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Malaysia-Indonesia talks promising for Sabah: CM

Malaysia-Indonesia talks promising for Sabah: CM

Daily Express3 days ago
Published on: Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Published on: Wed, Jul 30, 2025
By: Larry Ralon Text Size: Filepic of Anwar introducing Hajiji to Prabowo at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday. - Pic by CMD KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has described the recent Malaysia–Indonesia Annual Consultation Meeting in Jakarta as constructive and promising for Sabah. He said Sabah's position was conveyed during the discussions, with several related matters now undergoing further refinement. While declining to reveal specific topics, Hajiji noted that the outcomes of the meeting are expected to benefit the state in due course. He clarified that the issue of Ambalat was not part of the consultation agenda, as it falls under international legal jurisdiction. The Chief Minister joined Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the 13th annual bilateral meeting held at the Merdeka Palace on Tuesday. Also present were Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Hajiji was accompanied by key Sabah officials and had earlier attended a pre-council meeting chaired by the Prime Minister in preparation for the talks. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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No official PBS candidate yet
No official PBS candidate yet

Daily Express

timean hour ago

  • Daily Express

No official PBS candidate yet

Published on: Saturday, August 02, 2025 Published on: Sat, Aug 02, 2025 Text Size: Julita said any statement made without that authority is 'false and misleading'. Kota Kinabalu: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has not endorsed any individual as a candidate for the coming state election, said its Secretary-General Datuk Julita Majungki. She said any claim suggesting otherwise does not reflect the party's official position. 'The process of identifying and finalising potential candidates is still ongoing and will be decided collectively by the PBS leadership. 'All official announcements will only be made through proper party channels and must be quoted directly from the acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam,' she said in a statement, on Wednesday. Julita said any statement made without that authority is 'false and misleading'. She also urged all PBS divisions and branches to stay focused on preparing for the state election and continue strengthening grassroots machinery. 'We call on the media and public to verify information with the party's official sources to avoid confusion and misinformation,' she said. On cooperation with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Julita affirmed PBS' agreement with GRS Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's statement that the coalition would work with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the state election. 'This is based on the understanding that GRS will be the dominant partner, as discussed and agreed during meetings between the GRS Chairman and the presidents of component parties, including our acting president,' she said. Julita also clarified that Dr Joachim was unable to attend the recent PGRS annual general meeting as he was officiating the simultaneous opening of five PBS division AGMs in Beaufort. 'Nonetheless, PBS was represented by senior leaders including Deputy Presidents Datuk Seri Jahid Jahim, Datuk Seri Dr Yee Moh Chai and myself,' she said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

After Thai-Cambodia truce, Anwar now seen as key to possible Asean-led Myanmar peace push
After Thai-Cambodia truce, Anwar now seen as key to possible Asean-led Myanmar peace push

Malay Mail

timean hour ago

  • Malay Mail

After Thai-Cambodia truce, Anwar now seen as key to possible Asean-led Myanmar peace push

