03/08/2025

NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday AUG 3, 2025

‘Malaysia can help solve other crises’ PHNOM PENH: Following its successful mediation of the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute, Malaysia may now seek to apply a similar conflict resolution model to one of Asean’s most intractable challenges – the ongoing armed conflict in Myanmar. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia’s assertive diplomacy is redefining Asean’s role, transforming the bloc from a passive consensus-based forum into a more active regional player capable of navigating complex crises, say political observers. In just four months as Asean chair, Anwar has secured two major diplomatic breakthroughs in addressing long-standing regional crises. Former Indian ambassador to Thailand Anil Wadhwa said Anwar’s proactive approach, which challenges Asean’s longstanding principle of non-interference, is necessary to address the ongoing crises and issues like human trafficking and scams. “By doing so, Malaysia is restoring Asean relevance in addressing the Myanmar crisis and promoting human security in the region. Malaysia will do well to ride on its success in the Thai-Cambodia conflict and try the Asean mediation between the military regime and the National Unity Government (NUG) and other disparate groups.” Anwar broke the bitter diplomatic deadlock in mid-April when he met Myanmar’s State Administration Council chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok and also consulted with NUG representatives to allow the flow of humanitarian aid into earthquake-hit regions. Most recently, Anwar hosted a high stakes meeting in Putrajaya between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, successfully defusing tensions along the two countries’ shared border, Bernama reported. The ceasefire, widely seen as a major Asean achievement, prevented a broader military escalation and ensured the safety of thousands of civilians. Anwar’s diplomatic masterstrokes brought the much-needed calm to both sides and helped save thousands of lives. Otherwise, it could have turned into a costly military confrontation, destabilising the region. Still, Myanmar’s situation presents a more complex challenge. The country’s civil war involves some 20 ethnic armed groups, many of whom have been fighting for autonomy or independence since 1948. With over 135 recognised ethnic groups and competing visions of governance, the path to peace is steep. The military coup on Feb 1, 2021 has displaced at least three million people, exacerbating an already dire situation. Queen starts new blog KUALA LUMPUR: A new blog by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, titled “Lessons from Life”, offers people a window into her public opinions and perspectives through written words. According to a post on His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia’s official Facebook page, the blog is managed by the Johor Royal Press Office and features a compilation of Her Majesty’s articles. “This blog will henceforth be the Queen’s platform to share her public thoughts.” Access the latest entry, Menyelami Jiwa Yang Derita at zarithidris.com/menyelami jiwa-yang-derita. – Bernama

King to make historic state visit to Russia KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, will undertake a state visit to Russia from Aug 5 to Aug 10 at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin. Istana Negara announced that His Majesty would make history as the first Malaysian Head of State to conduct a state visit to Russia since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1967. cooperation in various fields, including trade, higher education, technology, innovation and people-to-people ties. It said as Asean chair, Malaysia would also play a major role in enhancing strategic cooperation, particularly in the context of Russia’s status as an Asean Dialogue Partner since 1996.

The King is scheduled to visit the Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engines Institute as well as the Tochka Kipeniya Technology and Innovation Hub. After concluding his programme in Moscow, His Majesty will travel on Aug 8 to Kazan in Tatarstan, one of Russia’s autonomous republics, with a Muslim majority population. In Kazan, His Majesty will be granted an audience with the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, and will tour a helicopter manufacturing and assembly facility. – Bernama

It added that His Majesty would be accorded a state welcome ceremony at the Kremlin by Putin, followed by an official meeting between the two Heads of State. “His Majesty will also attend a state banquet hosted by the President of the Russian Federation.”

“This visit also reflects the important role of the Malaysian monarchy in advancing the nation’s diplomacy,” it said. Istana Negara said the visit would not only strengthen existing bilateral relations but also open new avenues for

Mixed reactions to 19% tariff on M’sian exports

PETALING JAYA: The recent announcement of a reduction in the tariff rate on Malaysian exports to the US, from 25% to 19%, has been portrayed as a major trade win. However, economist Dr Geoffrey Williams has raised concerns over the anticipated benefits of the 6% reduction in import levy for Malaysian goods going into the US. Williams told theSun the tariff reduction only puts Malaysia on a level playing field with Indonesia and the Philippines. He added that the new tariff of 19% accords Malaysia an only marginally better position when stacked against major exporter Vietnam. He compared Malaysia’s rate to other countries such as Japan, Korea, the United Kingdom and the European Union, which received Economist says reduction renders only marginal advantage, while association says rate ‘is not the worst’ Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

bigger reductions. “Overall, it is just a marginally better position but it still hits Malaysian exports hard. If it causes just a 10% reduction in exports to the US, it will cost RM20 billion. This is RM670 for every Malaysian.” Malaysia joins peers such as Indonesia, Cambodia, Pakistan and the Philippines at the same tariff rate, while rates on other countries range between 10% and 41%. Williams said Malaysians need to understand what concessions were demanded by the US and what was refused by Malaysia. He foresees business groups calling for government help and support. “But this will only increase costs to the government, which may redirect subsidy savings to business bailouts. Malaysian Palm Oil Council chief executive officer Belvinder Kaur Sron said the 19% tariff would inevitably have some cost implications for US palm oil importers. However, she does not anticipate any significant impact on Malaysia’s overall palm oil exports to this market. “Most of Malaysia’s exports to the US cater to niche, high-value segments.” Belvinder said in the first half of 2025, over 80% of Malaysia’s palm oil exports to the US were certified sustainable palm oil and used in high value-added applications.

“Additionally, 11% comprised palm stearin, a key ingredient in food manufacturing and personal care products. These products cater to specialised segments where substitute options are limited, making overall demand relatively inelastic.” She said palm oil exports to the US rose by 35.7% in the first half of 2025, reaching 103,000 metric tonnes compared with 76,000 metric tonnes in the same period last year. “Malaysia and Indonesia accounted for 97% of palm oil imports into the US in 2024. “Since both countries are currently subject to the same import tariff of 19%, we continue to compete on a level playing field.” Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association executive director Andrew Chan said semiconductors are currently excluded from the 19% country tariff, pending a Section 232 review of the US Trade Expansion Act 1962. “Most electrical and electronic exports to the US, primarily intermediate goods, also fall outside the 19% tariff. “Although the 19% rate is not the best we could have hoped for, it’s also not the worst.” Chan said with details of the negotiations still unclear, it’s hard to know what Malaysia may have offered or refused in exchange.

PATRIOTIC FERVOUR ... Selangor Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim (third from right) with participants of a motorcycle convoy taking part in the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang 2025 programme at Pantai Redang in Sekinchang yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC