Embrace diversity as a strength, not a source of division
KUCHING: Racial diversity should be embraced as a strength to enhance national unity, rather than as a battleground for rivalry or a means to showcase superiority and ego, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
He said that in many other countries, such diversity has led to racial and religious hostility, eventually burdening the nation and negatively affecting the people.
'Unity within our multiracial society is increasingly essential to ensure that Malaysia remains strong amid the current uncertain global geopolitical landscape.
'Never underestimate the potential problems if you are disunited. The geopolitical conditions are so challenging and alarming. The future is never certain. But what we can ensure is a united Malaysia,' he said.
Anwar was speaking at the 2025 Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak celebration dinner at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here tonight, which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi were the guests of honour at the event.
Anwar said as prime minister, he feels proud in showcasing the country's cultural and racial diversity, especially as Malaysia assumes the ASEAN chairmanship this year and when receiving foreign dignitaries and corporate leaders.
He said this was exemplified during a recent meeting with ConocoPhillips Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ryan Lance, where he wore a traditional Iban outfit gifted to him earlier by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
'So I told him (Ryan) about Sarawak, about the beauty of the culture, that's what we have to do. And I take great pride as a Malaysian to speak to one of the great multi-billion dollar companies, probably one of the biggest oil companies in the world and number one in the United States,' he said.
Meanwhile, Anwar also announced that he will meet with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto this Friday to discuss a proposal for Sarawak to be positioned as a hub for the ASEAN Power Grid (APG).
He said Sarawak, with its strengths in hydroelectric, gas and hydrogen energy, has the potential to spearhead the APG, not only by linking to Sabah and Indonesia's Kalimantan, but also extending to the southern Philippines.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malaysia Sun
an hour ago
- Malaysia Sun
Economic Watch: ASEAN integration drives development of independent regional financial system, analyst says
KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Greater economic integration among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is accelerating efforts to build an independent and resilient regional financial system, aimed at reducing reliance on external currencies and enhancing monetary stability across Southeast Asia, according to a Malaysian analyst. These moves are not meant to target any specific country but rather reflect a desire to move away from external financial volatility and facilitate transactions using local currencies for intra-ASEAN trade, which will enable seamless cross-border transactions, provide greater market access for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and also boost regional tourism, Lee Pei May, a political expert at the International Islamic University Malaysia, said in a recent interview with Xinhua. "The push for the use of local currencies has been ongoing for some time, as it helps strengthen the economic integration of ASEAN member states -- an important goal that ASEAN seeks to pursue. In fact, other regions are also moving away from relying too heavily on a single foreign currency, such as the U.S. dollar, as external interest rates and shifting government policies may cause significant volatility in currency exchange," she explained, adding that volatility is undesirable in any business. "Apart from the benefits of easier and faster transactions between businesses and banks of ASEAN countries through the use of local currencies, cross-border payments in local currencies can also help to avoid the volatility from outside the area," she said. Lee also said that allowing cross-border settlements in local currencies would be faster and cheaper, and singled out the tourism sector as a big winner, as tourists in the region will not need to go through the hassle of changing physical money when visiting other ASEAN states. "The Regional Payment Connectivity (RPC) initiative was first established to strengthen payment connectivity among the five ASEAN members, notably Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines. To date, the initiative has expanded to include central banks of Vietnam, Laos, Brunei and Cambodia," she said. "The participation would bring about seamless cross-border transactions and boost tourism in the region. Under the local currency settlement framework, many national payment systems have been linked, such as between Malaysia and Indonesia," she said. Lee also noted that the ASEAN push for local currencies and reduced dependency on external monetary systems has gained momentum amid growing awareness of the risks posed by relying on the U.S. dollar. "In the past, certain currencies were viewed as stable, but due to increasingly unpredictable global developments, this perception is shifting," Lee said, adding that if economic tools were to be used to exert pressure on policy differences, it could have negative implications. "Such risks, even if unlikely, remind us why building regional financial resilience is critical," she said.
