Latest news with #DatukSeriAnwarIbrahim
Barnama
17 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
SejaTi MADANI: Value-added Catfish Products Help Boost Community Income
PASIR SALAK, June 20 (Bernama) -- The Sejahtera Komuniti MADANI (SejaTi MADANI) programme has proven effective in strengthening the local economy, particularly for the urban poor and communities in rural and remote areas. Perak Menteri Besar's special officer for the Kampung Gajah state constituency, Khairul Azwan Harun, said that with a government grant of RM100,000 under the SejaTi MADANI initiative, the community of Kampung Makmur near Kampung Gajah here has achieved notable success through the production of value-added products derived from catfish farming in canvas ponds. "The Kampung Makmur community now has three main downstream products, namely catfish balls, cakes, and butter garlic herb fillets, all produced entirely by participants of the SejaTi MADANI programme. "This project not only generates income from fish farming but also imparts new knowledge and helps increase the income of local residents through the creation of downstream products," he told Bernama after launching the products under the SejaTi MADANI programme by the Kampung Makmur Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) at Pasir Salak Community College here today. He also reminded recipients of SejaTi MADANI funds to ensure that the allocations bring positive impact to the local community. "Participants must realise that the SejaTi MADANI programme, initiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is meant to help the community grow their economy," he said. Meanwhile, Kampung Makmur JPKK chairman Muhammad Fauzi Ahmad Shaharudin said the launch of the downstream products marked the continuation of the catfish farming project undertaken by the community in September last year. "Following the success of our catfish farming, we began a new chapter by developing downstream products, and a total of 17 JPKK members took part in an intensive training series at Pasir Salak Community College from May 21 to June 12," he said. He added that in addition to processing techniques, participants also received training in packaging, labelling, digital marketing, and accounting to ensure they not only produce quality goods but are also capable of managing and promoting their business effectively.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Shifting Gears in Southeast Asia: How Malaysia Went from Laggard to Contender
IF you want to understand who's really winning in Southeast Asia today, don't just glance at GDP charts or listen to upbeat investment roadshows. Instead, look beneath the surface - at the metrics that actually move the needle: trade agility, digital depth, and the machinery of governance. That's where the tectonic shifts are happening. And when you do, a clearer picture emerges: Singapore remains the regional oracle; Malaysia is sprinting ahead like a reformist insurgent; and Thailand, while trying to keep pace, is still caught in the weeds of structural drag. Let's start with Malaysia, because something is finally clicking. By mid-2025, Malaysia jumped 11 spots in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, climbing from 34th to 23rd out of 69 economies. That's not a statistical blip. It's Malaysia's best performance since 2020 and a clear sign that the gears of reform are beginning to turn in earnest. Economic performance? Fourth globally. Government efficiency? Up eight places. Business efficiency? Also up eight. And trade - often the acid test for middle-income economies? Malaysia now ranks 6th in the world, up 11 spots, powered by strong exports, broader market reach, and a healthy rebound in tourism. But this wasn't luck. According to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, this surge is rooted in political will and a relentless focus on bureaucratic modernisation - over 1,000 reform initiatives under the Madani Economy framework. These include digitalisation of public services, procurement reform, accelerated investment approvals, and consolidation of regulatory functions across ministries. It's a serious attempt to make "ease of doing business" more than just a slogan. For a country long caught between ambition and inertia, this IMD jump is a rare data point of real traction - where trade statistics, policy clarity, and administrative muscle finally line up. Zoom out and the regional picture gets sharper. Singapore, as always, sets the bar. Despite slipping slightly to second place globally, it remains the gold standard in trade, digital governance, and institutional design. For a resource-scarce city-state, this dominance is less about size and more about orchestration, a blend of tech infrastructure, regulatory agility and long-term planning that continues to pay dividends. Thailand, by contrast, is moving, but unevenly. While its economic and business metrics nudged upward, its government efficiency fell by eight places, a sign that reform hasn't kept pace with rhetoric. Political volatility and fragmented policymaking continue to blunt the impact of what might otherwise be a promising digital and export agenda. But here's the real twist in the Southeast Asian playbook: 2025 isn't just about ports and factories anymore. It's about chips, clouds, and code. Digital competitiveness is now the new frontline. Singapore, predictably, leads again—ranked No. 1 globally with a fintech ecosystem plugged directly into regulatory sandboxes and digital identity rails. Malaysia isn't there yet, but it's laying the groundwork fast. With more than RM30 billion in digital investments from Google, Microsoft and ByteDance, and a slew of policies like the National AI Roadmap and sovereign cloud frameworks, Malaysia is quietly morphing into a regional data hub. Thailand is pushing hard to digitize 30 per cent of its GDP by 2030, leveraging AI in agriculture and cloud infrastructure but it's still playing catch-up. Governance, however, remains the X-factor. It's the difference between a country that moves and one that drifts. Singapore is still the masterclass its governance model is less about bureaucracy and more about choreography. Malaysia, to its credit, is catching on fast. Its eight-rank jump in government efficiency reflects more than just cosmetic tweaks; it marks a shift in how the public sector thinks about speed, coordination, and execution. Thailand, unfortunately, slipped in this category, held back by legacy systems and electoral churn that don't move fast enough for a digital economy. So what's the bigger story? It's that the race to the top in Southeast Asia is no longer just a regional contest. It's a systemic one. Competitiveness today isn't about who can export the most palm oil or assemble the cheapest smartphones. It's about who can export trust, reduce friction, digitise their bureaucracy and make infrastructure work at the speed of capital. Malaysia, after years of spinning its wheels, seems to have found traction. This year, it's the comeback kid. The challenge now is to maintain altitude to turn a reform moment into a reform movement. Because in this new Southeast Asia, the scoreboard doesn't wait. It updates in real time. And this time, Malaysia isn't just watching the scoreboard. It's finally part of the game that counts.
