Latest news with #SharifahHunainiSyedIsmail
Barnama
20-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Anwar Positions Malaysia, ASEAN As Leading Voices Of Global South
BUSINESS By Sharifah Hunaini Syed Ismail KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- As chair of ASEAN, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is clearly asserting Malaysia's position – and that of the regional grouping – as key players in the Global South and a rising force to be reckoned with, demanding a global shift from the dominance of bipolarity to equitable power-sharing through multipolarity. Throughout his visits from South America to Southeast Asia, and most recently to Russia, the Prime Minister's clear message has been for deeper South-South collaboration to consolidate economic and political influence, enabling these nations to carve out their own destinies rather than be dictated to by the North or developed countries. Anwar's call for a stronger Global South is therefore timely, as emerging economies grow in stature and influence, seeking a greater say in shaping the global economic and political agenda. Given that the Global South represents 85 per cent of the world's population and accounts for more than 40 per cent of global gross domestic product (GDP) – a share that is only expanding – its call for equity is highly justified. As part of this strategy, Malaysia is now one of the nine partner countries in BRICS, an informal grouping of emerging economies. Its membership is fast expanding from the original five – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates became official members in 2024, giving the grouping greater clout in undertaking economic initiatives. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that the other driving force behind Malaysia's Global South push is the principle of a shared future – a concept that has been well received by fellow leaders. Speaking to Malaysian media during his recent visit to Russia, where he met President Vladimir Putin, the Prime Minister said Malaysia is – and will continue to be – focused on broadening its regional and global partnerships amid rising geopolitical realignments.
Barnama
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Meeting With Putin Main Agenda Of PM Anwar's Second-Day Russia Visit
From Sharifah Hunaini Syed Ismail MOSCOW, May 14 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin today, marking the main agenda on the second day of his official visit to Russia. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Kremlin, starting at 1 pm local time (6 pm Malaysian time). Both leaders are expected to discuss a range of bilateral issues and explore potential areas of collaboration between Malaysia and Russia, including trade, investment, agriculture and agri-commodities, education, aerospace, and energy. The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and international developments of mutual interest. In addition, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet with his Russian counterpart, Mikhail Mishustin, for another bilateral discussion. Anwar is also slated to receive a courtesy call from the Grand Mufti of the Russian Federation, Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, who is also the chairman of the Russian Religious Board of Muslims. Leading a delegation of over 70 officials, Anwar arrived here yesterday to begin his four-day visit to Russia at the invitation of Putin. The Prime Minister was welcomed with an Honorary Guard of Honour upon landing at Vnukovo-2 International Airport at 6.26 pm local time (11.26 pm Malaysia time). The Malaysian delegation includes Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu; Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Li Kang; Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir; and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
Barnama
13-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia Must Seize Opportunities To Be Explored In Russia
From Sharifah Hunaini Syed Ismail MOSCOW, May 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysia must be prepared to seize emerging opportunities in trade and cooperation, particularly if geopolitical tensions between Russia and the United States ease in the future, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said. He said Russia presents vast untapped opportunities due to its diverse resources and technological strengths, including in agriculture and other sectors. 'Malaysia and Russia have long-standing relations, but they haven't flourished as much as they could have due to unilateral sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States,' he said. 'There is much potential here, and we must be ready to explore these opportunities. Should US-Russia relations improve, we need to be positioned to benefit from it. 'Washington's current approach differs from (administrations) before, and I believe if ties normalise, Malaysia stands to gain significantly,' he said when speaking at a dinner with Malaysians in Russia on Tuesday. The dinner event was held in conjunction with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's official visit to Russia, which began on Tuesday. Also present were Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu; Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang; Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir; and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. In his speech, Mohamad also encouraged Malaysian students in Russia to uphold the nation's good name and return to contribute to Malaysia, particularly in critical sectors such as medicine and engineering upon completing their studies.
Barnama
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
PM Anwar Vows Easier Voting Process For Malaysians Abroad
From Sharifah Hunaini Syed Ismail MOSCOW, May 14 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given his assurance that the voting process for Malaysians living abroad will be improved, ensuring that all eligible voters can exercise their democratic rights without unnecessary obstacles. He acknowledged that there are eligible voters, including students overseas, who have been unable to cast their votes due to the complicated voting procedures abroad, particularly in countries like Russia. 'There are advanced systems and technologies available now, and we must leverage these tools to streamline and strengthen the overseas voting process. 'I understand that the Election Commission (EC) is an independent body, but why can't the EC ensure that every Malaysian, no matter where they are in the world, can vote? 'We have submitted our views and proposals to the EC… and we will make sure that before the next General Election, a proper and accessible process is in place,' Anwar said during a question-and-answer session with Malaysians in Russia, held as part of his official visit to the country beginning Tuesday. Anwar was responding to concerns shared by Malaysian students in Russia, who highlighted the challenges they faced in voting and accessing government-related election websites from abroad. The Prime Minister arrived in Moscow for a four-day official visit on Tuesday, receiving an official Guard of Honour upon landing at Vnukovo-2 International Airport at 6.26 p.m. local time (11.26 p.m. Malaysian time). His official visit, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, runs until May 16 and includes engagements in both Moscow and Kazan, Tatarstan.
Barnama
13-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
PM Anwar Arrives In Moscow For Official Visit To Russia
GENERAL From Sharifah Hunaini Syed Ismail MOSCOW, May 13 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived here today for a four-day official visit, receiving a Guard of Honour upon arrival at Vnukovo-2 Airport at 6.26 pm local time (11.26 pm Malaysian time). The official welcome ceremony marks the first of its kind accorded to a Malaysian prime minister in nearly two decades, with the last similar reception given to the fifth Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, during his official visit to Russia in 2007. Anwar was received by Malaysia's Ambassador to Russia Datuk Cheong Loon Lai, while Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko welcomed him on behalf of the Russian government. The official visit, taking place from May 13 to 16, is at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The itinerary includes engagements in Moscow and Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. The visit began tonight with a gathering with Malaysians residing in Russia, while on Wednesday, Anwar is scheduled to participate in a roundtable discussion with about 20 Russian industry leaders. The Prime Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with his counterpart Mikhail Mishustin and attend a meeting with President Putin. On Thursday, Anwar will deliver a public lecture at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), where he will also be conferred an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his contributions to global peace and international cooperation.
