23/05/2025

FRIDAY | MAY 23, 2025

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S’wak premier issues assurance on joint federal-state accord KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg has given an assurance that the joint declaration between the federal and state governments signed on Wednesday would not be abolished, even if there is a change of government in the future. He was speaking in reference to the joint declaration framework involving Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) signed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and himself. Abang Johari reiterated that the declaration is a clear manifestation of mutual respect and recognition of Sarawak’s regulatory framework, particularly the State Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016. When asked whether the declaration would affect the ongoing court case between Petros and Petronas, Abang Johari said the state government would leave the matter to its legal team. “We want to suspend it. Maybe there is a suspension and later on, withdrawal. That, I leave it to the legal people (because) there is a process,” he said at the state assembly building yesterday. The Petros–Petronas court case centres on a jurisdictional dispute over control of Sarawak’s oil and gas resources. Abang Johari also reaffirmed Sarawak’s commitment to working closely with the federal government, Petronas and Petros to implement the joint declaration framework in good faith, Bernama reported. He said the state maintains its stance that both federal and Sarawak laws must coexist harmoniously and be respected by all parties. “This declaration gives them a guide on how they (Petronas) are to conduct their business in collaboration with Petros. Petronas still has to apply for a licence and inform us.” Digitalisation key focus for Asean: PM PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia, as Asean chair, will continue to support the development of digitalisation and artificial intelligence in neighbouring countries, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said Malaysia, together with Asean, should be more competitive in the digital hub sector, with Malaysia having gained a competitive reputation through political stability and clarity in its policies. “The thrust of our Asean chairmanship has been for energy transition, and we have been quite successful with Vietnam and Singapore on the power grid. But the focus, the thrust of our chairmanship, has been digital transformation,” he said at the official launch of MaiStorage Technology yesterday. – Bernama He said in addition to traditional partners such as China and the US, the country is exploring new markets, including Russia. He added that Malaysia would also participate in the upcoming BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on July 6 and 7. “On semiconductors, the US, for now, has excluded them from the tariffs. That’s the most positive sign. “But of course, anything can change tomorrow or even tonight, depending on the (US) president. For now, we’re safe.” Anwar said Malaysia is closely monitoring the situation, particularly as 60% of exports go to the US. – Bernama

RM11b allocated to boost national defence capabilities Khaled visiting a booth at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre in Langkawi at Lima ‘25 yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

obsolescence management services for KD Perdana were signed. A contract of RM187 million was also secured for the F/A-18D fighter jet sustainment programme while RM392 million was allocated to procure additional floating stock for the TP400-D6 engine and low-pressure turbine used in Airbus A400M aircraft. A RM378 million contract was also signed for maintenance services and spare parts supply for Eurocopter EC725 helicopters. Khaled said another key focus is to drive the growth of the local defence industry and enhance national capacity. He said this is being achieved by providing opportunities for various Malaysian companies to use their existing capabilities to deliver a range of services to the Armed Forces. “In addressing non-traditional threats, we are strengthening national cybersecurity and telecommunications technologies such as the X-Band Satellite, and securing satellite communication channels. “We also prioritise development and research, including artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. “Beyond asset procurement, the Defence Ministry emphasises welfare, exemplified by the RM320 million construction of the new Armed Forces Hospital at Kem Terendak, Malacca,” said Khaled. give us a boost.” Anwar was speaking on Wednesday during a briefing on the Asean Summit 2025 for editors in-chief of local and international media at the Seri Perdana Complex. Present were Bernama CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, its editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj and Economic News Service executive editor Saraswathi Muniappan. Anwar said it was still too early to assess the full impact of US tariff changes, adding that Malaysia would continue to monitor developments and respond accordingly. He reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to remaining a trading nation.

o Amount meant for assets for land, maritime and air support, cybersecurity and welfare of military personnel

Ű BY JOHN GILBERT newsdesk@thesundaily.com

contract to procure 18 units of 81mm mortars. In naval capabilities, the ministry is acquiring two sets of Naval Strike Missile launchers valued at RM44 million. It is also procuring 1,300 rounds of 84mm Recoilless High Explosive ammunition for RM42 million, 5,000 units of 60mm Illuminating Infrared mortar bombs for the army valued at RM34 million and 1,900 units of 120mm High Explosive mortar bombs for RM34 million. In addition, a contract worth RM32 million has been awarded for the supply of 12 million rounds of 5.56mm ball ammunition, and another contract valued at RM31 million for 1,000 rounds of 125mm HEAT-SD-T ammunition, all contributing to ensuring high operational readiness of the nation’s defence forces. In addition to acquiring new assets, the Armed Forces is strengthening its operational capabilities by ensuring that existing assets are well-maintained and upgraded. For this, a RM1.02 billion contract to maintain and repair Perdana Menteri-class submarines and a RM48 million contract for Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the tariff issue. He said the talks were positive and offered a platform to clarify Malaysia’s trade position. “There was a follow-up meeting, as you know in South Korea. “And amazingly, we have seen this statement by Asean, China, Japan and South Korea, which in my mind, is very positive because it shows that we are prepared to consider the matter and openly promote multilateralism. “Secretary Rubio had a long session with the foreign minister (Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan). I also spoke with him. But beyond that, the US has promised to consider it sympathetically and

LANGKAWI: The government plans to allocate RM11 billion to strengthen the nation’s defence capabilities, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin. He said the allocation would be for five key areas – the procurement of strategic assets for land, maritime and air defence, cybersecurity as well as facilities for and welfare of Armed Forces personnel. Khaled yesterday witnessed the signing and handover ceremony for procurement agreements, letters of intent and MoUs. He said the value of defence procurement agreements signed has increased by about RM1 billion compared with Lima ‘23 when 43 documents involving about RM10.1 billion were inked. The ministry has secured a RM49 million contract for 178 units of Light Anti-Tank Weapon (LATW) (Reloadable Short Range), a RM35 million contract for the supply and delivery of 780 units of (LATW) C90 and a RM30 million

Malaysia prioritising domestic economic reforms PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is prioritising domestic economic reforms before expanding

partnerships through Asean, key regional players such as China, India and Pakistan, as well as strengthening ties with the European Union (EU) to address the impact of the United States’ (US) tariff policy changes, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the EU has been quite dramatic in its decision to engage more aggressively and actively with Asean. Anwar said Malaysia had initiated early engagement with the US, with Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz holding discussions with US