Latest news with #38thAsia-PacificRoundtable
The Star
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Tariff talks on track, says Anwar
United front: Anwar delivering opening remarks during the 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable at the Hilton Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: With less than a month before the unilateral tariffs kick in, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described Malaysia's latest round of talks with the United States as 'going very well'. The Prime Minister said this was the message conveyed by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. 'This morning, I received a message from the minister that the meetings with the US Secretary of Commerce have been excellent. 'Our emphasis is on the need to secure what is fair for Malaysians and always represent the case for Asean. 'I have also urged my colleagues in Asean to do likewise, present bilateral positions and emphasise the need for Asean to remain as a cohesive force,' he said in his keynote address at the 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Malaysia faces a 24% tariff on certain exports to the United States unless both sides can reach an agreement before the 90-day pause ends on July 8. The Prime Minister said the imposition of unilateral tariffs by the United States had posed a significant challenge to Malaysia, as over 60% of its semiconductor exports were meant for the US markets. 'You can imagine the government's concern to secure a fair resolution to this issue,' he said. Anwar said Malaysia remained consistent in its stance that international trade must be governed by transparent rules and predictability, not by unilateralism or coercive economic measures. 'Disruptions in trade and the supply chain will leave detrimental effects on businesses, hampering economic growth. 'Malaysia will continue to engage constructively with the United States, China, India and the European Union in advancing our national and regional interests. 'Let there be no doubt; Malaysia's strategy of active non-alignment is a deliberate and principled framework, designed to maximise strategic flexibility, preserve decision-making autonomy and engage all partners on our own terms,' he added. Anwar said over the past two years, Malaysia had reached out to like minded nations in the Global South to cooperate. 'It is in this spirit that we have revitalised our pursuit of greater inter-regional connectivity and cooperation,' he said. He said the latest move by BRICS to include members and partner countries from the Middle East, South-East Asia, Central Asia, Africa and South America is the essence of bridging regions. BRICS was established in 2009 as a cooperation platform for emerging economies.
Malaysia Sun
a day ago
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
International trade must be transparent, predictable
KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Xinhua) -- International trade must be governed by transparent rules and legal predictability, not by unilateralism or coercive economic measures, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said here on Thursday. In his keynote speech at the 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable (APR) held in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar said that strengthening multilateralism through ASEAN and engaging with a diverse range of partners, such as China, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and BRICS, will help countries seeking constructive cooperation to weather the storm of geopolitical tensions. "The imposition of unilateral tariffs by the U.S. is a significant challenge to our nation and the region as we are deeply plugged into global supply chains. International trade must be governed by transparent rules and legal predictability, not by unilateralism or coercive economic measures," he said. "Malaysia's strategy of active non-alignment is a deliberate and principled framework, designed to maximize strategic flexibility, preserve decision-making autonomy, and engage all partners on our own terms... Malaysia has reached out to like-minded partners in the Global South to bridge regions, build collective resolve and promote shared prosperity," he added. Anwar also stressed the importance of avoiding bloc confrontation, emphasizing that dialogue and engagement are the only ways to ensure continued economic growth and stable relations between nations. "The future of this region lies not in hardened blocs or fragile balances, but in a security architecture that is inclusive, predictable, and anchored in rules, one in which active non-alignment is not merely tolerated but enabled to thrive," he said. The APR, which runs from June 17 to June 19, is the signature international conference of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia.
