Latest news with #SamanthaTanChiewTieng
Barnama
a day ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Thailand-Cambodia Border Tensions Eased: A Triumph For ASEAN Diplomacy
By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng PUTRAJAYA, July 30 (Bernama) -- Tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border have been successfully defused, thanks to the spirit of regional cooperation and swift diplomatic intervention under the ASEAN framework. The immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreed upon by both sides marks a significant diplomatic victory for ASEAN. Malaysia, serving as ASEAN Chair in 2025, played a pivotal role in de-escalating a situation from spiralling into a full-scale military conflict. bootstrap slideshow Prof Dr Muhammad Fuad Othman, an expert in international relations from Universiti Utara Malaysia's School of International Studies (SoIS), hailed the development as a major diplomatic breakthrough for the region. "Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has done brilliantly and, without hesitation, put ASEAN first and influenced other member states to do the same," he told Bernama. He said Malaysia has once again demonstrated its capability to uphold and maintain peace and security - not only regionally but also as a potential player on the global stage. As ASEAN Chair, Muhammad Fuad noted that the Prime Minister acted decisively by 'invoking his good office' to defuse tensions before they could escalate into open conflict. "With the support of major powers, namely the United States and China, it is hoped that both parties will fully and unconditionally honour the ceasefire," he added. He stressed that the outcome reflects ASEAN diplomacy at its best, characterised by quiet strength, regional unity, and an unwavering commitment to peace.
Barnama
2 days ago
- General
- Barnama
Sejahtera MADANI Initiative A New Holistic Strategy To Eradicate Poverty
By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng PUTRAJAYA, July 29 (Bernama) -- The Sejahtera MADANI initiative marks a new chapter in Malaysia's social justice landscape as it combines policy strength, data precision, and sincerity of implementers in a holistic effort to eradicate poverty in a dignified and effective manner, based on local values and culture, said academics. According to Prof Dr Zainal Abidin Sanusi, a lecturer at the Department of Political Science and MADANI Studies at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), the initiative reflects more than just financial assistance; it represents a transformational approach that addresses structural, emotional, and human dimensions of poverty. 'Sejahtera MADANI is not merely another welfare policy. It's a systemic shift in how we understand and address poverty, not merely in statistics, but also in realities that require structural reform and strategic unification,' he told Bernama. Zainal, who also heads IIUM's Sejahtera Centre for Sustainability and Humanity, said the strength of Sejahtera MADANI lies in its integration of existing aid programmes such as the Rakyat Sejahtera Housing Programme (PPRS), Amanah Ikhtiar, and Tekun, along with national databases like eKasih and MyKasih, which lacked coordination. 'With Sejahtera MADANI, we now see clearer structural alignment, especially through a household-based approach focusing on Heads of Households (KIR) and Household Members (AIR) and guided by four key areas of focus, namely income, education, housing, and welfare,' he explained. Zainal said this strategy views poverty as a structural issue, not merely a lack of income, which aligns with the principles of inclusivity and social justice that form the backbone of the Malaysia MADANI framework. He also welcomed the emphasis on local-level implementation, noting that many past programmes failed not due to poor policy design, but because of weak micro-governance and outdated data. 'Sejahtera MADANI empowers grassroots implementers as development enablers, not just aid distributors. It also brings together initiatives such as Sekolah Angkat MADANI, Kampung Angkat MADANI, Komuniti@UniMADANI, and Bakti MADANI into a mutually reinforcing ecosystem,' he said.
Barnama
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
ASEAN 2025: Malaysia Well-Placed To Champion Sustainable Development
GENERAL By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng PUTRAJAYA, May 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is well-positioned to champion a sustainable development model that balances economic growth, social justice and environmental preservation through the consolidation of best practices among ASEAN member states, said an academic. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Department of Political Science and Madani Studies lecturer Prof Dr Zainal Abidin Sanusi said the country is strategically placed to lead this new development approach in the region, given its consistent commitment to green policies, transition to renewable energy and circular economy initiatives. 'ASEAN comprises 10 countries, each with distinct strengths and expertise. As Chair this year, Malaysia can act as a catalyst for a sustainable development model that is not dependent on the unsustainable frameworks of developed nations,' he told Bernama. He said the climate crisis, for instance, is no longer a future concern but a current reality, requiring ASEAN member states to adopt bold policies and act collectively. Zainal Abidin added that ASEAN must shift from an exploitative growth model to one that prioritises climate resilience, sustainable resource management and social justice. He said indigenous communities in the region have long practised environmentally balanced lifestyles, including sustainable land management and internationally recognised controlled burning techniques. The academic stressed that the ASEAN 2025 theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability' must be translated into concrete policy actions and not remain mere rhetoric. 'Without inclusivity, inequality will continue to widen, and progress will not last without sustainability. Therefore, as ASEAN Chair for the fifth time in 2025, Malaysia must lead the collective commitment to ensure today's development does not burden future generations,' he said.
