
PM Anwar to visit Indonesia for first annual consultation with Prabowo
JAKARTA (July 27): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will embark on a two-day working visit to Indonesia starting Monday to attend the 13th Annual Consultation with President Prabowo Subianto – the first such meeting between the two leaders.
Anwar will be accompanied by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg; Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor; Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz; Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
'This Annual Consultation represents the highest-level bilateral mechanism between Malaysia and Indonesia, aimed at reinforcing strategic and comprehensive cooperation,' Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia Datuk Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin said during a media briefing here on Sunday.
He said the Annual Consultation, convened alternately between the two countries since 2006, reflects the strong political commitment of both nations to enhance collaboration across a wide range of sectors, including trade and investment, defence and security, connectivity, food security and education.
'The leaders are expected to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest,' he said, adding that a Joint Statement will be issued at the conclusion of the consultation.
The previous consultation was held in 2017, making this a timely opportunity for both leaders to reaffirm their strategic partnership and explore new areas of cooperation in response to current regional and global challenges.
Syed Mohamad Hasrin said the leaders will also witness the exchange of four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the areas of land border, health cooperation and information and communications technology.
During the visit, he said the Prime Minister is also scheduled to visit the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, at the invitation of the ASEAN Secretary-General, Dr Kao Kim Hourn.
Anwar will also deliver a Policy Speech on ASEAN in the context of Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, underscoring Malaysia's ongoing commitment to regional integration and community-building.
In 2024, Indonesia ranked as Malaysia's sixth-largest global trading partner and the second largest within ASEAN.
Bilateral trade increased by 4.5 per cent from RM111.21 billion (US$24.39 billion) in 2023 to RM116.29 billion (US$25.5 billion) in 2024. – Bernama anwar ibrahim bilateral relations indonesia Prabowo Subianto
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
ICJ ruling demands climate leadership, energy transition
LETTERS: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has sent a strong message to the world: taking serious action on climate change is not just a good idea — it is a legal duty. In a landmark advisory opinion released on July 23, the ICJ confirmed that countries have clear obligations under international law to protect people and the planet from the impacts of climate change. While not legally binding, this determination by the Court carries weight. It will shape how governments, investors, companies and courts understand their responsibilities. And it puts Malaysia — as both a fossil-fuel-producing nation and a regional leader — under the spotlight. A critical element of the advisory opinion is its link between climate and human rights. "The full enjoyment of human rights cannot be ensured without the protection of the climate system," the Court said. In simple terms: we cannot live safe, healthy lives without a healthy environment. In Malaysia, we are already feeling the consequences of inaction. Floods are worsening. Heatwaves are more frequent. Haze disrupts daily life and harms health, especially for children. These aren't future threats — they are here, and the most vulnerable are hit first. So, what now? First, accelerate the energy transition. The government must end fossil fuel subsidies and redirect that money into renewable energy, public transport and support for workers in high-carbon industries. The transition must also be just — rural and lower-income communities need to benefit, not be left behind. According to the World Bank, Malaysia spent RM52 billion on blanket fossil fuel subsidies in 2022. Redirected to clean energy, that could fund 15 to 17 gigawatts of solar power — enough for over five million homes — or build thousands of megawatts of grid-scale battery storage to stabilise a renewables-powered grid. It could electrify rural areas, support transition funds for oil and gas workers, and modernise the national grid to meet future demand. In short, RM52 billion could kickstart a job-creating, emissions-cutting energy revolution. Second, regulate polluters. Companies must be held accountable for their emissions. Voluntary commitments and ESG talk are not enough. The ICJ has affirmed that governments must act to uphold their international legal obligations. And citizens, media and civil society must hold both government and business to account. Third, lead in Asean and beyond. Malaysia has a chance to shape regional climate action. We should push for shared rules across Southeast Asia on climate ambition, just transition, and environmental safeguards. The Asean 2045 Vision barely addresses climate change or fossil fuel dependency. That must change. If Asean is truly "people-centred", its vision must reflect a serious commitment to protecting its citizens — especially those most vulnerable to climate impacts. The ICJ advisory opinion gives the world a powerful tool to push for stronger, fairer climate action backed by international law. Sunway Centre for Planetary Health Sunway University, Malaysia


The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Semiconductor firms tread cautiously
THE potential 25% tariff imposed by the US government is of significant concern for Malaysian semiconductor companies. These firms, which are crucial to the global supply chain, contributed RM575bil in exports in 2024. Industry players are now navigating this uncertainty with heightened caution.

Barnama
3 hours ago
- Barnama
UMNO Must Lead Digital Narrative, Reach Youth To Stay Relevant– Zambry
KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 (Bernama) -- UMNO must lead in shaping the digital narrative, strengthen its presence on new media and engage young voters to remain relevant, UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said today. He said politics has entered the digital era in which information, perceptions and sentiments are rapidly shaped through social media and online platforms. 'This new challenge requires UMNO to adopt fresher, more flexible and pragmatic approaches. We cannot remain bound by the old ways,' he said in a Facebook post.