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (June 28, 2025)
Malaysia: * Armed Forces must stay prepared, equipped with latest defence technology, says King * Five Malaysians have chosen to remain in Iran, says Foreign Minister * Works Ministry only gets half the money needed for road repairs nationwide, says Ahmad Maslan * Russia to support Malaysia's nuclear technology development, says Fadillah * Only platform providers can block or take down social media content, says Fahmi * 13th Malaysia Plan revision not done in haste, says Fahmi * Sabah polls: PH, Barisan in final stages of talks, says Umno sec-gen * Ploughing and harvesting incentive payments to be completed by July 31, says Mat Sabu * Sabah leads the way with community-based tourism expo, says state minister * Two college students remanded for three days over bullying case * We want you: Non-bumis urged to join the Armed Forces as participation remains low * Penang4Palestine condemns discovery of oxycodone in flour packets for Gaza * Putra Heights inferno: Findings to be made public on June 30, says Selangor MB * Ringgit to trade firmer against US dollar next week, ahead of US labour data * Storm warning: Thunderstorms, heavy rain expected over nine states, two FTs until 7pm / MetMalaysia issues thunderstorm, heavy rain warning for four states * Malay unity call falls flat - Those asking Malays to come together have been around for decades during which they beat the unity drum when it suited them. Singapore: * Singapore has increased its security posture amid rising tensions from Iran-Israel conflict, says national security minister * 'Super Rich In Korea's' David Yong, accused of multiple offences, allowed to leave Singapore in July * Six endangered fish species found in fish maw from Singapore and Malaysia's stores: Study * Organised crime groups behind in-flight theft cases, says Singapore Police Force * Singapore: Kitten reportedly put in container now adopted, probe underway * Oil prices steadies at the weekend after report of planned OPEC+ August output hike Indonesia: * Indonesian urges safer hiking after tourist death on Mount Rinjanil; Malaysian hiker rescued after suffering injury at same mountain * Women's growing role in drug trade sparks exploitation concerns in Indonesia * Malaysian climber injured in Gunung Rinjani mishap in Indonesia * Malaysia, Indonesia agree Asean unity vital to address global challenges * Anwar, Prabowo, call for broader peace in the Middle East Returning pilgrims receive assistance as they disembark from their aircraft upon arrival at the Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport in Blang Bintang, Aceh province on Saturday, June 28, 2025, after performing the annual Haj pilgrimage. -- Photo by CHAIDEER MAHYUDDIN / AFP Thailand: * Thailand starts banning the sale of cannabis without a prescription * Thai authorities find 620 sacks of cannabis hidden in durian and coconut orchards * Thai PM Paetongtarn faces more heat as thousands of protesters on Saturday demand her resignation over disastrous phone call * Thai protesters call for Prime Minister Paetongtarn's resignation * Thailand to hold trade talks with US next week Philippines: * Philippine prosecutors ask Senate to proceed with Duterte trial; case must go on due to severity of charges * Rising tennis star Eala makes history for Philippines by reaching Eastbourne final * China says Philippines face 'self-inflicted destruction' by hosting US missiles * 6.1-magnitude offshore earthquake hits southern Philippines * Bank on Manila banks -- The Philippine banking sector is on track for solid growth Vietnam: * Former English football star Michael Owen scores twice in Manchester United Legends win against Vietnam * SAR ops saved over 1,000 lives at sea nationwide in 2024, says MMEA * Vietnam Airlines suspends pilots after planes collide at Hanoi airport * UK joins Asean talks on transnational crime for the first time * Vietnam approves resolution to establish international financial centres; move more appealing to international investors Australia's Maya Joint poses with the trophy after beating Philippines' Alexandra Eala in their women's singles final tennis match on day six of the Lexus Eastbourne International tennis tournament in Eastbourne, southern England, on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Joint won the match in three sets, 12-10 in a third set tie-break. - Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP Myanmar: * Myanmar marks MSME Day with focus on digitalisation * Myat Yadanar Soe crowned Miss Universe Myanmar 2025 * South Korea praises Malaysia's Asean Chair role in Myanmar crisis * Myanmar burns confiscated drugs worth around US$300 million Cambodia: * Cambodia's ruling party marks 74th founding anniversary on Saturday (June 28) * Asean integration drives development of independent regional financial system, analyst says * Cambodia says it is not and will not be importing electricity from Thailand * Hun Sen: I was betrayed first -- Former Cambodian leaders hits back at Thailand's Thaksin Laos: * China-Laos Railway sees over 10 billion yuan in trade value from Jan-May * Laos faces widespread flooding as rains continue befall country * Laos explores national data centre development to drive digital transformation Brunei: * Brunei crown prince joins new Islamic year prayer * Brunei GDP declines 1.8 per cent in first quarter of 2025 * Brunei leader Sultan Hassanal calls to address challenges of AI era for the future Cricket - Women's Twenty20 International - England v India - Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham, Britain - June 28, 2025England's Sophia Dunkley looks dejected after losing her wicket. -- Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers AseanPlus: * One of the most famous faces of football in South-East Asia, Malaysia's evergreen coach K. Rajagobal