Latest news with #NationalCongress
Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Chile president to ramp up decarbonization, pressure on Israel as term winds down
Chile's President Gabriel Boric speaks during his annual address at the National Congress building in Valparaiso, Chile June 1, 2025. REUTERS/Rodrigo Garrido Chile's President Gabriel Boric speaks during his annual address at the National Congress building in Valparaiso, Chile June 1, 2025. REUTERS/Rodrigo Garrido Chile president to ramp up decarbonization, pressure on Israel as term winds down VALPARAISO, Chile - Chile's President Gabriel Boric said on Sunday that he will accelerate renewable energy efforts and step up pressure against Israel over its war in Gaza among other initiatives during his government's last nine months in office. In a wide-ranging three-hour speech from Congress in the coastal city of Valparaiso that marked his last annual address, Boric also discussed crime, infrastructure, the economy and abortion rights. In comments that sparked the largest amount of cheers and jeers from opposite sides of Congress, Boric said he will introduce a law to ban imports from what he called "illegally occupied territories" and back efforts by Spain for an arms embargo against Israel. Boric, an outspoken critic of Israel, had recently recalled military personnel from Chile's embassy in the country and summoned the ambassador for questioning. Chile's government will also introduce an "accelerated decarbonization" bill that aims to boost investment in renewable energy sources, help end coal-powered thermoelectric plants and move the country's 2040 goal to decarbonize the electric grid up to 2035. Boric added that a bill to speed up the permitting process for new projects was weeks away from being approved, a long-awaited request by miners, renewable energy companies and other investors. Its goal is to cut permitting times by 30% to 70%, Boric said. "Investment projects won't develop to their full potential if we don't modernize and speed up permitting," Boric said, while also touting his plan to expand lithium mining, led by state copper giant Codelco. Critics have rebuked Boric for not making major reforms he promised as a candidate, and for failing to see through a rewrite of the dictatorship-era constitution that was knocked back twice by voters. Boric appeared to recognize the complaints, while defending his record. "Have we achieved everything we wanted, with the depth we wanted? No, but we have made progress in that direction, with the conditions under which we had to govern," he said. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Sinar Daily
5 days ago
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Anwar casts ballot in PKR central leadership polls
Today's voting is to elect the members of the Central Leadership Council (MPP), the Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) Leadership Council, and the Wanita Keadilan Leadership Council which runs from 8 am to 5 pm. 23 May 2025 02:21pm Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Photo by Bernama JOHOR BAHRU - Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) President and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today cast his vote in person in the party's central leadership election at the Berjaya Waterfront Hotel here. Anwar arrived at the polling centre, which also serves as the venue for the 2024/2025 PKR Youth (AMK) National Congress, at about 12.07 pm, accompanied by PKR advisory council chairman Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. Also present were PKR secretary-general Dr Fuziah Salleh, information chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Election Committee (JPP) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. Dr Wan Azizah also cast her vote. After voting, Anwar spent some time mingling with PKR delegates and election staff. Today's voting is to elect the members of the Central Leadership Council (MPP), the Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) Leadership Council, and the Wanita Keadilan Leadership Council which runs from 8 am to 5 pm. A total of 32,030 delegates are eligible to vote, comprising 22,936 online voters and 9,094 physical voters. In addition to the Berjaya Waterfront Hotel, physical voting is also held at the PKR Wanita's Congress at the Danga Bay Convention Centre. For Sabah and Sarawak, physical voting is also taking place at the International Technology and Commercial Centre (ITCC) in Penampang and the Penview Convention Centre in Kuching, respectively. This election sees a total of 251 candidates contesting - 104 for the Central Leadership Council, 85 for the AMK Council and 62 for the Wanita's Council. The Prime Minister is unopposed for the position of president, while the deputy president post features a one-on-one contest between Nurul Izzah Anwar and incumbent, Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli. For the vice-president posts, 12 candidates are in the running, including four incumbents - Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. Meanwhile, Muhammad Kamil remains unchallenged for the position of AMK chief, while the PKR Wanita's chief post sees a straight fight between Education Minister and incumbent Fadhlina Sidek and Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail. Dr Zaliha earlier said the results of the party's new leadership election are expected to be known as early as tonight or by 2.30 pm tomorrow. Anwar is scheduled to officiate the 2024/2025 PKR National Congress at 9.25 pm tonight at the Persada International Convention Centre here, which will be attended by party leadership and delegates. - BERNAMA
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Anwar meets Harimau Malaya, offers words of encouragement ahead of Vietnam clash
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim took time off his official duties to meet the national football squad, Harimau Malaya, today. In a social media post, Anwar said that following the conclusion of the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) National Congress, he had the opportunity to personally extend words of encouragement to the players undergoing intensive training in preparation for a crucial match against Vietnam next month. "I shared some words of motivation with them as they prepare for an important match in the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup against Vietnam next month," he said. Malaysia are set to face Vietnam in the final round of qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup 2027. Anwar expressed full confidence in the national squad's capabilities and assured them of the nation's unwavering support. "The entire Malaysian people stand firmly behind you, offering our wholehearted support to the team," he said. Anwar's show of solidarity comes as Harimau Malaya intensify preparations for what is expected to be a high-stakes encounter in their campaign to qualify for Asia's premier football tournament. The Prime Minister's visit was well received by fans and players alike, many of whom praised his gesture as a morale boost for the team. Malaysia's clash against Vietnam is widely regarded as a crucial step towards securing a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup, which will be held in Saudi Arabia.
