Latest news with #46thASEANSummit
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Tengku Zafrul discusses economic cooperation with Singapore, Indonesia leaders
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz KUALA LUMPUR: Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, held discussions with leaders from Singapore and his counterpart from Indonesia to enhance and strengthen economic cooperation for the mutual benefit of the three neighbouring countries. "I had the opportunity to engage with counterparts from our neighbouring nations -- Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto. "Our main focus was to improve and deepen trilateral economic cooperation for our shared benefit,' he said in a post on his X platform, adding that he is currently in Indonesia. Tengku Zafrul is one of four ministers accompanying Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on his official visit to Indonesia today. Other ministers in the delegation include Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Higher Education Minister Senator Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Communications Minister Datuk Ahmad Fahmi Mohamed Fadzil, and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. Commenting further, Tengku Zafrul said the discussions, held against a backdrop of ongoing geopolitical challenges, also touched on ASEAN's role in navigating the increasingly complex geoeconomic landscape. In 2024, Indonesia was Malaysia's sixth-largest global trading partner and the second-largest among ASEAN member states. During the same period, bilateral trade rose 4.5 per cent to RM116.29 billion (US$25.5 billion), from RM111.21 billion (US$24.39 billion) in 2023. In a statement on Thursday, the Foreign Ministry said Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, is making the visit in return for Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's visit to Malaysia earlier this year. The visit includes bilateral meetings and attendance at the 46th ASEAN Summit, the Second ASEAN-GCC Summit, and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit held from May 26 to 27. "This visit also forms part of preparations for the 13th Annual Consultation between Malaysia and Indonesia, scheduled to take place later this year,' the statement added. - Bernama
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Tengku Zafrul discusses economic cooperation with Singapore, Indonesia leaders
KUALA LUMPUR: Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, held discussions with leaders from Singapore and his counterpart from Indonesia to enhance and strengthen economic cooperation for the mutual benefit of the three neighbouring countries. "I had the opportunity to engage with counterparts from our neighbouring nations -- Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto. "Our main focus was to improve and deepen trilateral economic cooperation for our shared benefit," he said in a post on his X platform, adding that he is currently in Indonesia. Tengku Zafrul is one of four ministers accompanying Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on his official visit to Indonesia today. Other ministers in the delegation include Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Higher Education Minister Senator Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Communications Minister Datuk Ahmad Fahmi Mohamed Fadzil, and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. Commenting further, Tengku Zafrul said the discussions, held against a backdrop of ongoing geopolitical challenges, also touched on ASEAN's role in navigating the increasingly complex geoeconomic landscape. In 2024, Indonesia was Malaysia's sixth-largest global trading partner and the second-largest among ASEAN member states. During the same period, bilateral trade rose 4.5 per cent to RM116.29 billion (US$25.5 billion), from RM111.21 billion (US$24.39 billion) in 2023. In a statement on Thursday, the Foreign Ministry said Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, is making the visit in return for Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's visit to Malaysia earlier this year. The visit includes bilateral meetings and attendance at the 46th ASEAN Summit, the Second ASEAN-GCC Summit, and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit held from May 26 to 27. "This visit also forms part of preparations for the 13th Annual Consultation between Malaysia and Indonesia, scheduled to take place later this year," the statement added.
Barnama
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict Heightens Regional Instability
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan speaks during a press conference in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today. KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran has heightened regional instability, with ripple effects that could embolden transnational terrorist networks and deepen sectarian divides far beyond West Asia, said Malaysia's Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan Tuesday. He added that the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza serves as a painful reminder of how unresolved injustices and prolonged oppression can become fertile ground for radicalisation — and a potent propaganda tool for terrorist groups. 'The horrific and deepening human suffering we continue to witness day by day may sow the seeds for radicalisation and actions of extremism. bootstrap slideshow 'Malaysia continues to advocate for a just, durable, and peaceful end to conflicts in line with international law and United Nations (UN) resolutions,' Mohamad said in his opening speech for the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT) International Conference (SIC 2025) here. The text of his speech was read by the Foreign Ministry's deputy secretary-general (Bilateral Affairs), Datuk Ahmad Rozian Abd Ghani. Mohamad said the digital age, which has reshaped how we live, communicate, and engage, comes with increased vulnerability. Terrorist groups have adapted swiftly, exploiting the digital terrain to manipulate narratives, incite violence, and recruit with precision. Extremist content now spreads rapidly online through livestreamed attacks, AI-generated propaganda, deepfakes, disinformation, and infiltration into gaming communities. The frontline has moved from physical battlegrounds to screens and servers, he added. According to him, reality today demands anticipation - adaptive policies, digitally savvy governance, and strategies that are one step ahead of those with ill intentions. On ASEAN, which is chaired by Malaysia this year, Mohamad said, the bloc's response to terrorism and violent extremism must not only be with one voice, but with collective urgency and mutual trust in this complex threat environment.
