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New Straits Times
10-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Cybercrime, human trafficking among key issues at AIPACODD meeting
KUANTAN: Tackling drug threats, cybercrimes, and human trafficking, which are among the most pressing transnational challenges facing Asean nations, will top the agenda at the 8th Meeting of the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Advisory Council on Dangerous Drugs (AIPACODD) 2025, which begins here today. AIPACODD, which brings together lawmakers from all 10 Asean member countries, aims to establish clear benchmarks, conduct peer reviews of national strategies, and create mechanisms for real-time intelligence sharing. Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, who also serves as AIPA President, described the meeting as a platform to forge concrete parliamentary commitments, enabling lawmakers to propose bold legislative innovations and share successful interventions. "We are no longer combating cross-border crimes as individual nations, but collectively as Asean, through stronger cooperation, exchange of ideas, and improved legal frameworks. "AIPACODD must evolve in line with the changing modus operandi of modern criminal networks. These crime challenges are no longer isolated incidents but part of a wider organised ecosystem that transcends borders and sectors. "The resolutions made here will not merely be words on paper, but blueprints for parliamentary action across our region. Our words must translate into legislation that empowers, programmes that heal, and cooperation that transcends boundaries," he told reporters after opening the 8th AIPACODD meeting at a hotel here today. Johari described the regional drug menace as a serious threat, noting that syndicates are becoming increasingly innovative and using tactics that defy conventional understanding. "Today, some syndicates operate out of small-sized factories or even luxury bungalows. We must be prepared to confront these emerging threats with up-to-date tactics and dynamic responses to swiftly curb the drug menace. "AIPACODD enables lawmakers to share how their respective countries have tackled these issues. For example, if a particular method proves effective in one country, others can adopt similar approaches to address their own challenges. "There are non-governmental organisations who claim that drug addicts should receive medical treatment and that mandatory penalties for traffickers are too harsh. "They advocate alternative approaches to dealing with drug issues. This remains an ongoing debate," he said. Johari also raised concerns about cybercrime and human trafficking in the region, particularly cases involving Malaysians being lured into scam operations and the trafficking of Rohingya victims into the country. "We understand some of these are long-standing issues, but they must be addressed with modern solutions. "This meeting allows Asean member countries to enhance policy monitoring, improve information sharing, and deepen regional cooperation," he said. Johari added that any resolutions deemed suitable by AIPACODD would be brought before Parliament and reviewed by the Parliamentary Special Select Committee. "If appropriate, the proposals will be tabled and debated, and may also be discussed at the Asean Secretariat level," he said. Also present were AIPA secretary-general Siti Rozaimeriyanty Abdul Rahman, Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor who also serves as chairperson of the 8th AIPACODD meeting and Pahang State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin.
The Star
07-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Asean council to meet in Pahang soon
KUANTAN: Over 70 delegates from 10 Asean countries are expected to attend the 2025 Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Advisory Council on Dangerous Drugs meeting in Pahang from June 9 until 12. Pahang State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin said the meeting will be chaired by Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor. Mohd Sharkar said the meeting, themed 'Uniting Parliaments for an Inclusive and Sustainable Asean in Addressing Contemporary Drug Challenges', would discuss Asean's commitment to collectively and inclusively tackle current dangerous drug-related challenges. 'Our discussions at the meeting will revolve around efforts to find solutions towards the issue of drug trafficking as well as discussions about regional collaboration so that this issue does not worsen and we can curb or reduce related crime activities,' he said, Bernama reported. He also said that the resolutions achieved at the meeting would be presented to the AIPA General Assembly, to be held in Kuala Lumpur from Sept 17 to 22.
