Latest news with #Asean-level
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia, Indonesia push to realise untapped trade potential
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have called for renewed focus on unlocking the vast, yet underutilised, potential in bilateral trade and investment between Malaysia and Indonesia. Speaking at a joint press conference during his working visit to Jakarta, Anwar said that despite close diplomatic ties and decades of cooperation, both countries have not fully capitalised on the many opportunities available across key sectors. "My friendship with Prabowo reflects the deep bonds between our nations. For nearly half a century, we have nurtured a close personal and familial relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and a sincere spirit of brotherhood. "The potential for greater economic cooperation is immense, particularly in trade and investment. However, we both agree that much of this capacity remains untapped. "There is ample room for us to optimise this potential in the shared interest of our people and our longstanding friendship," he said. Anwar said both governments are aligned in their political will to advance cooperation in areas such as the economy, education, research, culture, and investment. "We recognise our shared responsibility to uplift the standing of our nations, whether through trade, education, innovation, or cultural exchange. As President Prabowo mentioned earlier, these are all vital areas that have been discussed. "I fully support the President's call for pragmatic steps to enhance our country's performance, especially in the face of tariff-related challenges and global uncertainties. "We must strengthen our domestic foundations, while expanding bilateral and Asean-level cooperation," he said. Prabowo echoed the sentiment, affirming Indonesia's commitment to working closely with Malaysia. "On the bilateral front, we have agreed to accelerate cooperation across all sectors, especially key areas such as the economy, trade, education, and culture. "These are issues that both of us agree must be addressed promptly, in the interest of something far greater — the enduring friendship and close cooperation between two countries that share so much in common. "We have a shared history, similar cultures, and many of our people even practise the same faiths. These deep-rooted ties are a strong foundation for us to work from," he said. Anwar was on an official visit to Indonesia today, as part of the ongoing commitment by both nations to further deepen their close and longstanding bilateral relations at the highest leadership level. The visit also formed part of the preparations for the 13th Annual Malaysia–Indonesia Consultation, scheduled to take place later this year. During the visit, Anwar also had a private meeting with Prabowo to review key bilateral issues, follow up on the outcomes of the 46th Asean Summit, the 2nd Asean–GCC Summit, and the ASEAN–China–GCC Summit, as well as to exchange views on regional developments and global issues of mutual concern. He was accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz; Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir; Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil; and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. In 2024, Indonesia was Malaysia's sixth-largest trading partner globally, and the second-largest among Asean member states. Bilateral trade increased by 4.5 per cent to RM116.29 billion (US$25.5 billion), up from RM111.21 billion in 2023.
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Anwar Mulls Kolej Unikop Debt Relief, Backs Police Efforts
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday announced that the government is considering writing off the premises debt of Kolej Unikop, an educational institution linked to the Royal Malaysian Police Cooperative, as part of a broader effort to ease financial burdens faced by public service cooperatives. Speaking at the 90th Annual General Delegates Meeting of the cooperative, Anwar said this should not be mistaken for a blanket debt cancellation for all cooperatives. He said the move would be a way to support initiatives that serve public interest, particularly those that enhance education and professional training among Malaysians. 'Let's ensure cooperative-led initiatives bring meaningful returns to members and serve broader national goals.' Anwar's remarks signal continued federal support for institutions with close ties to civil service sectors, especially those that contribute to upskilling youths such as Kolej Unikop, which offers various diploma and professional courses, including in policing and law enforcement. He commended the police for their exceptional performance during recent regional events involving foreign dignitaries and leaders. 'I must express deep appreciation for how efficiently and discreetly our police personnel handled security during major Asean-level meetings. Foreign envoys were impressed. 'They noted the professionalism, efficiency and composure of our officers throughout, from traffic to perimeter security.' He added that Malaysia's law enforcement reputation has quietly become a point of pride and national credibility in international diplomacy. 'Some may overlook it, but the ability to organise high-level summits with such order and safety speaks volumes about our institutions. I am proud of our police force for their exemplary work.' Anwar said many do not realise the long hours and unpredictable conditions under which police officers operate, be it rain or shine, day or night. 'I've said this before. Everyone in a position of responsibility will be questioned, whether by the people or by God. We must manage with transparency and purpose,' he said, alluding to his early years in public service and emphasis on accountability even during his time studying abroad. He warned against mismanagement, stating that even a profitable cooperative or institution could fall into disrepair without clear oversight. He urged the police cooperative to ensure that projects are not only profitable but well-managed. 'If one project yields RM100,000, then show us how it benefits members. Don't just focus on big profits, think about sustainability and public service impact.' Anwar also spoke on Malaysia's efforts to future-proof its economy through talent development. He said investments in data centres and semiconductor sectors are rapidly growing, with companies investing tens of billions of ringgit. 'These are not just economic figures. That's why we've pushed for reskilling and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Already, we've recorded 140,000 new TVET participants this year alone.'
