Kudos from Europe for Anwar's role in Thailand-Cambodia mediation
According to German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius, Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke with Anwar by phone on Monday (July 28) to express his appreciation.
ALSO READ: Cambodia and Thailand agree to ceasefire, says Anwar
"The task now is to further de-escalate the conflict," said Merz.
Merz also praised the good relations between Germany and Malaysia.
"As the current chair of Asean and bilaterally, Malaysia is an important partner for Germany in the region," he said, adding that both countries agreed to strengthen their economic relations.
Earlier on Monday, Anwar read a joint statement that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following a special meeting in Putrajaya.
ALSO READ: Thai, Cambodian PMs welcome Malaysian-brokered peace
A French Embassy spokesman said France also commended Anwar's role in the matter and reaffirmed the country's commitment to the centrality of the region in resolving disputes.
'France welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire effective Monday evening... and the resumption of dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand following the meeting between the Prime Ministers of the two countries held in Malaysia on July 28.
"It calls for the effective implementation of the ceasefire.
"This significant progress must be the starting point for a lasting settlement of disputes through peaceful means, in accordance with international law.
ALSO READ: Asean leadership redefined: Anwar's quiet diplomacy halts deadly Thailand-Cambodia clash
"France reiterates its willingness to contribute to international efforts, particularly those of Asean, in this regard," he added.
EC vice-president Kaja Kallas, meanwhile, said on X: "The ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand is a major breakthrough after days of deadly clashes.
"It's vital both countries implement it in good faith.
"I thank Malaysia as Asean chair for helping facilitate the negotiation process."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
26 minutes ago
- The Star
13MP: Strategic clarity in an age of disruption
AS economic certainties are breaking apart at the seams by fragmentation, digital disruption and rising protectionism, the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) under the Madani government could not have come at a more critical juncture. Where once there was predictability and stability, bolstered by robust competition, the global landscape is now dominated by intense strategic rivalry and geo-economic uncertainty. Long a trading nation and a highly open economy, Malaysia must navigate these treacherous waters, exposed to global headwinds, not least the Trump administration's re-imposition of tariffs. The current 19% duty on most Malaysian exports to the US, though a reduction from earlier announcements, reflects a difficult compromise. Exemptions for key sectors such as semiconductors soften the blow, but the overall message is clear: trade is becoming more politicised, and diversification is no longer optional but essential. Some have suggested that Malaysia's arrangement with the US bears little distinction from those secured by its regional peers, or worse, represents a form of quiet capitulation. Such critiques overlook a key reality: economic diplomacy in today's climate is no longer about extracting perfect outcomes, but about managing asymmetries wisely. Malaysia's approach has been guided by strategic calculus, not submission, and herein lies the difference. Malaysia has safeguarded critical policy space, including bumiputra affirmative action, protective tariffs for strategic industries such as automotive, and the continued issuance of Approved Permits (APs), all while ensuring continued dialogue with Washington. The 13MP responds to these realities with a forward-looking framework that positions the country for resilience and renewal. It outlines a vision of strategic autonomy rooted in structural reform, domestic capacity-building and constructive global engagement. Building strength for a digital and industrial future A central theme of the 13MP is the development of Made by Malaysia products, anchored in existing policy documents such as the New Industrial Master Plan 2030. In addition to prioritising research, commercialisation and innovation, the 13MP supports high-growth sectors, aims to attract high-impact investments, and strengthens the nation's talent base. This ambition is writ large in the commitment to artificial intelligence and digital transformation. Malaysia must move beyond backend assembly in global value chains. The RM10bil investment by Nvidia, partnering Khazanah Nasional, reflects international confidence in Malaysia's