27/05/2025

TUESDAY | MAY 27, 2025

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Asean holds firm amid global turmoil

o Anwar cites bloc resilience, unity and shared milestones as key to navigating economic uncertainty and rising protectionism

international protocol, meeting global leaders and proudly representing Malaysia as a youthful, capable and ready nation. For 24-year-old Jeremiah Lucas Jugo David from the Raja Melewar Teacher Education Institute, volunteering was a way to serve the nation and experience regional diplomacy up close. Muhammad Izzat Ibrahim, 28, a PhD student at UKM, said the experience made him more confident and taught him how to handle official protocols and meet foreign dignitaries. – Bernama term – a move aimed at ensuring continuity and sustained engagement in addressing the protracted crisis. The move has been seen as a potential breakthrough in Asean’s mediation efforts, The five-point consensus was adopted by Asean in April 2021 following the military coup in Myanmar on Feb 1 that year. It calls for an immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue among all parties, the appointment of a special envoy, the delivery of humanitarian assistance and for the envoy to be granted access to all stakeholders in Myanmar. Despite its significance, implementation of the consensus has largely stalled due to the junta’s continued non-compliance, with the issue remaining a central concern in Asean’s ongoing engagement with Myanmar, Bernama reported. Meanwhile, for Asean, Anwar said peace, stability and prosperity have often depended on an open, inclusive, rules-based international order, anchored in the free flow of trade, capital and people. He said the foundations are now being dismantled under the force of arbitrary action. “But again, I strongly believe in the fortitude and staying power of Asean to withstand the headwinds and weather the storms of the challenges and uncertainties facing us.” Bolkiah, President Prabowo Subianto, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Also in attendance were Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão as observer and Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn. This year marks Malaysia’s fifth time chairing Asean, having previously held the chairmanship in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. Two pivotal high-level engagements – the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean GCC-China Summit – will also be convened, serving as strategic platforms to advance regional and inter-regional cooperation. Indonesian

KUALA like welcoming guests, giving directions and setting up meeting rooms may seem small, but for 97 young volunteers at the 46th Asean Summit, they were important steps in building character, gaining valuable experience and preparing for future roles in the region and beyond. The volunteers, aged 21 to 28 and from universities across Malaysia, were part of the Student Volunteer Foundation. They went beyond behind-the scenes work, learning about LUMPUR: Tasks KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that quiet engagement has played an effective role in addressing the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. “The steps may be small and the bridge may be fragile, but as they say, in matters of peace, even a fragile bridge is better than a widening gulf,“ he said in his opening remarks at the 46th Asean Summit here yesterday. Anwar said Asean has been able to take positive steps with the formation of the Informal Advisory Group for Malaysia as the Asean Chair. “It is significant that since the third meeting held in Bangkok, we have been able to move the needle forward in our efforts for the eventual resolution of the Myanmar crisis. “We are grateful that the next meeting will be hosted by Cambodia former Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen.” Earlier this month, Anwar initiated separate dialogues with Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and the opposition National Unity Government, marking a significant step towards fostering direct engagement between the conflicting parties. On Sunday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the Asean Foreign Ministers’Meeting had agreed that Asean would undertake internal consultations on the proposal to appoint a permanent Asean Special Envoy to Myanmar for a three-year common front in dealing with these challenges. “Noteworthy is our expeditious response in dealing with the US tariffs through the establishment of the Asean Geo-economics Task Force, a necessary step not just for coordination, but to demonstrate resolution and confidence,” the prime minister said. The task force holds discussions and exchanges views on the regional economic outlook, including the latest developments concerning US unilateral tariff policies, national initiatives and the way forward. It is to be noted that Asean took a non-retaliatory stance on the US tariffs, which have now been paused, while others – namely China, Canada and the European Union – responded in a more confrontational manner. Heads of state present included the Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has lauded Asean’s remarkable resilience despite strains to the global trading system, thanks largely to the grouping’s numerous milestones, including the establishment of the Asean community and more importantly, its ability to resolve issues collectively. “The milestones offer a renewed sense of optimism and confidence for Asean, underscored by remarkable resilience against a backdrop of increasingly complex and sobering global developments,”