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia to continue struggle for justice in Gaza
JOHOR BAHRU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia would continue to fight for justice by opposing the Israeli occupation of Gaza. He said as a small country, Malaysia had done its best to voice the rights and liberation of the Palestinian people on the international stage. 'Indeed, in many countries people expect us to try harder. I think this is sad because it shows the hypocrisy in the world's political system which is truly shameful. 'Finally, there are efforts by European countries to block new arms sales. It's a bit late (because) 50,000 women and children have been killed, the world is in shock,' he said. Anwar, who is also Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president, said this in his closing speech and adjourning the PKR 2024/2025 annual National Congress, which ends today. Anwar also said PKR appreciates those who have a stance to voice justice for the fate of Palestine, including Pope Leo XIV's statement calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. 'That first statement is sometimes louder than other Islamic leaders. 'So, we will continue to fight for justice and rights against colonization, including the Israeli colonization of the land of Gaza,' he said. Anadolu Agency (AA) on May 13 reported that at least 52,908 Palestinians have been killed in the genocidal attacks launched by Israel since October 2023. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its attacks on the area.
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
PKR must remain a central force in govt
JOHOR BAHRU: PKR Vice-President Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the party election results clearly indicate the party's and the country's future direction. The Selangor Menteri Besar said the new leadership line-up must play a key role in ensuring that PKR remains a central force in the country's administration moving forward. 'After going through a challenging and intense process, we are now at the final stage to conclude the National Congress. This means we have established a new layer of leadership to bear the aspirations of party members and Malaysians,' he said. He said this when winding up the debate on the president's policy speech during the PKR National Congress 2024/2025 at the Persada International Convention Centre here today. Amirudin, also the Selangor Leadership Council chairman, said the new leadership must also be prepared to ensure PKR remains relevant in government and continues to support the leadership of party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his second term as Prime Minister. Vice-President Datuk Seri R. Ramanan stressed the urgent need for all party members to regain control of the narrative and public perception on social media ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16). He claimed that after assuming the government position, PKR grew too comfortable and overlooked the importance of strategic communication on digital platforms, leaving it vulnerable to slander from opponents. 'I am confident that with the right strategy and coordinated efforts, we can reclaim the social media arena, secure victory for Pakatan Harapan in the GE16, and ensure Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remains as Prime Minister,' he added. Meanwhile, Vice President Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun proposed that three key issues causing public concern, namely e-invoicing implementation, gas subsidy adjustments for small traders, and petrol prices rationalisation, must be urgently addressed, warning that failure to do so could risk eroding public support ahead of the general election. Vice-President Chang Lih Kang called on all PKR members to refocus their efforts on winning the GE16 and the upcoming Sabah state election. 'Our focus as a political party is to win elections. We must work hard to ensure PKR remains in the federal government and that our president continues to serve as Prime Minister,' he said while challenging the PKR's Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) youth wing to immediately begin groundwork in tough constituencies where the party has yet to establish a strong foothold. Meanwhile, AMK chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim said each PKR member is responsible for effectively communicating the government's policies and initiatives, as many members of the public remain unaware of the benefits available to them. Wanita PKR chief Fadhlina Sidek also reminded all members to remain loyal and fully trust the new leadership to lead the party to greater heights.
