logo
Malaysia Calls For Overhaul Of Multilateralism Amid Global Disruptions

Malaysia Calls For Overhaul Of Multilateralism Amid Global Disruptions

Barnama2 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 -- Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan addressing the Welcoming Dinner of the 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable (38APR) at a hotel here today. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED
KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 (Bernama) – Malaysia has called for a 'drastic overhaul' of the current framework of multilateralism, urging countries in the Asia-Pacific to adapt to a world marked by persistent global disruptions, insecurity, and weakened international cooperation.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Southeast Asia must not be passive in the face of major power rivalries and should chart its own course by reinforcing ASEAN's collective strength and shared moral responsibility.
'We are not simply observers. We have a duty to each other and a role to play as citizens of this world.
bootstrap slideshow
'This is the philosophy underpinning Malaysia's global outlook,' he said during his keynote address at the Welcoming Dinner of the 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable (APR), here, Tuesday.
He stressed that ASEAN must reject narrow nationalism and strengthen its community-based principles to navigate a post-normal world marked by disruption and instability.
'Multilateralism is buckling under the pressures of isolationism around the world,'
'We must stop pinning the weight of our hopes on any one partner to carry us through instability, but instead nurture the kind of international cooperation that enables us to support each other,' he said.
He highlighted the crisis in Myanmar as one of the most pressing challenges facing the regional bloc.
Mohamad said the situation has not only brought immense suffering to the people of Myanmar but also jeopardised ASEAN's moral standing and regional stability.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Geneva Meeting Begins In Bid To Halt Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict
Geneva Meeting Begins In Bid To Halt Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict

Barnama

time43 minutes ago

  • Barnama

Geneva Meeting Begins In Bid To Halt Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict

GENEVA, June 20 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- A crucial international meeting aimed at halting the hostilities between Israel and Iran began Friday in Geneva, marking the start of an intensive two-week diplomatic effort to prevent a wider conflict in the Middle East. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul are holding talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to address Tehran's nuclear activities and identify potential diplomatic off-ramps to avoid escalation. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is also attending the meeting, according to Anadolu Ajansi.

Bernama chairman Wong Chun Wai named National Journalism Laureate
Bernama chairman Wong Chun Wai named National Journalism Laureate

Borneo Post

timean hour ago

  • Borneo Post

Bernama chairman Wong Chun Wai named National Journalism Laureate

Wong shows off his winnings. – Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (June 20): Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai was named the National Journalism Laureate at the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI)-Petronas Journalism Awards ceremony held here tonight. Wong, 64, brings over four decades of journalistic experience, having begun his career as a junior reporter at The Star in Penang in 1984. He then climbed the ladder to serve in various positions at its headquarters in Petaling Jaya. Wong is the 14th recipient of the prestigious award, joining the ranks of past luminaries, including the first recipient, the late Tan Sri Abdul Samad Ismail of Utusan Melayu (1988), the late Tan Sri Lee Siew Yee of the New Straits Times (1992), and Datuk Ishak Muhammad or Pak Sako (1995). Other notable past recipients include Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Kadir Jasin, Adibah Amin, the late Datuk Ahmad Rejal Arbee, the late Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin and Datuk CC Liew. Wong said he felt 'small and humbled' to be among these luminaries. The award was presented by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. Apart from journalism, Wong has also held corporate leadership roles, serving as group chief editor, managing director, and chief executive officer of Star Media Group (SMG). In 2023, he was appointed Bernama Chairman. He had earlier served as a member of its Board of Governors (2004–2010) and as a member of its Supervisory Council (2010–2014). He continues to write analysis pieces for Bernama. Wong remains a columnist for The Sunday Star, where his popular 'On The Beat' column has run since 1997, despite no longer being with SMG. Over the years, Wong has delivered numerous exclusives, including interviews with the late physicist Stephen Hawking and former US President Bill Clinton. In 2003, he won the MPI Best Feature Award for his investigative piece on Malaysians undergoing terrorist training in Afghanistan. He was also the first Malaysian elected into the Paris-based World Editors Forum and served as Chairman of the Asia News Network with over 21 media affiliates. 'This is an honour for me and certainly the pinnacle of my journalism journey,' he said. He advised journalists to go beyond standard news writing by dabbling in news analysis and commentaries. Wong is also the author of 'Penang's History, My Story', published in 2014 by The Star, and translated into Bahasa Malaysia by Universiti Sains Malaysia. He has served as an adjunct professor at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, his alma mater. 'My advice to fellow journalists is never to stop writing. 'I wish to commend my fellow veterans like Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, Datuk Yong Soo Heong, Datuk Kadir Jasin and Datuk Kuik Cheng Kang who still write, whether regularly or occasionally,' he said. 'Old journalists should never fade away, but continue writing,' he added. The veteran journalist has also embraced digital platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube to share his views. Wong said he strongly advocates for the engagement of professionally trained journalists, emphasising that 'we have undergone years of training, and are better equipped to understand legal boundaries and the sensitivities of Malaysia's multi-racial society.' 'More importantly, the established media is accurate and we take responsibility for what we publish,' he said. Wong dedicated the award to all journalists, particularly veterans and seniors, for their tireless service to the profession. – Bernama

Piyush Goyal's statement on India ASEAN Trade is unwarranted, says former Union Minister Anand Sharma
Piyush Goyal's statement on India ASEAN Trade is unwarranted, says former Union Minister Anand Sharma

Malaysia Sun

timean hour ago

  • Malaysia Sun

Piyush Goyal's statement on India ASEAN Trade is unwarranted, says former Union Minister Anand Sharma

ANI 20 Jun 2025, 15:09 GMT+10 New Delhi [India], June 20 (ANI): Former Union Commerce & Industry Minister of India, Anand Sharma, on Friday said in a statement that the statement by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on 'belittling India ASEAN Trade Agreements is unwarranted, ill-advised and unfortunate.' Anand Sharma believes that both India and ASEAN has been together for three decades engaged in a multifaceted relationship which is mutually rewarding and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is a regional bloc of ten Southeast Asian countries. Formed in 1967, its primary goals are to foster economic growth, social progress, and cultural development, while also promoting regional peace and further believes that this relationship is important for 'Look East policy to deepen and diversify India's relations with a region that is economically vibrant and of enormous geo-strategic importance for engagement with the Asia-Pacific region.''Piyush Goyal's statement terming the Trade agreement with ASEAN as silly and labelling these counties as B team of China is irresponsible and insulting. He has forgotten, that President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto was the chief guest for 2025 Republic Day Parade,' Anand Sharma said. The former Union Minster in his statement also emphasized that, 'trade in goods with ASEAN counties also includes essential imports: Iron ore and Coal from Indonesia, Palm oil from Malaysia and Indonesia, Oil - Petroleum products from Brunei Dares Salam and Malaysia and pulses from Mayanmar.''It needs mention that ASEAN is India's 4th largest trading partner accounting for over 11% of India's total global trade with bilateral trade at 120billion USD and accounts for over 11% of India's Exports. FDI inflows from ASEAN to India account for over 18% of total FDI inflows since 2000,' he further about the Commerce Minister, he also said that, 'Commerce Minister should be prioritising strengthening trade relations with partner countries and not insulting them while bending backwards to negotiate a suboptimal trade agreement with USA on its terms.' (ANI)

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store