Focus Malaysia
a day ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Anwar slams Israeli strikes on Iran as ‘punitive, unprovoked'
PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has strongly condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory, calling such actions 'punitive' and 'unprovoked' acts that violate international law and undermine diplomatic efforts. Bernama reported Anwar as saying the Israeli attacks were clearly intended to derail ongoing talks and shatter hopes for a peaceful resolution in the region. 'Such actions, carried out with utter impunity, constitute a blatant violation of international law, further eroding the norms that hold the global order together,' the news agency quoted him as saying during his keynote address at the 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable (APR) on Thursday (June 19). 'We call on those with power and influence to speak plainly and act decisively to restrain further escalation.' Also present at the roundtable session were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Chairman of ISIS Malaysia Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah. Meanwhile, on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Anwar expressed deep concern over the relentless nature of the Israeli military campaign, describing it as a tragedy that has inflicted a devastating toll on a defenceless population. 'The staggering civilian casualties, overwhelmingly women and children, demand far more than pious proclamations of concern,' he remarked. 'They require concerted international action to uphold humanitarian law, secure an immediate ceasefire, and ensure the unfettered delivery of aid to those in desperate need.' Anwar further warned that the credibility of the so-called rules-based international order is now 'on trial', urging global powers to act decisively to prevent further escalation. Drawing attention to the situation in the Asia Pacific, Anwar said the same pressures are playing out with different scripts. 'In the Taiwan Strait, the Korean Peninsula and the South China Sea, familiar flashpoints flicker. Here, as ever, we must insist on the primacy of dialogue over disruption, of law over disorder, of restraint over escalation,' he reportedly said. The prime minister went on to stress that Malaysia believes the future of this region lies not in hardened blocs or fragile balances, but in a security architecture that is inclusive, predictable, and anchored in rules—one in which active non-alignment is not merely tolerated but enabled to thrive. 'While we do not pretend to be able to reshape the region to fit our ideals, we can act to prevent its worst outcomes. Stability is not guaranteed, but neither is chaos inevitable,' he emphasised. 'What we do now—how we manage tensions, balance relationships, and defend our interests—will decide how the region weathers the storms ahead.' ‒ June 19, 2025
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia-Thailand partner to uplift border provinces
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Thailand are working closely to forge a new partnership aimed at uplifting impoverished provinces on both sides of the border, said Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar said that by focusing on the poorer provinces in southern Thailand and northern Malaysia, the two countries can collaborate to strengthen economic ties, which could drive growth and help address outstanding issues. 'So, we still continue to have border disputes, and I am not highlighting too much about Cambodia or Thailand now, because as you know, Malaysia is a maritime country, and we have border issues with all countries. 'But that has not stopped us from focusing on our priorities, excellent bilateral relations, peace and security, and working together on all issues – economic, cultural, political, and educational. 'I think that should be the way forward,' he said during his keynote speech at the 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable here on Thursday. The 38th APR, held from June 17 to 19, is a premier regional forum organised by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia. This year's theme, 'Recalibrating Asia's Frontier', brings together diplomats, scholars and policymakers to address rising geopolitical tensions, shifting power dynamics, and the future of regional cooperation in an increasingly uncertain world. Anwar said Malaysia, as the holder of the ASEAN Chairmanship this year, was fortunate to explore and expand this horizon. 'But this year is, of course, a year of significance, not only for our region but also for our shared hopes and aspirations. 'Now, as agents of change, our role must not merely reflect ASEAN's values, but we must attempt to shape them, confront the hard truths about our regional architecture, renew our commitment to shared responsibilities, and strengthen cooperation beyond just rhetoric. 'We are preparing for a world wrought with challenges and must enhance regional integration,' he added.
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Timor-Leste moving forward on ASEAN path despite hurdles
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday said ASEAN remains committed to supporting Timor-Leste's full membership in the regional grouping, while acknowledging that the process of meeting key requirements is complex and gradual. Anwar said ASEAN leaders were aware of the structural and institutional challenges facing Timor-Leste, but he expressed confidence in the country's commitment to meeting the necessary conditions. 'Now, it's a difficult road because fulfilling the pillars is a challenging task. 'And they are aware that ASEAN leaders could to secure their entry, with the clear understanding that they will try their level best to meet the requirements,' he said during a question-and-answer session at the 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable (APR) held here on Thursday. Anwar commended the ASEAN Secretariat for actively coordinating efforts to facilitate Timor-Leste's preparations for full membership, including readiness assessments in legal, financial, and parliamentary systems. While economic integration remains a significant hurdle, Anwar noted that engagement and investment promotion efforts are ongoing. 'First, it's for countries to go and engage, to promote trade and investment, and at the same time use the opportunities to build institutions. 'So far, we are quite satisfied with the level of commitment, although admittedly some of these areas are rather slower than what we anticipated earlier,' he said. Anwar said he had also raised the issue with the President of Timor-Leste Dr Jose Ramos-Horta on Wednesday and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao during discussions last month, reaffirming Malaysia's support and its expectations for steady progress over the next five years. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, shared that he had also discussed Timor-Leste during a courtesy visit by ConocoPhillips chairman and chief executive officer Ryan Lance in Putrajaya on Wednesday. 'I was at this meeting with ConocoPhillips yesterday. They are very bullish about the prospects in Malaysia and Sabah, but also in Timor-Leste,' he said.