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Govt mulls writing off Kolej Unikop debt
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday announced that the government is considering writing off the premises debt of Kolej Unikop, an educational institution linked to the Royal Malaysian Police Cooperative, as part of a broader effort to ease financial burdens faced by public service cooperatives. Speaking at the 90th Annual General Delegates Meeting of the cooperative, Anwar said this should not be mistaken for a blanket debt cancellation for all cooperatives. He said the move would be a way to support initiatives that serve public interest, particularly those that enhance education and professional training among Malaysians. 'Let's ensure cooperative-led initiatives bring meaningful returns to members and serve broader national goals.' Anwar's remarks signal continued federal support for institutions with close ties to civil service sectors, especially those that contribute to upskilling youths such as Kolej Unikop, which offers various diploma and professional courses, including in policing and law enforcement. He commended the police for their exceptional performance during recent regional events involving foreign dignitaries and leaders. 'I must express deep appreciation for how efficiently and discreetly our police personnel handled security during major Asean-level meetings. Foreign envoys were impressed. 'They noted the professionalism, efficiency and composure of our officers throughout, from traffic to perimeter security.' He added that Malaysia's law enforcement reputation has quietly become a point of pride and national credibility in international diplomacy. 'Some may overlook it, but the ability to organise high-level summits with such order and safety speaks volumes about our institutions. I am proud of our police force for their exemplary work.' Anwar said many do not realise the long hours and unpredictable conditions under which police officers operate, be it rain or shine, day or night. 'I've said this before. Everyone in a position of responsibility will be questioned, whether by the people or by God. We must manage with transparency and purpose,' he said, alluding to his early years in public service and emphasis on accountability even during his time studying abroad. He warned against mismanagement, stating that even a profitable cooperative or institution could fall into disrepair without clear oversight. He urged the police cooperative to ensure that projects are not only profitable but well-managed. 'If one project yields RM100,000, then show us how it benefits members. Don't just focus on big profits, think about sustainability and public service impact.' Anwar also spoke on Malaysia's efforts to future-proof its economy through talent development. He said investments in data centres and semiconductor sectors are rapidly growing, with companies investing tens of billions of ringgit. 'These are not just economic figures. That's why we've pushed for reskilling and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Already, we've recorded 140,000 new TVET participants this year alone.'
The Star
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Asean economy to expand at 4.7% in 2025, says Tengku Zafrul
KUALA LUMPUR: The collective Asean gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to grow at 4.7% in 2025 as compared to 4.2% last year, says Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. He said the 25th Asean Economic Community (AEC) Council meeting on Sunday (May 25) also forecast the inflation rate for the region at 3%. "There was a discussion and a presentation by the Asean Secretariat when we talked about the year 2024 and what our forecast is for the year 2025 in terms of GDP growth. There was also a discussion on what we expect the inflation rate to be. "So today, the expectation is 4.7% for 2025 for the Asean GDP growth and inflation around three per cent," he said in a press conference after the conclusion of the 25th AEC Council meeting on the sidelines of the 46th Asean Summit here on Sunday. According to Tengku Zafrul, the projection was higher than average compared to the global growth rate, and the strong export and public capital spending in larger economies drive it. Commenting on negotiations on the tariff issue, Tengku Zafrul noted that Asean member states have agreed on Asean neutrality and would continue to support the principle of multilateralism and the need for engagement between each country and the United States (US). "Every country will have its position vis-à-vis the US, and we welcome the engagement that has been done bilaterally by Asean member states," he added. The 46th Asean Summit, being held under Malaysia's Asean 2025 Chairmanship theme of "Inclusivity and Sustainability", also marks Malaysia's fifth time chairing the regional bloc since its previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. The Asean Summit and its related meetings were expected to address a wide range of pressing regional and international issues, with the ongoing crisis in Myanmar remaining a key point of concern for Asean member states. In addition to the Asean-level meetings, the summit would also feature two important inter-regional platforms, the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, signalling growing engagement between Southeast Asia and its strategic partners in the Gulf and China. – Bernama
The Star
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Tok Mat hosts welcoming dinner for Asean, GCC counterparts
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has hosted a welcoming dinner for his counterparts from all Asean member states, Timor Leste, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and China. The dinner, also attended by Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn and GCC secretary-general Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, was held at Tower 2, Petronas Twin Towers. Also present were senior officials from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, and the six GCC countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. After the dinner, Mohamad held a bilateral meeting with his Singaporean counterpart, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, who arrived in the Malaysian capital in the morning to attend the 46th Asean Summit set to take place next week. The 46th Asean Summit and its related meetings, under Malaysia's 2025 chairmanship theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability", are expected to address a wide range of pressing regional and international issues, with the ongoing crisis in Myanmar remaining a key point of concern for Asean member states. This year marks Malaysia's fifth time chairing the regional bloc since its previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. In addition to the Asean-level meetings, the summit will feature two important inter-regional platforms: the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit and the Asean-GCC-China Summit, signalling growing engagement between Southeast Asia and its strategic partners in the Gulf and China. – Bernama
