08/08/2025

FRIDAY | AUG 8, 2025

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Friendship will continue shaping Malaysia-Russia ties, says King

MOSCOW: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim said his state visit to Russia reflects his sincere wish to strengthen ties and cooperation between the two nations. His Majesty said Malaysia regards Russia as a trusted and important partner. “Our diplomatic relations span more than five decades, having been formally established in April 1967. I’m reminded that Malaysia was among the earliest Asean nations to establish ties with Moscow. “As the Russian saying goes, friendship is more valuable than money. It is this spirit of friendship, I believe, that will continue to shape the direction of the relationship between our two nations for the benefit of our people.” Sultan Ibrahim was speaking during an official meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin following a state welcoming ceremony at the Grand Kremlin Palace on Wednesday. The King also expressed gratitude to Putin for inviting him to visit Russia, TASS news agency reported. “I want to thank you for the reception. It is a great honour for me to meet with you in Moscow. “I’ve always dreamed of meeting you. I would like to sincerely thank you for the invitation,” Sultan Ibrahim told Putin during their meeting. His Majesty also praised Putin’s leadership, saying that the Russian president had led the country “through trying, difficult times” and demonstrated “vision and resilience” as a strong leader. Accompanying His Majesty were Defence Minister Datuk Seri

important is that differing views don’t necessarily lead to tension. “As a maritime nation, Malaysia too has had disagreements with its neighbours, but that has never stopped us from fostering close and friendly ties.” In a post on his Facebook page yesterday, Anwar said the leaders had also discussed the proposed deployment of an Asean Observer Team to support monitoring efforts, humanitarian aid and medical coordination at the border. “Malaysia will continue to support this process, in the belief that lasting peace is only possible through dialogue, mutual respect and genuine friendship.” On Tuesday, Anwar said talks to resolve the border tensions were expected to conclude by Thursday. Cambodia and Thailand had earlier agreed to an unconditional and immediate ceasefire during a special meeting chaired by Anwar in Putrajaya on July 28. – By Harith Kamal well established, with ongoing contacts between various agencies. He warmly welcomed Sultan Ibrahim and his delegation to the Kremlin, noting that the two countries have maintained diplomatic relations for nearly six decades. He also highlighted Malaysia’s role in the Russia-Islamic World strategic development group, which “has become an effective tool for cooperation and mutual understanding between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world”. Putin said he has visited Malaysia three times and has fond memories of the visits. “I am not even talking about the unique and fabulous nature. We were always welcomed very warmly at a very high level. “Both I and the members of my delegation who visited your country always remember this with gratitude. “I hope that you and members of your delegation enjoy getting to know Moscow, one of the fastest growing and most vibrant metropolises in the world.” Present with Putin were senior Russian officials, including Aide to the Russian President for International Affairs Yury Ushakov, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov, Science and Higher Education Minister Valery Falkov, Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Alexander Pankin and Defence Deputy Minister Alexander Fomin. The King is on his maiden state visit to Russia until Sunday at the invitation of Putin. This marks the first state visit by a Malaysian Head of State to Russia. – Bernama/TASS News Agency

Sultan Ibrahim being presented with a model of a vehicle during his visit to the Automotive Technology Development Centre of Russia yesterday. – PIC COURTESY OF SULTAN IBRAHIM SULTAN ISKANDAR FACEBOOK PAGE

Prior to the state welcoming ceremony, His Majesty visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Alexander Garden near the Kremlin Wall. Putin said political dialogue between Moscow and Putrajaya is

and Putin exchanged official gifts at the St Andrew’s Hall and proceeded to the Granovitaya Chamber, the oldest preserved secular building in Moscow dating back to the 15th century, for a state banquet hosted by Putin.

Mohamed Khaled Nordin who is also Minister-in-Attendance, Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin and Malaysian Ambassador to Russia Datuk Cheong Loon Lai. After the meeting, Sultan Ibrahim

Budget 2026 to focus on welfare of people

M’sia to continue facilitating Cambodia-Thai peace talks PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will continue to play a key role in facilitating peace between Cambodia and Thailand amid ongoing border tensions, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. able to reach an initial agreement, Anwar said the ceasefire alone signified meaningful progress. “These border disputes go back hundreds of years. What’s

come at the people’s expense. Citing examples, he said targeted electricity and diesel subsidies have been introduced without burdening most Malaysians. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Budget 2026 would reflect the aims of the 13MP by expanding strategic investments and improving essential services, especially for low-income groups. “Since we’ve launched the 13MP, Budget 2026 must support its first year of implementation. That means raising both the ceiling and the floor.” He added that while the ceiling is intended to stimulate economic activity and investment, the floor ensures stronger public services and income security, both central to the government’s reform drive. More than 300 participants from the public and private sectors, including economists, NGOs and international organisations attended the consultation session. Budget 2026 is scheduled to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Oct 10.

o Plan aims to boost economic competitiveness, raise household income and improve public services

Speaking to reporters after the Budget 2026 consultation session here yesterday, he said the defence ministers of both countries had met him earlier and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding a ceasefire agreement. “Alhamdulillah , they want Malaysia to continue coordinating. Both sides have pledged to observe the terms and maintain the ceasefire.” Anwar said while minor issues remain, they can be resolved amicably. He said Asean defence attaches are expected to assist but a full-scale Asean intervention is not necessary at this stage. “This remains a bilateral matter between Cambodia and Thailand, with Malaysia acting as facilitator. “China and the US have offered logistical support but are not directly involved in border monitoring.” Asked why both countries were

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

revolve around three pillars – raising the ceiling, raising the floor and improving governance. Amir said raising the development ceiling would enhance Malaysia’s economic competitiveness and attract strategic investments, especially in high-growth sectors such as semiconductors, energy transition and the Islamic economy. He said boosting household incomes and easing the cost of living would also remain top priorities. On strengthening the floor, Amir said the government would focus on improving public services, particularly in education and healthcare, while driving growth through digitalisation and artificial intelligence. He said fiscal reforms, including subsidy rationalisation, would not

PUTRAJAYA: Budget 2026 will prioritise public welfare while addressing deep-rooted economic challenges, said Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. Speaking at the opening of Budget 2026 consultation session in Putrajaya yesterday, he said the government remains committed to pushing through essential reforms, even if they are unpopular in the short term. “Fixing a broken economic structure is not easy. Some policies may be unpopular but they are necessary to deliver long-term benefits to the people.” He said this would be the first budget aligned with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), and it would