The consensus calls for an immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue among all parties, the appointment of a special envoy, the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and for the envoy to be granted access to all stakeholders in Myanmar. Despite its significance, implementation of the consensus has largely stalled due to the junta's continued non-compliance, with the issue remaining a major concern in ASEAN's ongoing engagement with Myanmar. As the result, Myanmar leaders are barred from ASEAN summits and ministerial-levels meetings, with the country represented only by non-political officials. ASEAN leaders have repeatedly urged Myanmar to recommit to the 5PC, reiterating that the framework remains the central reference to restore peace and stability. Mohamad emphasised that full compliance with the 5PC is a prerequisite for holding elections in Myanmar, consistent with ASEAN's position that such discussions can only proceed after the consensus has been implemented. Mohamad said he planned to visit Myanmar to formally present a 'wish list' gathered from various stakeholders to the SAC. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
