Latest news with #RelatedSummits
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
I've planned my next steps but will reveal them later, says Rafizi
PETALING JAYA: After resigning as Economy Minister, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli says he will announce his plans once the dust settles from recent events. Rafizi said he began his leave on Wednesday (May 28) and is currently busy replying to messages and having discussions on X. ALSO READ: Anwar: No Cabinet reshuffle for now 'I have planned what to focus on after this. But let everyone calm down… 'I will update here in future,' he said on X on Friday (May 30). The former PKR deputy president also pointed out that the strength of the country lies in its people. 'The biggest potential lies in regular people. We have to go back to harnessing this potential,' he wrote. ALSO READ: Nurul Izzah: Fearless Rafizi will remain relevant A day after the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits concluded, Rafizi and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad tendered their resignations from the Economy and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability portfolios respectively. At the PKR central leadership elections on May 23, Rafizi lost his party post to president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's daughter Nurul Izzah. Nik Nazmi was unsuccessful in his bid for one of the four vice presidents' posts. ALSO READ: Not the end of the line for the two party stalwarts, say analysts Rafizi had said his resignation would take effect from June 17, and that he will be on annual leave from Thursday (May 29) to June 16. Nik Nazmi said his resignation takes effect from July 4 and that his leave would start on Thursday. Also on Thursday, Prime Minister Anwar said he was not considering a Cabinet reshuffle yet despite the resignations. 'They are still on leave. We cannot replace ministers who are currently on leave," he told the media after the Prime Minister's Department monthly assembly in Putrajaya.
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Timor-Leste to join Asean in October
Seeking solutions: Anwar (right) with Asean leaders attending the second Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council summmit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Timor-Leste's wait to be included in Asean will be over in five months, when they will be granted full membership at the next regional meeting, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced. The Prime Minister said Asean leaders have agreed to accept Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the association at the next Asean Summit in October. He said Timor-Leste has been working hard to fulfil requirements to become an Asean member and Malaysia is satisfied with the country's efforts. 'Malaysia, Indonesia and a number of other countries have assisted in many ways to ensure that they meet this precondition. I would say we are quite satisfied. 'The decision is to agree that they will be accepted as a full member by the next session in October,' said Anwar during his exit press conference after the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits yesterday. He said Timor-Leste has to fulfil 'one or two' economic preconditions to be admitted as a full member of Asean. 'The consensus is that we will do whatever is necessary to ensure that they come in by October as a full member,' he added. Current Asean members are Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and the Philippines. Timor-Leste was officially recognised by the United Nations in 2002, making it Asia's youngest democracy. The country officially applied for Asean membership in 2011 and was granted observer status in 2022. Its Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, who was also in Kuala Lumpur to attend the Summit, was reported as being optimistic about securing the full membership by the end of this year. Meanwhile, Anwar said as Asean Chair this year, Malaysia is hoping to come up with tangible programmes that will benefit the people by October. Anwar said various ministries and officials will have to start working on these initiatives. 'So by October, we want to see the results. We want to see real change that will benefit the people,' he added. The Prime Minister said the Asean Summit and Related Summits achieved its objectives by successfully bringing together the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China at the same table, crediting the outcome to the strong spirit of unity and the unwavering support of all regional leaders. Reflecting on the engagements throughout the summit, Anwar said Malaysia's chairmanship had enabled deeper discussions with Asean's external partners. He also said discussions held throughout the summit had been fruitful. 'There is a dramatic change in terms of attitude. The South China Sea was discussed, and we also saw exchanges between the Philippines and China. 'I'm not saying these issues can be resolved, but at least there is meaningful and positive engagement. That is the spirit of Asean,' added Anwar. Malaysia is the Chair of Asean this year, having held the post in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
GMA Network
6 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Marcos cites GCC, China's role in AI innovation
