Latest news with #ASEAN2025
Barnama
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Barnama
ASEAN Leadership Redefined: Anwar's Quiet Diplomacy Halts Thailand-Cambodia Deadly Clash
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (centre) witnesses Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (left) shaking hands with Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (right) following a Special Joint Meeting at the Seri Perdana Complex. The high-level Special Meeting was held to ease escalating tensions following an armed confrontation between the two countries. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED By Wong Chun Wai KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- Let's give Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim the credit when it is due. For a while, many were left wondering how he was going to bring together two angry ASEAN member countries that were locked in a deadly conflict. It didn't help that at one point, a Thai Foreign Ministry official was quoted as saying that it did not need a third country to be involved. The spokesman, Nikorndej Balakura, reportedly stated that Thailand prefers bilateral negotiations. But the Prime Minister quietly and swiftly went behind the scenes to orchestrate a landmark ceasefire. It was complex, more so when it involved resolved historical tensions, but certainly with the hard work of our Foreign Ministry, Anwar pulled it off. It is certainly a boost to his credentials as the chair of ASEAN 2025. It will be awkward for him to talk about ASEAN unity if the two nations continue to fire rockets at each other. The five-day border conflict - marked by artillery exchanges and mass civilian displacement - ended with an 'immediate and unconditional' cessation of hostilities.
Barnama
3 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Malaysia Reiterates Ceasefire Call On Thailand-Cambodia Conflict
PUTRAJAYA, July 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has reiterated its appeal to Thailand and Cambodia to exercise maximum restraint, undertake an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and refrain from taking any action that may undermine peace efforts. As the Chair of ASEAN 2025, Malaysia said it is deeply concerned over the escalation between the two nations, which has resulted in increasing casualties on both sides, destruction of public property, and the displacement of a large number of people along the border areas. 'We reiterate our appeal to both sides to exercise maximum restraint and undertake an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and refrain from taking any action that may undermine it,' Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said in a statement Saturday. bootstrap slideshow He further urged both sides to return to the negotiating table to restore peace and stability based on the spirit of the ASEAN family, unity, and good neighbourliness. 'We stand ready to continue our work through the good offices of the ASEAN Chair in facilitating both immediate neighbours and fellow members of ASEAN to resume talks and end the fighting,' he added. In the latest development, Malaysia will continue engaging with the leaders of both states to propose a peace process in response to the border conflict between the two countries, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had expressed appreciation for his initiative to propose a peace process and a ceasefire. On Friday, Anwar said the government does not take lightly the ongoing conflict between Thailand and Cambodia and its impact on Malaysia. Tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations have been escalating since May 28 following a deadly incident in the Preah Vihear area that claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier.
Barnama
21-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
First Day Of Dewan Rakyat Focuses On Post ASEAN 2025 Foreign Policy, Cost Of Hajj
KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Bernama) -- The Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament of Dewan Rakyat which opens today will see debates on the direction of the country's foreign policy after the ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship, digital transformation and the issue of increasing hajj costs as among the main agendas. According to the meeting Order Paper displayed on Parliament portal, Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar) raised a question about the future of Malaysia's foreign policy to the Foreign Minister during the oral question and answer session. He wants to know how the policy could help Malaysia navigate the increasingly complex and dynamic Indo-Pacific geopolitical landscape. The digitalisation of the country also received attention when Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) asked the Prime Minister to explain the progress of the implementation of the MYDigital initiative, especially regarding the registration of MyDigital ID, the integration of government systems with digital platforms, and its impact on the delivery of public services. The issue of digital transformation continued with a question from V. Sivakumar (PH-Batu Gajah) to the Digital Minister who wanted to know the country's preparedness for the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution including technology transfer strategies, local talent development, as well as the level of AI integration in governance and key economic sectors. Datuk Dr Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa) also asked the Prime Minister regarding the justification for the increase in the 2025 hajj cost, the status of Tabung Haji investments and the amount of unused Malaysian hajj quota for the years 2020 to 2025. After the question and answer session, the sitting will continue with the tabling of the second reading of several bills including the Consumer Credit Act 2025 and the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing (Amendment) Bill 2025. Members of Parliament are also expected to focus on the motion to debate the Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) 2023 (Statute Paper 80 of 2025). Apart from that, two other documents will also be tabled on the MPs' desks, namely the Auditor General's Report 2/2025 and the Suhakam Annual Report 2023.
The Sun
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Dewan Rakyat debates foreign policy post-ASEAN 2025 and hajj costs
KUALA LUMPUR: The Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament commenced today with key discussions on Malaysia's foreign policy direction following its ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship, digital transformation, and the rising cost of hajj. According to the Parliament portal's Order Paper, Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar) raised a question to the Foreign Minister regarding Malaysia's foreign policy strategy in navigating the evolving Indo-Pacific geopolitical landscape. Digitalisation also took centre stage, with Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) seeking updates on the MYDigital initiative, including MyDigital ID registration and government system integration. V. Sivakumar (PH-Batu Gajah) further pressed the Digital Minister on Malaysia's readiness for AI adoption, covering technology transfer and talent development. Hajj costs were another focal point, as Datuk Dr Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa) questioned the Prime Minister on the justification for the 2025 fee hike, Tabung Haji's investment status, and unused hajj quotas from 2020 to 2025. Following the Q&A session, Parliament moved to the second reading of key bills, including the Consumer Credit Act 2025 and the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing (Amendment) Bill 2025. Lawmakers will also debate Suhakam's 2023 Annual Report and Financial Statements. The session, set to run for 24 days, will culminate in the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan on July 31. - Bernama
Barnama
15-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Bernama Honours 84 Staff And Retirees For Dedicated Service
KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- A total of 84 current and former staff of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) were honoured at the Bernama Appreciation Ceremony today in recognition of their dedicated service and lasting contributions to the organisation. The event, held at Wisma Bernama, saw 62 employees, who have served between 15 and almost 40 years, receive the Long Service Award. Also celebrated were 22 retirees, as well as deputy editor-in-chief (News Service) Nasriah Darus, who is scheduled to retire on July 21. All of them were presented with certificates of appreciation by Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj. In her address, Nur-ul Afida praised the loyalty and commitment of Bernama's employees and retirees, calling it an exceptional achievement that should inspire future generations. 'May you continue to serve with excellence and leave a lasting legacy, not only within the organisation but also among your colleagues and future successors of Bernama. 'To all retirees and those soon to retire, I wish you a happy and healthy retirement filled with joy and success alongside your loved ones,' she said. Nur-ul Afida said that in today's rapidly evolving media landscape, Bernama staff must remain anchored in integrity and strive to keep the news agency relevant and competitive amid technological shifts and changing market demands. Bernama, she noted, has been entrusted with major roles in the lead-up to ASEAN 2025, including acting as the Host News Agency (HNA) and managing the International Media Centre (IMC) during key ASEAN meetings.