Sinar Daily
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
AGC denies claims Anwar's pardon was invalid
Anwar had been granted a full pardon by the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya, which convened on May 16, 2018. 03 Jun 2025 06:47pm Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim - Photo by Bernama KUALA LUMPUR - The Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) today denied that the pardon granted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was invalid. In a statement, the AGC said this was because Anwar had been granted a full pardon by the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya, which convened on May 16, 2018. "The AGC affirms that the 51st Meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya was held on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at 11 am at Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur. "The meeting was chaired by His Majesty the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V, and was also attended, among others, by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad himself, who was the Prime Minister at the time,' the AGC stated. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim - Photo by Bernama According to the statement, based on the advice of the Pardons Board, Sultan Muhammad V consented to the granting of a full pardon to Anwar, along with his immediate release, effective from the date of the Pardons Board meeting. The statement added that for the purpose of the meeting, the Attorney General had also provided a written opinion on the matter in accordance with Clause (9), Article 42 of the Federal Constitution for the Pardons Board's consideration. Therefore, the AGC refuted the remarks made by Dr Mahathir, in which the former Prime Minister publicly claimed that the pardon was invalid as it did not go through a proper Pardons Board proceeding. In this connection, the AGC views the matter seriously as it involves constitutional and institutional interests. "The AGC also emphasises that any statement that could mislead the public regarding the decision of the Pardons Board is completely inappropriate,' the statement said. - BERNAMA More Like This
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
ASEAN Summit a testament to regional unity and shared aspiration
KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today expressed the nation's profound honour in hosting the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, describing the gatherings as a reflection of the region's collective commitment to peace, prosperity and partnership both within ASEAN and beyond. In his remarks during a Royal Luncheon held at Istana Negara in conjunction with the summits today, Sultan Ibrahim noted that the convening of the summits comes at a pivotal time amid growing global complexities. 'These summits come at a time of growing complexity in the world. It is my hope that ASEAN and its partners will continue to stand together in unity and mutual respect, to build a future that is inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking,' said Sultan Ibrahim. His Majesty also extended a warm welcome to all ASEAN leaders, as well as leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China, underscoring Malaysia's commitment to fostering deeper regional and inter-regional ties. 'I wish all delegates fruitful deliberations and successful outcomes. May your time here further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation that unite us. 'Once again, I warmly welcome you to Malaysia. Though Your Majesty, Your Highnesses and Excellencies may only be here briefly, I hope you will find time to enjoy our Malaysian hospitality,' His Majesty said. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was also present at the Royal Luncheon. Among the ASEAN leaders attending were Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao of Timor-Leste was also in attendance. From the GCC, the dignitaries included Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and Omani Deputy Prime Minister Sayyid Asaad bin Tarik al Said, as well as Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Farhan Al Saud, and United Arab Emirates Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. China was represented by Premier Li Qiang. The 46th ASEAN Summit, which began yesterday at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, continues today with the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit. These high-level dialogues bring together leaders from member states to deliberate on regional developments and chart the future direction of the regional grouping. The 46th ASEAN Summit is held under the ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', and this year marks the fifth time Malaysia is chairing ASEAN, following its previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Landmark Asean-GCC-China summit takes place today
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's iconic capital continues to be in the international diplomatic spotlight as the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits enter their final day today. The day's highlights include two high-level meetings, namely the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, which aim to strengthen regional and inter-regional cooperation. GCC secretary-general Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said that strategic cooperation with Asean member states, along with efforts to resolve the Gaza conflict and the broader Palestinian issue, will be among the main focus areas for the GCC at the second summit. Meanwhile, the trilateral summit, a new initiative by Malaysia as Asean 2025 Chair, seeks to strengthen economic cooperation among Asean, the GCC and China. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the summit symbolises the power of cohesiveness of regional blocs, which will have a positive impact on the world at large, while contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future for the region and the people. The summit is expected to outline new strategies in trade, investment, development, sustainable infrastructure and regional digitalisation. The combined economies of Asean, the GCC, and China have now reached nearly US$25 trillion, with a total population exceeding two billion. Separately, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, will host a Royal Luncheon for visiting dignitaries at Istana Negara. Other key events today include the 16th Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit and the 16th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Summit. Several bilateral meetings between Malaysia and visiting nations, including Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are also scheduled on the sidelines of the summits. Among the Asean leaders attending today's events are the Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Also attending are Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao as Observer, and Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn. They will be joined by China's Premier Li Qiang, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman Hamad Al Khalifa and Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Oman's Deputy Prime Minister Sayyid Asaad bin Tarik al Said, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Farhan Al Saud and UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi will also be in attendance. The 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits will conclude with a news conference by Anwar and an official dinner of the Asean-GCC-China Economic Forum. On Monday, Asean leaders endorsed the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean Community Vision 2045, an important document that will steer the bloc towards greater integration and the building of a more resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centred regional community over the next two decades.