capacity to become a regional pivot for high-performance computing, AI infrastructure and data governance. Yet, this is only a beginning. The 13MP envisions nurturing home-grown innovation, making domestic firms more competitive and equipping Malaysians for the technological frontier. It advances these goals by strengthening industry-academia collaboration, supporting the AI ecosystem under the National AI Roadmap, and promoting agile governance through regulatory sandboxes. At its core, the 13MP is about economic, institutional and societal resilience. The focus is on value creation and long-term quality investment, where public spending and policy incentives serve strategic objectives, not the least being boosting domestic value capture and supporting high-impact sectors. As for the National Energy Transition Roadmap, gearing the nation towards a low-carbon, high-value economy, the kicker is in catalytic projects and investment opportunities in green hydrogen, solar manufacturing and grid modernisation. Energy resilience and environmental stewardship are crucial to ensure we aren't left at the starting block in the global green economy race while laying the foundation for new industrial ecosystems that align with long-term national interests. Reclaiming global relevance through economic diplomacy Malaysia's tradition of non-alignment remains a key advantage. Our credibility with both East and West, combined with a reputation for moderation and consistency, positions us to bridge divides in a fractured global order. The 13MP builds on this by encouraging deeper engagement with emerging markets, reinforcing commitment to multilateral platforms such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and reaffirming Malaysia's leadership role in Asean as well as participation in Brics. Economic diplomacy, in this regard, is not incidental but a core pillar of the 13MP, demonstrating the inextricable link between domestic reform and global positioning. By expanding trade relations with sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America and leveraging existing trade agreements, the 13MP seeks to fortify resilience in an era of shifting power and contested norms. Its call for fairness, predictability and sovereignty in digital and trade governance reflects long-term strategic interests. Still, the 13MP is only as strong as its execution. While Malaysia has never lacked for vision, the adage that between the ideal and the reality falls the shadow of incoherence and failure sometimes still rings true. Nevertheless, we take heart that the 13MP introduces mechanisms for inter-agency coordination, performance tracking and institutional accountability. This is vital considering that we were once dragged down by a system that prioritised form over substance. And, in order to truly appreciate the role of the 13MP in today's context, we must move beyond outdated critiques and assess what national planning means in an era of complexity and disruption. It has become fashionable among some commentators to dismiss Malaysia's five-year plans as relics of Soviet-style economic totalitarianism. But this ignores both the evolution of the planning process and the complexity of modern governance. Unlike Stalinist central planning, the 13MP does not attempt to micromanage the economy, nor does it presume to absolutely override market mechanisms. Instead, it provides strategic clarity in areas where the market alone cannot resolve collective dilemmas such as climate resilience, energy security, digital infrastructure and regional inequality. Clearly, Adam Smith's 'invisible hand' has remained largely invisible in times of economic turmoil. Intervention, where strategically planned and executed, is imperative. Most importantly, the 13MP is not a promise of overnight transformation. Real change demands political will, technocratic skill and broad societal alignment. It calls for the courage to move beyond antiquated paradigms and the discipline to commit to long-term thinking. In the end, the 13MP represents a new understanding of development. It is not about managing scarcity or distributing subsidies, but about unlocking potential, building strategic capacity and preparing for a future that will not wait. If we approach the implementation of the 13MP with the same earnestness and clarity with which it was conceived, Malaysia can do more than weather the global storm. We can reclaim our agency, shape our regional future and advance a model of shared prosperity rooted in resilience, inclusion and innovation. A tall order no doubt, but by no means unattainable. Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah Chairman of ISIS Malaysia
Sinar Daily
an hour ago
- Sinar Daily
'Why should I or my children confess to something that isn't true?'