Malaysian Reserve
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
Saifuddin Nasution: ASEAN must work closer together to combat growing cybercrime threats
PUTRAJAYA — The rising threats of cybercrime, ranging from financial scams to ransomware attacks, highlight the urgent need for stronger and more coordinated cooperation among ASEAN member states, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Saifuddin Nasution said these crimes have emerged as a serious and pressing challenge in today's digital age. 'It clearly shows us that this is not just a future problem; it is a pressing issue right now. Our digital defences must evolve as fast as technology does. 'This means we must adopt new technologies, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI), to significantly improve how we detect, prevent and enforce laws against these crimes,' he said when opening the 25th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crimes (SOMTC) and Its Related Meetings here today. However, Saifuddin Nasution noted that technology alone is not enough, stressing that the true strength of the collective response lies in trust, information-sharing and building each other's capabilities even as new tools are embraced. He called on ASEAN member states to strengthen collaboration through platforms such as the SOMTC to ensure regional efforts keep pace with fast-evolving cyber threats. Malaysia, he said, remains committed to working closely with ASEAN partners to safeguard the region's digital landscape. 'This is crucial for our shared goals of peace, safety and stability in the region. We believe this is not just something we should do; it's something we must do,' he said. Saifuddin Nasution emphasised that in today's increasingly fragmented global environment, international cooperation remains the cornerstone of regional stability. He said such cooperation is not only vital in addressing shared security threats but also in preserving economic resilience and maintaining public trust in institutions. 'We believe that not choosing sides is not a sign of passivity. It is, in fact, a strategic approach that protects our collective credibility, preserves our sovereignty and strengthens our unity. 'ASEAN's strength has always stemmed from its unity and inclusivity in diversity,' he said. He added that ASEAN must now ensure its commitment to consensus is matched by a readiness to act decisively in the face of evolving challenges. 'What we need is not only alignment but also courage to confront new and hybrid threats, courage to reform outdated mechanisms, courage to make bold policy decisions in the interest of our people's safety and dignity,' he said. He also recalled Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's remarks at the opening of the 46th ASEAN Summit last month urging member states to be both practical and principled, to look ahead with optimism and to act with firm determination in navigating regional and global challenges. Regarding SOMTC, Saifuddin Nasution described it as more than just a routine gathering but a strong reflection of ASEAN's collective commitment to combating transnational crime. He said the meeting plays an important role in strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing enforcement efforts and encouraging the exchange of best practices in addressing crimes that cross national borders. — BERNAMA
The Sun
18-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia backs Timor-Leste's ASEAN membership bid
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is committed to enhancing bilateral cooperation with Timor-Leste in various strategic areas and supporting the country's aspiration to become a full ASEAN member. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this was discussed during a meeting with Timor-Leste President Dr Jose Ramos-Horta at his residence in Putrajaya today. 'Received President Timor-Leste, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, at my residence today, further strengthening the close ties between Malaysia and Timor-Leste,' he said in a Facebook post. Anwar added that Malaysia remains dedicated to playing a constructive role in supporting regional integration for shared stability and prosperity. At a press conference concluding the 46th ASEAN Summit here on May 27, Anwar said that Southeast Asian leaders agreed to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the regional bloc at the ASEAN Summit in October, subject to fulfilling certain outstanding conditions for full membership. The Prime Minister said the leaders reached a consensus to support Timor-Leste in taking all necessary steps to achieve full membership in the regional bloc. Timor-Leste, which gained independence in 2002, formally applied to join ASEAN in 2011 and was granted observer status in 2022.
