Latest news with #WanMuhammadAslah
Barnama
3 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
New Zealand Backs ASEAN's Resolve For Nuclear-Free Region Amid Rising Global Tensions
KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 -- New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters attends the 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting in conjunction with the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Friday. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED By Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 (Bernama) -- New Zealand has voiced firm support for ASEAN's continuous efforts to keep the region free of nuclear weapons, describing the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty as a vital pillar of regional peace and security. Its Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the treaty, which came into effect in 1997, is 'a tangible demonstration of ASEAN's deep-rooted wish' to prevent nuclear escalation, especially as nuclear-armed states continue to modernise and expand their arsenals amid growing global tensions. bootstrap slideshow 'We are a State Party to the Treaty of Rarotonga, which established the South Pacific nuclear-free zone. 'We also support other nuclear weapon-free zones and their importance in contributing to regional peace and security,' he said in a written response to Bernama on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings. Peters said New Zealand views SEANWFZ as part of a broader network of nuclear weapon-free zones across the southern hemisphere, including in Latin America, Africa, and the South Pacific. He stressed the importance of these zones in reinforcing global disarmament norms, especially at a time when strategic uncertainties are intensifying. 'It's even more critical that, as fellow members of nuclear weapon-free zone treaties, we continue to support each other in upholding their principles. 'It's also important that we continue to cooperate in support of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which both our countries have joined,' he said.
Barnama
27-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Strong Multilateral Cooperation Vital Amid Global Volatility
By Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- The ongoing volatility in global affairs demands stronger international cooperation, particularly among nations in the Global South, said world-renowned economist Prof Jeffrey D. Sachs. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit here today, Sachs urged countries to enhance strategic partnerships and resist unilateralism. Citing China's approach in managing its complex relationship with the United States, particularly in regard to President Donald Trump's massive tariff, he said Beijing had acted with restraint and strategic foresight in response. He also commended the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, describing it as a symbol of multilateral resilience. However, Sachs, a professor at Columbia University and President of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Solutions Network, cautioned that unpredictability remains a significant concern. He said China must prepare by diversifying its economic ties, especially with ASEAN and the GCC. 'It's a clear signal that China places high priority on its relations with ASEAN and the GCC. These are major trade and diplomatic partners,' he said. The ASEAN-GCC Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, hosted by Malaysia as ASEAN Chair, brought together ASEAN leaders and their counterparts from the Gulf nations and China to deepen political, economic and strategic cooperation amid rising global tensions.
Barnama
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Philippines Urges Stronger ASEAN Role Amid Intensifying Great Power Rivalry
By Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 (Bernama) -- The Philippines views ASEAN as a critical platform for safeguarding regional stability and preventing Southeast Asia from being drawn into the escalating rivalry between the United States and China. Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo emphasised that ASEAN must uphold its centrality as a convenor and stabilising force amid rising tensions between the two powers on security and economic fronts. 'We believe, at least in the Philippines, that the countries in the region, especially the middle powers, the smaller powers, have their own agency. 'We have the responsibility to determine our own future, the future of our people, and the future of the region should not be determined by the great powers,' he said in an interview with Bernama and Reuters during the 46th ASEAN Summit. Manalo acknowledged the complexity of the current geopolitical landscape but reiterated that ASEAN's strength lies in its ability to foster dialogue among major powers. He underscored ASEAN's role as a convener and facilitator for regional powers, providing a platform for dialogue to manage tensions and promote stability. Manado added that the adoption of the ASEAN Vision at the summit would strengthen cooperation and integration, enabling member states to shape their shared future more effectively. On ties with the United States following President Donald Trump's return to office, Manalo said the alliance remains strong and steady, underpinned by both security and economic cooperation.
Barnama
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
CPR Key To ASEAN Unity, Say Experts
By Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- The Committee for Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) plays a vital role in ensuring member states remain united and move in tandem towards regional integration despite their diverse political systems, national priorities and varying levels of development, said two academic experts. Prof Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, senior lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), said that since its establishment in 1967, ASEAN has expanded from just three to 10 member states united by shared interests. 'It is certainly not easy to unify all ASEAN countries given their differing national interests, fiscal economies, cultures and languages. 'However, the strength of this region lies in its vast market potential, with over 680 million people and an economic value reaching trillions of dollars,' he said during a special broadcast on Bernama TV last night in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit. He said the ASEAN Way, which emphasises non-interference and consensus-based decision-making, remains relevant despite frequent criticism. 'For example, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's efforts to address the Myanmar crisis do not equate to recognising the junta, but are aimed at seeking a solution to the humanitarian issue,' he said. He added that the CPR plays a critical role in bridging decisions made at the highest levels of ASEAN leadership with implementation at the domestic level in each member state.
Barnama
20-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Robust Malaysia–Thailand Ties To Boost ASEAN Agenda
By Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali, Nor Farah Aqilah Mohd Sham and Nurfardlina Izzati Moktar KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- Driven by strategic cooperation, high-level engagement, and a shared vision for regional development, Malaysia and Thailand are forging a remarkable new chapter in their bilateral ties under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Thailand's Ambassador to Malaysia, Lada Phumas, said bilateral relations have progressed rapidly, particularly following recent high-level engagements between the two prime ministers. bootstrap slideshow She highlighted the growing cooperation between agencies of both countries, including efforts to strengthen cross-border security and combat cybercrime. 'This is a remarkable time for us. I can describe it as dynamism, high-level engagement, and a shared strategic vision,' she said in an interview on Bernama TV's The Nation's Diplomatic Dispatch on Tuesday. The ambassador said the positive momentum in Malaysia-Thailand relations is expected to continue and contribute directly to regional cooperation, especially during Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship this year. 'Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship is very important, and we are strongly committed to working together under its clear leadership. 'We aim to build regional economic growth, enhance resilience, and promote sustainable development,' she said. Lada reaffirmed Thailand's full support for Malaysia's ASEAN 2025 chairmanship theme of inclusivity and sustainability - values that she said are closely aligned with Thailand's national priorities.