Chairmanship, is themed “Inclusivity and Sustainability”. “Indeed, a transition in the geopolitical order is underway, and the global trading system is under further strain, with the recent imposition of unilateral United States tariffs,” he said. Anwar, who is also finance minister, lamented that “protectionism is resurging as we bear witness to multilateralism breaking apart at the seams”. “Nevertheless, we are thankful for the spirit of centrality and fraternity among Asean member states in being able to come together to forge a

Anwar said at the 46th Asean Summit yesterday. Addressing fellow leaders from the 10-member grouping, he said Malaysia is honoured to chair Asean this year, which is of special significance, Bernama reported. “We mark a decade since the establishment of the Asean Community, inviting both reflection and renewal. At the same time, we will adopt a forward-looking 20-year vision that necessitates our unwavering commitment and collective resolve.” The 46th Asean Summit, being held under Malaysia’s 2025

Quiet diplomacy breaks through in Myanmar crisis: PM

Region urged to unite on clean energy KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia, as the Asean Chair, has called on member states to step up regional cooperation to drive a fair, secure and inclusive energy transition, in line with climate goals and the region’s growing energy demand. “The growth, while reflective of our economic dynamism, presents us with a pressing dilemma – how do we continue powering our progress while safeguarding environmental sustainability and ensuring affordability for all? ASEAN CULTURAL ARTISTRY ... . Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail joins the wives of regional leaders in a hands-on batik painting session during the Spouses’ Programme held in conjunction with the summit at Seri Perdana Complex yesterday. The event showcased Malaysia’s rich heritage as part of cultural diplomacy efforts. – BERNAMAPIC

capacity by 2050 under the National Energy Transition Roadmap. Fadillah said regional integration was crucial, especially through mechanisms like the Asean Power Grid, which aims to unlock cross border power trade, leveraging the region’s uneven distribution of renewable resources. “The Laos-Thailand-Malaysia Singapore Power Integration Project is a prime example of how multilateral electricity trade is possible, allowing countries to work together to deliver renewable electricity across borders. “From a national perspective, Malaysia commenced its first cross border green electricity trade with Singapore through Enegem or Energy Exchange Malaysia. In just 148 days, over 107 TWh (terrawatt-hour) of green electricity generated from solar and hydro has been successfully delivered across the Causeway to Singapore.” He stressed the need to harmonise green attributes such as Renewable Energy Certificates across the region to boost investor confidence and prevent double-counting. – Bernama

“The answer lies in a managed, inclusive and well-coordinated energy transition, one that reflects the diversity of Asean while advancing a common vision.” He highlighted Asean’s progress under the Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation Phase II, noting that renewable energy now makes up 34% of installed electricity capacity, though its share in total primary energy supply remains at 16%. “Vietnam has rapidly expanded its solar capacity by more than 20GW since 2019, Indonesia is anchoring a Just Energy Transition Partnership to transition to cleaner energy sources with at least US$20 billion (RM84b) of support and Thailand has adopted a Bio-Circular-Green Economy model to align sustainability with productivity.” He also reaffirmed Malaysia’s target of 70% renewables in installed

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the region’s energy future must be grounded in unity, practical frameworks and mutual benefits. “As Asean Chair, Malaysia is deeply committed to promoting dialogue, building consensus and advancing regional frameworks that will power a cleaner, more secure and more inclusive energy future,” he said at the Energy Transition Meeting in Asean: Fostering Regional Cooperation organised by MyDigital here yesterday. Fadillah, who is also the energy transition and water transformation minister said Asean’s energy demand has been growing faster than the global average, at 3% annually, and is projected to rise by more than 60% by 2040, presenting both opportunities and challenges.

Shaping youth on global cooperation