Barnama
21-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysians Hope Issues On Climate Change, Digitalisation Discussed At ASEAN Summit
The logo for Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 is displayed around the capital city today ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit. With the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability," over 300 meetings and major programs will be held nationwide throughout the year. As the host, Malaysia will focus on implementing initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, tourism, and healthcare. More promotions are underway ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit, which is expected to gather around 20,000 participants, including heads of state, delegates, and officials from member countries as well as dialogue partners like China and Gulf countries. The event is scheduled to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on May 26 and 27. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng PUTRAJAYA, May 21 (Bernama) -- Ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit, set to take place in just a few days, many Malaysians are hopeful that key issues, such as climate change, the digitalisation gap and food security, will be prioritised by the regional bloc's leaders. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Corporate Strategy and Relations Centre Officer, Noor Eszereen Juferi, 44, said this is in line with ASEAN's commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable region. "Climate change and the digital divide, particularly affecting rural communities, remain ongoing challenges. I hope Malaysia will take a wise and proactive role in enhancing regional cooperation on food security, addressing the climate crisis and driving digital empowerment," she told Bernama. She also expressed hope that the ASEAN 2025 summit would further address economic and employment opportunities for the region's younger generation, particularly through initiatives in education, tourism, and talent development. Sharing a similar view, Angel Ng, 42, said ASEAN should fully harness its abundant resources and rich cultural diversity to promote tourism and generate regional economic benefits. She said this could be achieved through the spirit of ASEAN solidarity, where member countries support one another in overcoming challenges. 'Together, we can build a stronger, greener, and more united ASEAN,' said the civil servant. Meanwhile, Roznah Abdul Jabbar, 44, shared that it would be ideal if the disparities between ASEAN member states across various sectors could be narrowed, ensuring that prosperity, development, and security are enjoyed collectively.
Barnama
26-04-2025
- Barnama
Tourist Police Unit To Play Key Role In Enhancing Security Ahead Of ASEAN Summit
By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng PUTRAJAYA, April 26 (Bernama) -- The Tourist Police Unit (UPP), a special unit under the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), will play a vital role in strengthening security and boosting tourist confidence ahead of the ASEAN Summit 2025 and Visit Malaysia Year 2026, particularly in the capital and federal administrative centre. Kuala Lumpur Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department chief SAC Ravindar Singh Sarban Singh said the visible presence of UPP personnel at hotspots such as Dataran Merdeka, Petaling Street, Little India, Bukit Bintang, Putra Perdana and Masjid Putra contribute to a heightened sense of safety and lowers the risk of crime. 'UPP not only carry out law enforcement duties, crowd, and traffic control, they also act as information and support resource for tourists, including giving directions and offering first-response emergency assistance,' he said in a recent interview with Bernama. He said UPP's role as a bridge between tourists, authorities, and local communities, helps create a positive tourism experience in line with the theme 'The Police and the People are Inseparable'. 'PDRM has also taken early steps by providing in-service training, including English language courses, communication skills, supervision, emergency management, and traffic control, in preparation for ASEAN 2025 and Visit Malaysia Year 2026,' he said. In addition, Ravindar Singh said temporary operations rooms and control centres have also been set up, and inter-agency task coordination has been strengthened to ensure sufficient logistics support and communication equipment. He said although the crime rate in Putrajaya remains low, safety and well-being remain top priorities, as they reflect the image and symbol of national security. 'Any incident in Putrajaya would have a major impact on international perceptions of PDRM's capability as the country's primary enforcement agency.
