13/05/2025

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PM on four-day official visit to Russia

King, Queen extend Wesak Day greetings KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah have extended Wesak Day greetings to all Buddhists in the country. Their Majesties emphasised that strong interracial bonds are not only the foundation of the nation’s strength but also a vital catalyst for unity. “In our multiracial society, harmony is achieved when we show mutual respect and understanding towards one another. “Together, let us build a more peaceful, united and prosperous future. Happy Wesak Day to all Buddhists in the country,” their Majesties said in a post on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s official Facebook page. Wesak Day, which was observed yesterday, commemorates three key events in the life of Gautama Buddha – his birth, enlightenment and death. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also highlighted the significance of Wesak Day, describing it as a powerful reminder to uphold universal values such as compassion, harmony and peace. He said the celebration in Malaysia serves to awaken the social conscience and foster the promotion of human dignity and genuine respect amid diversity. “Therefore, I urge all of us to embrace this spirit for a united and harmonious nation, while preserving our inclusive traditions and culture.” Deputy prime ministers and ministers also extended Wesak Day greetings, calling on Malaysians to continue nurturing unity and mutual respect. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said in a post on his Facebook page that Malaysia’s unique identity lies in its celebration of cultural and traditional diversity, a shared strength that must be safeguarded. “Malaysia continues to stand as an example of a nation that embraces cultural and traditional diversity in the spirit of mutual respect and harmonious living. May this year’s Wesak Day celebration hold special meaning for all who observe it.” – Bernama AI to be key priority at Apec trade meeting KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will join regional and global partners this week at the 31st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in Jeju, South Korea, with artificial intelligence (AI) and demographic challenges among key priorities. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz will lead the Malaysian delegation to the meeting scheduled for May 15-16. The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry said in a statement that Malaysia would leverage the Apec platform to reaffirm its strong commitment to a transparent, rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at its core. “Malaysia remains committed to working closely with Apec economies to ensure that sustainability, innovation and open trade are reinforced and beneficial to all economies as the region moves towards a more resilient, inclusive and future-ready Asia-Pacific.” The ministry said the country’s commitment is also consistent with the Apec Putrajaya Vision 2040 which calls for open, fair and non-discriminatory trade and investment to drive regional integration and promote sustainable, inclusive growth. “Malaysia fully supports Apec’s focus on AI as a catalyst for trade facilitation and innovation, which directly reflects the Vision’s aspiration for an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia Pacific community powered by innovation and digitalisation.” – Bernama

o Anwar to hold high-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin

would also exchange views on key regional and international issues of mutual concern. “As Asean chair, Malaysia will explore avenues to deepen cooperation under the Asean-Russia Dialogue Framework,” it said in a statement. It said Russia was Malaysia’s ninth-largest trading partner in Europe last year, with total trade reaching RM11.46 billion. Malaysia’s main exports to Russia include electrical and electronic goods, machinery and processed food products. Imports largely comprise petroleum products, minerals and chemicals. Anwar is accompanied by several Cabinet members, including Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Li Kang, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Prime Minister’s Office daily briefing yesterday. During the four-day visit, Anwar will also travel to Kazan, where he is scheduled to participate in the 16th International Economic Forum. He will deliver a keynote address during the plenary session. “He will also address the Strategic Vision Group Meeting and meet the head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov.” This marks Anwar’s second engagement with Putin, following their earlier meeting at the 9th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok last September, where he extended an invitation to Putin to attend the Asean 2025 Summit in Malaysia. The Foreign Ministry said the leaders

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to hold high-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin during his official visit to Russia, which begins today. The meetings are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, education, aerospace and energy. “The visit reflects Malaysia’s commitment to deepening diplomatic, economic and strategic collaboration with the Russian Federation,” said Anwar’s senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah at the

An RMAF Sukhoi SU30MKM fighter aircraft training for the aerobatics show for Lima ‘25. – BERNAMAPIC

‘Lima ‘25 must be springboard for local firms’

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

premier maritime and aerospace showcases. The 2025 edition, themed “Innovate Today, Thrive Tomorrow,” is set to run from May 20 to 24. To date, 102 aircraft and 35 naval vessels have confirmed participation. Of these, 64 aircraft will take part in aerial demonstrations while the remainder will be on static display. Around 10,000 public tickets have already been sold, with exhibitors from China, France, the United Kingdom, Australia and Italy confirmed. Lima ‘25 builds on the success of its predecessor Lima ‘23, the largest edition in the event’s history, which featured over 600 companies from 30 countries. A key highlight of Lima ‘23 was the signing of 43 letters of acceptance and intent, along with eight MoU by the Defence Ministry, amounting to RM10.128 billion.

briefing yesterday. He said the event would spotlight key sectors such as defence, commercial aviation, the Internet of Things, satellite systems, space technology and other emerging industries. “Lima ‘25 underscores Malaysia’s ambition to position itself as a regional and global hub for maritime and aerospace innovation. “It is also expected to spur economic growth by drawing foreign direct investment, boosting tourism and enhancing international trade. “The prime minister has expressed confidence in the ongoing preparations, and extended a warm welcome to exhibitors, investors and visitors from Malaysia and abroad. He hopes this edition will rank among the most impactful in the event’s history.” First launched in 1991, Lima is held biennially and remains one of Southeast Asia’s

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the upcoming Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima ‘25) must serve as a strategic springboard for local companies, particularly SMEs to break into global markets through innovation. His senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said Anwar is scheduled to attend Lima ‘25 following his official visit to Russia from May 13 to 16. “Anwar has emphasised that Lima ‘25 is not merely a showcase of defence and aviation hardware, but a collaborative platform uniting governments, industry leaders and academic institutions,” Tunku Nashrul said during the Prime Minister’s Office daily