returns with his book 'Inilah Saya' * Miti supports young entrepreneus through DEFA, Asean SME Academy, says Tengku Zafrul * Legal process must prevail over politics in Sabah mining licence probe, says Masidi * Durian frenzy: 3 tonnes sold in 12 hours at Johor carnival * Tourism Malaysia anticipates boost in Australian visitors with new flight route * KL Sing Song celebrates 20 years with reunion at Merdekarya * New Zealand woman injured after fall at Kanching Waterfall * 'Serious violations': Former head of major Chinese airline under graft investigation * 'Squid Game' star Jo Yu-ri to return as singer next month * Ex-New York official facing China agent charge indicted for kickbacks * Chinese energy firms say Brazil must clarify rules or face loss of investments * Murder suspect's girlfriend charged over abetting his escape from Hong Kong * Hong Kong to hold public hospital executives accountable for medical incidents * Carmakers GM, Tesla and Ford lead list of US companies in China exposure: report * Chinese reporter injured in Ukraine drone attack on Kursk * Americans trying to send Bibles to N. Korea arrested * Trump victorious again as US Supreme Court wraps up its term * Hong Kong sharpens crypto hub focus amid rising global competition * Senior military official Miao Hua purged from top ruling body in China * Flood-hit China expands social security net as extreme rain takes toll * South Korea ex-President Yoon probed over failed martial law bid * 'Problem what problem' - Trump says he will get the conflict solved with North Korea * Ardent Japanese fans bid farewell to four lovable giant pandas as they return to China * Hong Kong woman opens up about life after moment her heart stopped beating * China woman in Ukraine cares for US$140,000 Bengal tiger, shares daily life online * West Bank health crisis deepens as WHO warns of deadly access barriers and critical shortages * Newlyweds Bezos and Sanchez gear up for final party at Venice gala * US says deal with Beijing will expedite rare earth exports from China * Pikachu and Snorlax named Japan's ambassadors to encourage better sleeping habits * Ardent Japanese fans bid farewell to four lovable giant pandas as they return to China * Cricket - Jayasuriya decimates Bangladesh as Sri Lanka win by innings and 78 runs * Cricket - Captain Cummins backs youngster Konstas as Australia cruise to West Indies win * Badminton - Japan's former star Momota returns at Lin Dan Cup * Motor racing - Norris fastest in final Austrian GP practice * Motorcycling - Yamaha's Quartararo pips Ducatis to clinch Dutch Grand Prix pole * Motorcycling - Marquez on cloud nine with ninth sprint victory of season at Dutch GP
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Asean integration drives development of independent regional financial system, analyst says
SOUTH-EAST ASIA (Xinhua): Greater economic integration among the members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) is accelerating efforts to build an independent and resilient regional financial system, aimed at reducing reliance on external currencies and enhancing monetary stability across the region, according to a Malaysian analyst. These moves are not meant to target any specific country but rather reflect a desire to move away from external financial volatility and facilitate transactions using local currencies for intra-Asean trade, which will enable seamless cross-border transactions, provide greater market access for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and also boost regional tourism, Lee Pei May, a political expert at the International Islamic University Malaysia, said in a recent interview with Xinhua. "The push for the use of local currencies has been ongoing for some time, as it helps strengthen the economic integration of Asean member states -- an important goal that Asean seeks to pursue. "In fact, other regions are also moving away from relying too heavily on a single foreign currency, such as the US dollar, as external interest rates and shifting government policies may cause significant volatility in currency exchange," she explained, adding that volatility is undesirable in any business. "Apart from the benefits of easier and faster transactions between businesses and banks of Asean countries through the use of local currencies, cross-border payments in local currencies can also help to avoid the volatility from outside the area," she said. Lee also said that allowing cross-border settlements in local currencies would be faster and cheaper, and singled out the tourism sector as a big winner, as tourists in the region will not need to go through the hassle of changing physical money when visiting other Asean states. "The Regional Payment Connectivity (RPC) initiative was first established to strengthen payment connectivity among the five Asean members, notably Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines. "To date, the initiative has expanded to include central banks of Vietnam, Laos, Brunei and Cambodia," she said. "The participation would bring about seamless cross-border transactions and boost tourism in the region. Under the local currency settlement framework, many national payment systems have been linked, such as between Malaysia and Indonesia," she said. Lee also noted that the Asean push for local currencies and reduced dependency on external monetary systems has gained momentum amid growing awareness of the risks posed by relying on the US dollar. "In the past, certain currencies were viewed as stable, but due to increasingly unpredictable global developments, this perception is shifting," Lee said, adding that if economic tools were to be used to exert pressure on policy differences, it could have negative implications. "Such risks, even if unlikely, remind us why building regional financial resilience is critical," she said. - Xinhua
