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Independent Singapore
5 days ago
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
Johor royalty and ASEAN leaders join Singapore's 60th National Day Parade
SINGAPORE: In a symbolic show of friendship and regional unity, Singapore's 60th National Day Parade (NDP) at the Padang welcomed high-profile guests from across Southeast Asia, including Johor's Crown Prince Tunku Mahkota Ismail and his consort Che' Puan Khaleeda Johor. According to Bernama , this was the first time since 2019 that foreign dignitaries had been invited to the NDP. Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi attended on behalf of the Malaysian government, alongside Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. A celebration of pride — and partnerships Bernama reported that the parade's theme, 'Majulah Singapura,' set the stage for a day of national pride. The pre-show featured the Singapore Armed Forces' Red Lions parachute team and the Republic of Singapore Navy's 'Jump of Unity' at Marina Bay. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong arrived at 6:30 p.m. to officially start the main event, which saw a record 40 marching contingents — the largest since 1990 — and 170 assets on display. This spectacle included a combined aerial flypast, maritime showcase, and drive-past of new military equipment making their debut. Over 3,000 performers, including Malaysian rock legend Datuk Ramli Sarip, took part in the show segment. The event also featured the largest centre stage in NDP history — a 360-degree platform surrounded by a crowd of 27,000 — and ended with a fireworks finale and a nationwide 'Majulah Moment' reciting the National Pledge. Why Johor's presence matters now For many in Singapore, the Johor Crown Prince's appearance at the parade felt like more than just a diplomatic courtesy. Coming on the heels of recent progress in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), it was a moment that underscored how relations between the two sides are moving in a positive direction. The Crown Prince has long championed Johor's development, and his appearance at Singapore's milestone celebration signalled that the partnership is growing not only in trade and investment but also in cultural and symbolic importance. Read related: Johor's Royal Botanical Garden reopens with new attractions ahead of Visit Johor 2026 A regional stage for a shared future As Bernama highlighted, having leaders from Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia at this year's NDP sent a clear message about the importance of working together in the region. Shoulder to shoulder with Singapore's own leaders, these guests added a renewed sense of connection. This serves as a reminder that national milestones can also serve as moments to reaffirm a common vision for Southeast Asia's future. The night ended with Singaporeans across the island reciting the National Pledge in unison. This was a powerful close to a celebration that not only honoured six decades of independence, but also looked ahead to a future shaped in partnership with its closest Read also: Johor's RM1.34 billion Singapore investment push signals deeper regional ties and transformation
Malay Mail
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Anwar: Malaysia, Indonesia committed to Asean unity, border resolution
KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 — Malaysia and Indonesia agree that a united and stable Asean is crucial to addressing current global challenges, whether economic, political or security-related. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the matter was agreed upon during his meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta yesterday, in conjunction with his one-day official visit to the republic. 'As two founding members of Asean, Malaysia and Indonesia reaffirmed their strong commitment to preserving regional unity and maintaining Asean's stability. 'Hence, the close Malaysia-Indonesia ties will continue to serve as a model and catalyst for greater Asean unity, for the well-being of the people of both countries and the region as a whole,' Anwar said in a Facebook post. He added that in the spirit of mutual trust, Malaysia and Indonesia are also determined to resolve the outstanding border issues without delay. He said resolving the border issues, including longstanding maritime matters, is a shared priority to preserve the strong ties and close cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia. 'This win-win solution is expected to further enhance the confidence and trust between the two neighbouring nations. 'The alignment reflects the close friendship and strong strategic relations between the two countries,' he said. — Bernama
Malay Mail
26-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
ASEAN leaders meet today in KL for 46th summit, to sign declaration on region's future
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Leaders from across Southeast Asia converge in the Malaysian capital today for a crucial summit and a series of high-level related meetings to deliberate on key regional matters. The packed itinerary begins with the 46th ASEAN Summit (Plenary), followed by the 46th ASEAN Summit (Retreat), in which leaders will engage in discussions on challenges, strategic priorities, and efforts to reinforce regional unity. Also on the schedule are the ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representatives of ASEAN Inter Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), the ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representatives of ASEAN Youth and the ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representatives of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC). The day's focal point is the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, a strategic milestone that will shape the region's next phase of community-building. The day will wrap up with ASEAN leaders enjoying an evening of delicious local delicacies and vibrant cultural performances at a Gala Dinner hosted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. The 46th ASEAN Summit is being held under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship theme, 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.' This marks Malaysia's fifth term as ASEAN Chair, following previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. In conjunction with the summit, two pivotal high-level engagements—the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit—will be convened, serving as strategic platforms to advance regional and inter-regional cooperation. — Bernama