PHNOM PENH, Aug 2 — Following its successful mediation of the Cambodia–Thailand border truce, Malaysia may now seek to apply a similar conflict resolution model to one of Asean's most intractable challenges — the ongoing armed conflict in Myanmar. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia's assertive diplomacy is redefining Asean's role, transforming the bloc from a passive consensus-based forum into a more active regional player capable of navigating complex crises, according to political observers. In just four months as Asean chair, Anwar has secured two major diplomatic breakthroughs in addressing long-standing regional crises – moves that have drawn praise from the international community. Former Indian Ambassador to Thailand Anil Wadhwa noted that Anwar's proactive approach is challenging Asean's longstanding principle of non-interference - necessary to address the ongoing crises and issues like human trafficking and scams. 'By doing so, Malaysia is restoring Asean relevance in addressing the Myanmar crisis and promoting human security in the region. Malaysia will do well to ride on its success in the Thai-Cambodia conflict and try the Asean mediation between the military regime and the NUG and other disparate groups,' Anil told Bernama from New Delhi. Anil, who served as India's envoy to Thailand from 2011 to 2014, underscored the urgency for Asean to develop a workable political framework to address Myanmar's multi-layered crisis — one that has defied solutions for decades. Anwar, however, broke the bitter diplomatic deadlock in mid-April. He met Myanmar's State Administration Council Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok and also consulted the National Unity Government (NUG) representatives to allow the flow of humanitarian aid into earthquake-hit regions — a rare moment of cooperation between the two rival entities. Most recently, Anwar hosted a high stakes meeting in Putrajaya between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, successfully defusing tensions along the two countries' shared border. The ceasefire, widely seen as a major Asean achievement, prevented a broader military escalation and ensured the safety of thousands of civilians. The 77-year-old leader's diplomatic masterstrokes brought the much-needed calm to the border communities on both sides and helped save thousands of lives. Otherwise, it could have turned into a costly military confrontation, destabilising the region. Still, Myanmar's situation presents a more complex challenge. The country's civil war involves some 20 ethnic armed groups, many of whom have been fighting for autonomy or independence since 1948. With over 135 recognised ethnic groups and competing visions of governance, the path to peace is steep. 'Asean needs leadership — and Anwar is providing that,' remarked Kavi Chongkittavorn, a senior fellow at Chulalongkorn University's Institute of Security and International Studies in Bangkok. 'He is making Asean more relevant under Malaysia's leadership, Timor-Leste is accepted into Asean, and to solve the Myanmar crisis, Asean needs the leadership too. 'Now Asean can engage superpowers, especially the US and China and others more effectively. Malaysia announced the new Vision 2045 that envisages the bloc as future-ready. Anwar is doing exactly that. It will take time to further rebrand Asean,' he told Bernama. He also highlighted the significance of the Thai-Cambodia ceasefire, calling it a milestone, especially since Thailand had previously rejected Asean mediation during similar border clashes in 2008 and 2011. While the world's focus shifted to the border tussle in recent days, Myanmar continues to grapple with its domestic predicaments from economic hardship, natural calamities, raging civil war in various states and internally displaced people. The military coup on February 1, 2021, has displaced at least three million people, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation 'The only way to solve the crisis in Myanmar is for the military government and the NUG constituents to come together to discuss power sharing, revenue sharing formula and open humanitarian corridors. The people of Myanmar need to be freed of their burden,' said Anil. The military government recently lifted its four-year-old state of emergency and has announced plans to hold national elections in December. Whether Asean, under Malaysia's leadership, can facilitate meaningful dialogue in Myanmar remains to be seen. But as Anwar continues to chart a more assertive course, political analysts agree: Asean may be inching closer to becoming a truly effective regional actor. — Bernama

Sabah teachers back RM67 billion education budget
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Daily Express

timean hour ago

  • Daily Express

Sabah teachers back RM67 billion education budget

Published on: Saturday, August 02, 2025 Published on: Sat, Aug 02, 2025 Text Size: Murkam emphasised that in many interior schools, teachers still struggle with inadequate or non-existent housing, which directly affects their well-being and ability to stay long-term. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government Teachers' Union (KGKS) has voiced support for the government's RM67 billion allocation to the education sector under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), calling it a necessary step to address long-standing gaps in the system. Its President Murkam Hussien, said the funding is crucial, particularly for states like Sabah where education development continues to face significant challenges. 'We welcome the allocation, but we also urge the government to prioritise basic facilities in Sabah, especially school infrastructure and teachers' quarters in rural areas,' he said in a statement Friday. Murkam emphasised that in many interior schools, teachers still struggle with inadequate or non-existent housing, which directly affects their well-being and ability to stay long-term. 'This is not about comfort, it's about necessity. Without proper living conditions, it becomes harder to retain committed educators in remote areas,' he said. He also called for attention to digital infrastructure, noting that rural schools are still behind when it comes to internet access and digital learning tools. Strengthening technical and vocational education (TVET) that fits local needs should also be part of the focus under RMK13. Murkam also emphasised that the success of the plan should not be measured by the size of the allocation alone, but by how effectively it is implemented and monitored. 'We want to see meaningful changes on the ground, not just announcements. There has to be follow-through,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

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