SHAH ALAM – "Why should I or my children confess to something that isn't true?" That was the response from former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who insisted that neither he nor his children ever declared owning RM1.2 billion or RM4 billion, as alleged by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Dr Mahathir said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had confirmed that Tan Sri Mokhzani declared assets worth RM1 billion while Mirzan declared RM246.2 million and the commission was satisfied with both declarations. 'Anwar stated in Jakarta: '…but if they themselves admit not as an accusation but as a confession that I (Dr Mahathir) or my sons own RM1.2 billion and another RM4 billion, then that money must be returned. "You must pay it back unless you can clearly explain where the funds came from. 'I have never confessed to any such thing and I have already explained the source of my wealth. Where did he get these figures and statements from? 'The MACC chief commissioner has conducted a full investigation and confirmed that Mokhzani declared around RM1 billion in assets, while Mirzan declared RM246.2 million,' Dr Mahathir said in a Facebook post on Tuesday entitled "The Greatest Liar." He was responding to Anwar's remarks published in a local news portal, where the Prime Minister was reported as urging Dr Mahathir's children to return their wealth if they could not prove its source. Dr Mahathir added that MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki had also stated that the commission was satisfied with the declarations made by Mokhzani and Mirzan. He said Azam had never mentioned cash holdings, but rather the value of total assets including property, shares, liabilities and other holdings accumulated over more than 20 years in business. 'These types of assets naturally appreciate over time. Did Azam express satisfaction without knowing the source of their wealth? 'MACC has questioned my children multiple times, each session lasting several hours. Did MACC not ask about the sources of their wealth during those investigations? 'MACC never stated that the sources were 'unclear or illegitimate'. Neither MACC nor Azam would have expressed satisfaction if the declarations were not clear or valid,' Dr Mahathir said. He also questioned Anwar's remarks, which he interpreted as a demand for him and his children to sell off all their assets and hand the proceeds over to the government. 'On what basis is he making such a demand?,' he asked. On a related matter, Dr Mahathir stressed that the large demonstration held on July 26 was not in support of him or his family, but rather a clear signal that the people had lost confidence in Anwar's leadership. He said public anger stemmed from the hardships and economic pressures faced under Anwar's administration as Prime Minister. 'The July 26 protest was not held to support me or my children. The people are calling for Anwar to step down. They don't want him because his leadership has caused great suffering. 'If he doesn't believe the people have rejected him, he should dissolve Parliament and call for a general election. 'It wasn't Members of Parliament who demonstrated. So any motion in Parliament is irrelevant,' he added.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
PM hopes for end to border row
Giving updates: Anwar speaking during the Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat. — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: The long-standing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is expected to be resolved tomorrow following the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said the defence ministers of both countries are in Kuala Lumpur to participate in the talks to reach a mutual understanding. 'We hope several coordinated points of agreement, facilitated by Malaysia, can be formalised by Aug 7. 'We pray for a final consensus and resolution because this matter not only affects bilateral ties but also the credibility of Asean. 'All these problems must be resolved by consensus, and I would like to thank both the Cambodian and Thai governments for demonstrating a positive attitude towards achieving a lasting solution,' Anwar said during the Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat. He was responding to a question by Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS-Batang Sadong) who asked the Prime Minister to clarify Malaysia's role in facilitating the peace negotiations and ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia. Anwar thanked Asean member states which had provided support and their mandates to lead the ceasefire agreement, and the Thai and Cambodian governments for their commitment in reaching a resolution. He also expressed gratitude to all parties, including Opposition MPs, for their support of the Malaysia-led ceasefire. On July 28, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an unconditional and immediate ceasefire following a special meeting in Putrajaya, chaired by Anwar. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai agreed to hold the GBC meeting as part of the ceasefire agreement. On another issue, the Prime Minister said Malaysia stood its ground in trade talks with the United States, successfully defending key national policies during negotiations on tariff issues. He pointed out that Malaysia remained firm in facing certain demands by the United States, particularly regarding the bumiputra policy, which was viewed as discriminatory and contrary to international trade principles. 'Malaysia must defend this policy, and in the end, it was accepted,' Anwar said. The Prime Minister also said Malaysia has been engaging with China and Brazil on aircraft procurement, even as the country proceeds with plans to acquire Boeing planes. He explained that Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, made the procurement decision after a period of financial recovery, a turnaround made possible through transparent and efficient management, free of political interference. Anwar said Malaysia's agreements with Boeing come with specific requirements, including part of the aircraft production to be done locally. 'I wouldn't agree to any deal unless it is competitively priced. This is about striking a balance,' he said, adding that rising demand for routes to India, China and Japan necessitates MAS to ramp up its fleet capacity. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz had stated that MAG's aircraft purchase is a corporate decision using its own funds and not public tax money. Tengku Zafrul said by taking this approach, Malaysia demonstrated to the United States that 'we, too, are significant buyers of their products, which convinced them to reduce the tariffs to 19% from the previous 25%'.
