Global interconnectedness under strain: Geopolitical tensions rising
Speaking at the Energy Asia 2025 today, he said geopolitical tensions, retaliatory tariffs and disrupted supply chains have shaken the foundations of these systems, with the fragility most evident in the energy and climate sectors.
'Rather than fostering collaboration, we are witnessing polarising policy shifts driven by strategic competition, even as energy security remains out of reach for many,' he said in his keynote address at the Energy Asia 2025 opening ceremony here today.
Elaborating on the equitable energy transition for Asia, he said the region must determine and articulate a clear and coherent financial architecture that inspires investor confidence and mobilises greater capital flows into renewable energy projects.
'This is critical, given that in 2023, Southeast Asia attracted only two per cent of global clean energy spending, a stark contrast for a region endowed with immense potential in renewable energy,' he added.
Zooming in on Malaysia, Anwar said that Malaysia is working to address the gap in the renewable sector through policies such as the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS), which allows companies to procure clean energy via the national grid under a third-party access model.
'Efforts are also underway to incentivise green investment through mechanisms such as the Green Technology Financing Scheme, he added.
Touching on the critical pillar that advancing energy transition lies in upgrading electricity grids, Anwar affirmed that ASEAN has taken a significant step by accelerating the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) initiative through an enhanced memorandum of agreement and the establishment of a dedicated APG financing facility network.
'This will enhance cross-border funding flows and bring us closer to a truly integrated regional energy market,' he said.
Anwar also stressed that improving efficiency and reducing emissions in existing energy systems must remain a key focus, despite the challenges posed by the continued dominance of fossil fuels, which still account for nearly 80 per cent of global energy supply.
He said the global energy transition must be rooted in equity, cautioning that decarbonisation strategies that ignore the needs of the poor and vulnerable could risk deepening inequality.
'Ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable energy is not just a moral imperative; it is foundational to a just energy transition. Energy security, therefore, must go beyond supply stability to include social justice and inclusive access,' he said.
Anwar highlighted that this approach is particularly critical for Asia, where energy security remains a prerequisite for progress.
'As the region prepares for its economic renaissance, the path to net zero must recognise that renewable energy can be complemented by emissions-abated oil and gas. This balanced approach ensures affordable access to energy, which is essential for raising living standards,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
2 hours 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
Free Malaysia Today
2 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Impose Unexplained Wealth Order to curb graft among elite, says ex-MP
Former Klang MP Charles Santiago said Malaysia needs a law to force individuals to explain how they obtained wealth beyond their known income. PETALING JAYA : Former Klang MP Charles Santiago has urged the government to introduce an Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO) to tackle illicit wealth and systemic corruption among the elite. Citing official estimates, Santiago said Malaysia lost RM277 billion to fraud, procurement abuse, and illicit flows between 2018 and 2023, or RM55 billion annually, that could have funded schools, hospitals, and food aid. He pointed to the UK's UWO model, which recovered £62.9 million (RM390 million) in a single year through the order and related civil actions. 'Malaysia can do the same, recover stolen wealth without dragging cases for decades in court,' he said in a series of posts on X. UWOs allow authorities to compel individuals to explain how they acquired assets that appear disproportionate to their known income, even without a completed criminal case. Malaysia does not currently have a UWO framework. The existing laws, such as the MACC Act and the Anti-Money Laundering Act, allow investigators to request asset declarations and freeze accounts, but only after a case is opened. Santiago's remarks came after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told the sons of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to return any wealth they cannot justify. But he said unexplained wealth should not be 'about one family or the fallout of the Turun Anwar rally'. He said ordinary Malaysians are made to prove their income for aid or loans, while the wealthy often escape scrutiny. 'Unexplained wealth shouldn't depend on who's in power. Malaysia needs clear legal triggers that require individuals to prove how they obtained assets beyond their known income. 'Without it, justice is just politics,' he said.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
KKR to modernise Malaysia's infrastructure under 13MP for urban and rural areas
KUALA LUMPUR: The Public Works Ministry (KKR) will integrate cutting-edge technology into strategic infrastructure projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (MP13), focusing on road networks, highways, bridges, and public facilities. In a statement today, KKR emphasised that MP13 is not just about physical development but also aims to uplift living standards for all Malaysians, ensuring equitable progress across urban and rural regions. 'KKR is committed to realising the MADANI government's vision for the people. We will enhance service delivery to ensure high-quality, sustainable, and safe infrastructure,' the ministry stated. As the national construction sector leader, KKR will expand the use of modern methods like Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the Industrialised Building System (IBS) to improve efficiency, quality, and reduce foreign labour dependency. Digitalisation efforts will also be prioritised through initiatives such as MyJalan, the Highway Network Development Plan, and the Road Accident Management System to optimise planning and maintenance. The ministry highlighted that these measures aim to deliver cost-efficient infrastructure by minimising project delays, which could otherwise increase national spending and defer public benefits. MP13, tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, includes key projects like the Rantau Panjang–Sungai Golok bridge upgrade (Malaysia-Thailand link) and the Kalabakan–Simanggaris road (Malaysia-Indonesia connection). Other major developments include the Central Spine Road (Bentong to Kuala Krai), the Pan Borneo Highway completion in Sabah and Sarawak, and the Sarawak–Sabah Link Road. The Prime Minister also announced upgrades for major highways and 2,800 km of rural roads by 2030. 'MP13 is not just about infrastructure—it's about rebuilding hope and public trust in Malaysia's future,' KKR affirmed. - Bernama