The Philippines at the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit in Malaysia. (Photo from PCO) KUALA LUMPUR - President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. acknowledged the role of the Gulf Cooperation Council and China in the development of artificial intelligence. During the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit on Tuesday, Marcos said the GCC and China have become immersed "as global leaders in AI innovation." ''Let us also deepen cooperation in digital trade, cybersecurity and the development of digital skills so that our youth, entrepreneurs, and our workers are equipped to thrive in an AI-driven world,'' he added. It was Chinese Premier Li Qiang who attended the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The member states of the GCC include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Marcos had vowed to push for an ethical and responsible AI during the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. In 2023, Marcos underscored that the Philippines was ready for AI as he called on technology firms to partner with the Philippines in what he described as a "technological revolution." Marcos had said Manila is already embracing the AI revolution to augment the existing skills of Filipinos, increase the productivity of enterprises, and enhance the competitiveness of the economy.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
Barnama
6 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
ASEAN Main Logistics Secretariat Sets Sights On Raising The Bar For October's Summit
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 ( Bernama) -- The Main Logistics Secretariat for ASEAN 2025 is determined to raise the bar for the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit, scheduled for October this year, following the successful execution of the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, which concluded today. Head of the Secretariat Raja Saifful Ridzuwan Raja Kamaruddin said the team would use a comprehensive post-event evaluation of the recently concluded summit and related meetings, held from May 22 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here, as a blueprint to refine future preparations. 'Honestly, I am very satisfied because everything we planned over the past five months has fully materialised. 'But the real challenge lies ahead in October. We've already tested our capabilities and coordination with various agencies. Now, our focus is on identifying our weaknesses and improving them,' he said when featured on Bernama TV's special programme on ASEAN Summit 2025 tonight. One of the key hurdles, Raja Saifful noted, was presenting Malaysia's identity as a multiracial, peaceful, and tolerant nation, grounded in the MADANI principles - a national development philosophy championed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim - to the broader ASEAN community. 'We wanted to carry the Prime Minister's aspirations onto the ASEAN stage, including through the (ASEAN 2025) logo. That's why we featured blue, red, and yellow - the colours that not only represent ASEAN, but also Malaysia,' he explained. Raja Saifful also underscored ASEAN's central role in Malaysia's foreign policy, particularly in terms of contributing to regional economic growth and stability through a wide range of collaborative initiatives. The ASEAN Summit, which drew leaders and high-level delegations from ASEAN and partner countries, was held under Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. This year marks Malaysia's fifth term as ASEAN Chair, following previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.
GMA Network
6 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Marcos: ASEAN watching US-China trade war with concern
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. speaks during a press conference at the Ritz Carlton Kuala Lumpur after the 46th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, May 27, 2025. (Mark Balmores/ PPA POOL) President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. said Tuesday that the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are concerned with the trade war between the United States and China. Speaking to the Philippine media delegation, Marcos said he had a chance to speak with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, noting that Beijing does not want any trade war. 'I also had an actually good conversation with the Premier of China. And I asked him, 'Premier, what do you think?'' Marcos said. 'He says, 'Well, we do not want any of this,'' he added. Marcos said ASEAN is concerned because China is the biggest economic driver in the region. 'And, of course, we watch very closely what is happening to the economy in China because it affects all of us,' the President said. Marcos noted that Manila has been trading with Beijing, adding that there had been many Chinese investments in the Philippines. 'So, talagang kung makita mo wala namang – walang –kung matuloy itong regime na unilaterally imposed, talagang babagsak. It has a global effect and it is not going to be a good one,' Marcos said. (So, really if you look at it there is nothing –nothing –if this regime proceeds to being unilaterally imposed, it will truly fall.) Washington is seeking to reduce its $295 billion goods trade deficit with Beijing and to persuade China to renounce what the United States says is a mercantilist economic model and contribute more to global consumption, a shift that would require politically sensitive domestic reforms. Beijing has pushed back against what it sees as external interference. It wants Washington to lower tariffs, clarify what it wants China to buy more of, and treat it as an equal on the world stage. Marcos emphasized this trade war would result in 'shrinkage in economic activity.' 'I hope not. I hope I'm wrong,' Marcos said, noting that they do not know what will happen when the 90-day freeze on the unilateral tariffs runs out. Marcos said the regional bloc would also depend on one another, particularly on trade. 'The structure of world trade is completely different now from what it was before. The conclusion also that we arrived at is that we have to depend more on each other, on ASEAN,' Marcos said. 'ASEAN, malakas naman ang loob namin sa ASEAN member countries. The economies are vibrant. Masigla ang kanilang mga ekonomiya,' he added. ( We're pretty confident with ASEAN member countries… Their economies are lively.) —RF, GMA Integrated News
