logo
Asean, Switzerland must champion peace amid rising warlike rhetoric

Asean, Switzerland must champion peace amid rising warlike rhetoric

KUALA LUMPUR: Asean and Switzerland must stand united in championing dialogue and peace, particularly in a world increasingly gripped by belligerent rhetoric, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Delivering his keynote address at the Trilateral Meeting between Malaysia, Switzerland, and the Asean Secretariat today, he stressed the importance of upholding international law, including the peaceful and just resolution of conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
"This is especially critical in an era where warlike discourse has come to dominate global narratives," he said.
He further stressed the need for Israel to be held accountable for its relentless atrocities and ongoing violations of international law in Gaza and elsewhere in the region.
"Permitting such inhumanity and impunity to go unpunished raises deeply troubling questions about the credibility of the international community and its institutions," he added.
Mohamad also underlined the respective roles of Asean and Switzerland as crucial platforms for peace-building and global dialogue, particularly amid increasing geopolitical instability.
"Asean, through its annual meetings, serves as a unique forum where nations — including major powers — convene to address shared concerns and promote cooperation for mutual benefit.
"Switzerland, as the host of the World Economic Forum in Davos, holds a pivotal position as a convener of global discussions on economic, social, and environmental challenges.
"Together, we must raise a collective voice in support of dialogue and peace," he said.
The trilateral meeting formed part of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting and its associated events, comprising 24 ministerial-level sessions, including those with Asean Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Unity government open to talks on expanded SST implementation
Unity government open to talks on expanded SST implementation

New Straits Times

time2 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

Unity government open to talks on expanded SST implementation

BANTING: The unity government remains open to discussions if there are parties who believe certain goods should be exempted from the expanded Sales and Services Tax (SST). Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said that although the tax expansion is being implemented, it does not mean the government has shut its doors on negotiations or discussions over the matter. "Based on what the unity government has done so far, it seems there is room for negotiation. "If there is a need, especially for basic daily necessities, it can be brought to the government's attention. "The door for negotiations is not completely closed, but there must be a clear basis to justify the exemption of certain items from tax," he said when asked whether the government was still open to discussions following the expanded SST implementation starting this month. Earlier, Mohamad, who is also the Foreign Minister, launched the Kuala Langat Umno division delegates' meeting that was attended by 460 delegates from 90 branches at Dewan Sri Jugra here today. Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said the SST should be implemented with a more flexible approach, particularly concerning basic food items. Zahid also said he had also raised the matter with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, suggesting that apples, oranges, and dates be exempted from the tax, with the cabinet agreeing that SST would not apply to those three food items.

Zahid to embark on working visit to New Zealand, focusing on bilateral ties
Zahid to embark on working visit to New Zealand, focusing on bilateral ties

New Straits Times

time3 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

Zahid to embark on working visit to New Zealand, focusing on bilateral ties

AUCKLAND: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will be on a five-day working visit to New Zealand starting tomorrow until July 18. The Malaysian High Commissioner to New Zealand, Mazita Marzuki said Zahid's visit is part of the government's ongoing commitment to further strengthen bilateral diplomatic relations that have been established for 68 years with New Zealand. The visit, she said, focuses on exploring opportunities for strategic cooperation covering various fields including defence, agriculture, education, halal industry as well as strategic cooperation. "This visit is expected to further strengthen the long-standing Malaysia-New Zealand bilateral relations across various areas of cooperation. "It also symbolises the continuation of the highest-level exchange of visits between the two countries, including the working visit by former Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir on May 2 to 4 in 2023," she said at a press conference here today. Obviously, it includes the continuation of the working visit by former Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, cum Foreign Minister of New Zealand to Malaysia on June 6-9 2024; as well as the official visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to Malaysia on Sept 1-3 2024. Zahid will also be accompanied by a delegation consisting of senior Malaysian government officials from the Foreign Ministry, the Rural and Regional Development Ministry and the Prime Minister's Department. Mazita said that among the main contents of Zahid's visit are meetings with New Zealand's top leaders on July 16–17 in Wellington. He is expected to meet New Zealand's Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, Foreign Minister Winston Peters, Maori Development Minister Tama Potaka as well as Agriculture, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay. The visit will also include Zahid's participation as chairman of the Halal Industry Development Council (MPIH) in a halal forum jointly organised by the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) which will witness the signing of a cooperation document between Malaysia and New Zealand on higher education. "In addition, it will also involve engagement sessions with New Zealand industry and business leaders including the ASEAN New Zealand Business Council (ANZBC) and the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Corporation (NZTE)," she said. Zahid, who is also the chairman of the Central Disaster Management Committee (JPBP), will be visiting National Crisis Management Centre and will hold a Roundtable Session with the Māori community in Rotorua, she said. Zahid will also meet 250 members of the Malaysian community in New Zealand who are residents of the country. "This visit is seen as very much in line with Malaysia's role as Asen Chair for 2025. "It provides an opportunity for the Malaysian government to share initial achievements, directions and priorities under the theme of "Inclusivity and Sustainability" within the Asean regional framework. "This visit thus reflects the government's commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations, promoting national interests and strengthening strategic cooperation between Malaysia and New Zealand," she said. The last time a Malaysian top leader visited New Zealand was the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who was the prime minister at the time in March 2005.

Ferry Tragedy: Only One Malaysian Confirmed Dead So Far
Ferry Tragedy: Only One Malaysian Confirmed Dead So Far

Barnama

time6 hours ago

  • Barnama

Ferry Tragedy: Only One Malaysian Confirmed Dead So Far

BANTING, July 13 (Bernama) -- Only one Malaysian has been confirmed dead so far in the ferry sinking tragedy in the Bali Strait late on July 2. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said there have been no new casualties involving citizens so far, and the search and rescue efforts are still ongoing. "I have been informed that a Malaysian was involved (killed) and has already been laid to rest. "So far, there are no new victims involving Malaysians, but search efforts are ongoing," he said to reporters after officiating the UMNO Kuala Langat Division Delegates' Meeting at the Dewan Sri Jugra here today. Previously, Mohamad, who is also the UMNO deputy president, officiated the meeting attended by 460 representatives from 90 branches. Meanwhile, Mohamad said any relevant department can assist the family. The media reported that the remains of Malaysian national Fauzey Awang, 55, who perished in the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya ferry tragedy, were laid to rest in East Java on Friday night, fulfilling his last wish to be laid to rest near his teacher's grave and close to his wife in Indonesia. Although originally from Terengganu, Fauzey was reported to have frequently travelled back and forth to Indonesia every three months to meet his wife. The ferry he was on carried 65 passengers and 22 vehicles before it sank in the Bali Strait on the night of July 2, about 30 minutes after departing from Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi, in East Java to Bali.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store