27/01/2025

MONDAY | JAN 27, 2025

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M’sia-China relations go beyond trade, investment: PM KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s relationship with China goes beyond trade and investment, encompassing mutual understanding and respect for the cultures and civilisations of both countries, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said this unique aspect of Malaysia-China ties must be nurtured alongside economic collaboration. “During my conversation with President Xi Jinping, we discussed not only economic relations, trade and investment but also the need to build this friendship on trust and mutual respect. “As the Chinese proverb says, after traversing mountains and rivers, we arrive at a bright village surrounded by willows and flowers,” he said at the 2025 Chinese New Year celebration jointly organised on Saturday by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and China’s Culture and Tourism Ministry. Anwar said China’s emphasis on promoting cultural respect aligns with Malaysia’s principle of inclusivity, ensuring that every Malaysian has a place in the country. He said the Spring Festival, known in Malaysia as Chinese New Year, is a testament to the unity of Malaysia’s multicultural society. “This celebration brings together people from all communities, cultures and regions across Malaysia. It reflects our shared commitment to harmony and mutual appreciation. “Together, we have moved beyond uncertainties to embrace a future of thriving partnership and shared goals.” He highlighted local initiatives such as cultural performances and calligraphy exhibitions in Malacca and Penang as examples of how Malaysia embraces diverse traditions. Also present at the event were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, China’s Culture and Tourism Minister Sun Yeli and Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai. – Bernama Indonesian president on official state visit KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s first official state visit to Malaysia marks a pivotal moment for strengthening bilateral ties and fostering Asean’s stability and security, said Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia Datuk Hermono. He said the visit serves to bolster all aspects of diplomatic ties between the two strong nations within the Asean region. “It is hoped that this visit will expedite the resolution of several pending issues, including border disputes.” Commenting on Asean, Hermono expressed his view that the main challenge facing the organisation today is maintaining Asean centrality to navigate political dynamics and safeguard regional stability and security. “In this context, the strengthening ties between Indonesia and Malaysia are undoubtedly crucial for upholding Asean centrality.” Prabowo, who is currently on a state visit to India, stated via his X account on Thursday that he would next visit Malaysia at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia. – Bernama

The King and Anwar at the restaurant yesterday. – SULTAN IBRAHIM SULTAN ISKANDAR FACEBOOK PIC King, Anwar enjoy breakfast of nasi lemak KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim graciously took time yesterday to have breakfast with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at a restaurant in Jalan Masjid India. According to a post on the official Facebook page of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, His Majesty and Anwar enjoyed a meal of nasi lemak at the Nasi Lemak Burung Hantu branch at Semua House, Bernama reported.

Members of the public seized the opportunity to shake hands and take pictures with the King. Sultan Ibrahim also engaged warmly with children and inquired about their well-being.

Processing time for entry permits cut to six months

“A review will be conducted first to determine the category of the application, specifically whether the applicants have blood ties with Malaysian citizens.” On Saturday, FAM said the four heritage players, intended to strengthen the national football team, are awaiting final government approval, Bernama reported. On the issue of Bukit Malut in Langkawi, Saifuddin said the matter is currently under the purview of the National Security Council. “A joint committee comprising the council and the Kedah government is currently discussing the best resolution.” Recently, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor urged the council to expedite the relocation process for Bukit Malut residents. He had expressed hope that the planned project would be implemented promptly to end the ongoing controversy, including the widespread illegal construction of houses extending into nearby coastal areas.

o New system prioritises applications from Malaysian citizens married to foreign nationals, says home minister

KULIM: The processing time for entry permit applications has been reduced to a maximum of six months, provided all required documents are submitted in full. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the new process prioritises applications from Malaysian citizens married to foreign nationals. “An entry permit is a document that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside in Malaysia for purposes such as studying or joining family members. Previously, some applications were delayed for up to 15 years. “The new process now follows a more realistic client charter. Applications will be approved within six months if they pass the standard document verification and security screening,” he said at the Home Ministry’s

Sua Mesra programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Karangan on Saturday. Saifuddin said new SOPs have been introduced to guide applicants, including a comprehensive document checklist and application guidelines. “This is a significant step forward. With this time frame, it will ease the application process for Malaysians married to foreign nationals, allowing them to stay in the country without complex bureaucracy.” He said a total of 23,674 applications were processed from 2020 to 2024, with 52% approved and 48% rejected. Saifuddin also said a decision would be made within a month on the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) application for citizenship for four heritage players.

Suggest ideas to make Asean chairmanship a success, civil servants told PUTRAJAYA: Public Service Director-General Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz has called on all civil servants to contribute ideas to ensure that Malaysia’s Asean 2025 chairmanship yields substantial benefits for the country, particularly in investment and trade. an interview. Wan Ahmad Dahlan said civil servants involved must ensure that every programme, project and initiative implemented truly benefits all levels of society and contributes to improving the quality of life of Asean residents. highlight the country’s capabilities, leadership, and positive image on the international stage.” Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar’s call for an initial assessment of the English language skills of the officers involved, Wan Ahmad Dahlan said the National Institute of Public Administration would soon begin evaluating civil servants’ overall competence to ensure that appropriate training could be provided.

Wan Ahmad Dahlan said the Public Service Department plays a key role as the focal point for the Asean cooperation on civil service matters. “As such, the department will organise the Asean Conference on Future-Ready Public Service on Oct 7 and 8. The main purpose of this programme is to serve as a platform for sharing knowledge, ideas, and experiences among Asean member countries in shaping a future-ready public service.” In response to Chief Secretary to the

He added that Malaysia would be seen as incapable of leading Asean if civil servants were not prepared and demonstrated weaker performance than the previous Asean chair. “It is the resolve of the public service to move as a team to assist Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the chairman of Asean 2025. This will

He said Malaysia has an important responsibility to create a peaceful, stable and prosperous Asean. “As civil servants, we have a role to play in ensuring that Malaysia leaves a positive and meaningful legacy for years to come, both in the Southeast Asian region and globally,” he said in

“Actually, many civil servants are able to speak English, but that’s not the main issue. For this Asean chairmanship, we need to further strengthen their abilities, and the institute will offer intensive courses to ensure they can interact better with officials from other countries.” – Bernama