The Star
06-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Over 70 delegates expected for Asean council meeting on drug menace next week
KUANTAN: Over 70 delegates from 10 Asean countries are expected to attend the 2025 Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Advisory Council on Dangerous Drugs Meeting in Pahang from Monday to Thursday (June 9 to 12). Pahang assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin said the meeting will be chaired by Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor. Sharkar said the meeting, themed "Uniting Parliaments for an Inclusive and Sustainable Asean in Addressing Contemporary Drug Challenges", would discuss member countries' commitment to collectively and inclusively tackling current dangerous drug-related challenges. ALSO READ: Cops beefing up security for Asean council meet "Our discussions will revolve around efforts to find solutions to ... drug trafficking as well as regional collaboration so that this issue does not worsen and we can curb or reduce related crimes,' he said when contacted on Friday (June 6). He also said the resolutions achieved at the meeting would be raised at the AIPA General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 17-22. On Tuesday (June 3), Pahang police chief Comm Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman was quoted as saying that police would step up security control to ensure the meeting proceeds smoothly. – Bernama
The Star
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Aipa pushes for women, youth empowerment in Asean nation-building
KUALA LUMPUR: Women and youth must be given greater space in leadership, politics and decision-making processes, says Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (Aipa) president Tan Sri Johari Abdul. "Alhamdulillah, in Malaysia, women's involvement is very encouraging in certain areas, particularly in the public sector's supporting services, where we have likely surpassed 50%, and in the education sector as well,' he told reporters after the Asean Leaders' Interface with Representatives of Aipa, held on the sidelines of the 46th Asean Summit on Monday (May 26). However, he noted that women remain underrepresented in other key fields, especially politics, and emphasised the need to empower young women to take on leadership roles. "This is the area we want to push, so that the participation of young ladies becomes more active and prominent,' he said. Johari, who is the Dewan Rakyat Speaker, also called for greater empowerment of youth as future leaders, stressing that their aspirations must be meaningfully incorporated across all sectors, including politics, the economy, social development and education. He reaffirmed the shared commitment of Asean leaders and Aipa member parliaments to advancing a more inclusive, sustainable and people-centred regional community. Meanwhile, in a statement, the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives noted that Johari commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership as Asean Chair and emphasised the importance of strong collaboration between the executive and legislative branches in shaping regional policy. The statement also highlighted the need to strengthen parliamentary initiatives supporting the empowerment of women and youth, the acceleration of digital integration and the advancement of green and sustainable economic growth. As the current Asean Chair, Malaysia is hosting the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from May 26 to 27. The Asean-Aipa Leaders' Interface is a dedicated platform for dialogue between Asean heads of state/government and the Speakers, Deputy Speakers, and representatives of AIPA Member Parliaments to align regional priorities through inclusive, multi-stakeholder governance.
The Star
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Asean parliaments must be key partner in advancing community-building agenda, says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (Aipa) should serve as an instrumental partner in advancing Asean's community-building agenda, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar emphasised that as an instrumental partner, Aipa will play a pivotal role in facilitating the realisation of the people's aspirations, driving progress across Asean's three foundational pillars, and enhancing the region's preparedness and resilience. He said national parliaments and congresses are at the forefront of promoting inclusive growth and building a sustainable Asean community, as their decisions significantly shape regional negotiation and policy-making. "Every decision made by Parliament or Congress will inevitably affect the course of the negotiation. That's why I want to point out that Aipa should be encouraged and exposed to the workings and materials of Asean,' Anwar said this in his opening remarks at the Asean Leaders' Interface With Representatives Of Aipa session today, held as part of the ongoing 46th Asean Summit. Also present was Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, who is also the 46th Aipa president. Anwar also encouraged Aipa's continued commitment on food security, climate change, digital transformation, and inclusive economic development, among others. "At the same time, the voice of the people, expressed through their elected representatives, must be counted in every decision that shapes our region,' he said. The 46th Asean Summit is being held under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship theme, "Inclusivity and Sustainability.' This marks Malaysia's fifth term as Asean Chair, following previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. In conjunction with the summit, two pivotal high-level engagements -- the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit -- will be convened, serving as strategic platforms to advance regional and inter-regional cooperation. - Bernama
