09/08/2025

SATURDAY | AUG 9, 2025

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King visits leading Russian automotive research centre

MOSCOW: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, visited the Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engines Institute (Nami) here to observe advancements in Russian automotive technology. Upon arrival, His Majesty was received by Nami CEO Fedor Nazarov. The visit on Thursday began with a briefing by Nazarov and a video presentation on Nami, a premier Russian scientific and engineering institute established in 1918 as the country’s first automobile research laboratory. Today, it is among Europe’s largest automotive testing centres, with laboratory facilities, test tracks and a special zone for autonomous vehicles. Among its key projects is the development of the Aurus luxury vehicle range, designed and manufactured at Nami facilities. The King showed keen interest in the institute’s operations, vehicle models and production processes, posing various questions throughout the visit. Sultan Ibrahim later toured the showroom with Russian Industry and Trade Deputy Minister Albert Karimov. Before concluding the visit, His

Majesty took the wheel of an Aurus vehicle for a brief test drive. The King also visited Tochka Kipeniya, a technology and innovation centre in Moscow. Upon arrival, His Majesty was received by adviser to the Russian president Dimitry Peskov and Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology senior vice-president Alexey Ponomarev. Accompanying the King were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who is also the minister-in-attendance, Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin and Malaysian Ambassador to Russia Datuk Cheong Loon Lai. During the hour-long visit, Sultan Ibrahim toured an exhibition showcasing Russian drone technology, where Peskov briefed His Majesty on various technological development initiatives. The exhibition also featured a wide array of drones designed for diverse applications, highlighting Russia’s growing capabilities in the unmanned aerial systems sector. Sultan Ibrahim is currently in Moscow for a state visit to Russia at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin. – Bernama

The King being briefed on Russia’s drone technology during his visit to Tochka Kipeniya, a technology and innovation centre in Moscow. – PIC COURTESY OF FACE BOOK PAGE OF SULTAN IBRAHIM SULTAN ISKANDAR

‘Top global leaders to attend Asean Summit’

‘RON95 subsidy rationalisation will not affect 85% of M’sians’

PETALING JAYA: At least 85% of Malaysians will not be affected by the RON95 targeted subsidy rationalisation which will be announced by the end of September, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said only non Malaysians and those who are financially well off would not be able to avail of the subsidy. In a written parliamentary reply, Anwar, who is also Finance minister, said the implementation of targeted diesel subsidies in mid-2024 indicates that inflation remains under control. He said Malaysia’s inflation rate rose moderately to 1.8% in 2024 compared with 2.5% in 2023. “During the same period, the consumer price index increased to 132.8 from 130.4 in the previous year. Based on current projections, the overall national inflation rate for 2025 is expected to remain moderate, provided the targeted RON95 subsidy is implemented in the second half of this year.” He was replying to Dr Radzi Jidin (PN-Putrajaya), who asked about the status of the RON95 targeted subsidy and its effects on the public. Anwar said to reduce the cost of living burden, the government has increased the allocation for direct cash Ű BY MAHADHIR MONIHULDIN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

assistance programmes, including the Rahmah Cash Contribution and the Rahmah Basic Contribution, from RM10 billion to RM13 billion this year to ensure the social safety net remains strong. “Additionally, the government will provide a one-off cash assistance of RM100 to every citizen aged 18 and above in conjunction with National Day on Aug 31 to support the purchase of essential goods. “This initiative is expected to benefit around 22 million people and involves an allocation of RM2 billion, bringing the total allocation under the direct cash assistance programmes from RM13 billion to RM15 billion this year.” Anwar said the eligibility for the RON95 petrol subsidy is determined based on the Central Database Hub data, which draws from various data sources including the Inland Revenue Board and the Household Income Survey by the Statistics Department. He said the government is also refining the implementation aspects comprehensively, including through data review and information from relevant agencies. “This is to ensure that the approach taken is holistic and targeted, ultimately ensuring that the assistance provided truly reaches those who are eligible and in need.”

a ceasefire, supported by President Trump and China, is an unprecedented achievement demonstrating Asean leaders’ strength and resolve. “I was told that in the history of ceasefires in the world, in the past many decades if not centuries, this was probably the first ceasefire that worked fast and effectively due to the support of everyone.” Anwar said the defence ministers of Cambodia and Thailand reached a final agreement after detailed deliberations, with US and China supporting logistics and Malaysia moderating their bilateral understanding. “Asean leaders stand ready to provide any necessary support to ensure lasting peace between Cambodia and Thailand.” Turning to Myanmar, Anwar acknowledged progress in achieving a ceasefire, with Asean foreign ministers set to visit soon to encourage a cessation of hostilities and promote dialogue among stakeholders. Looking beyond peace and security, Anwar stressed Asean’s aim to strengthen its economic foundation through enhanced intra-Asean trade and investments, regional energy grid projects and improved connectivity — the core thrust of the economic agenda leading up to October’s summit. “We have now entered the final stretch of our chairmanship. In just over four months, we will pass the mantle of responsibility to my friend, Bongbong Marcos of the Philippines. Yet, much remains to be done in this closing phase, particularly in the lead up to the 47th Asean Summit and related summits in October,” said Anwar.

o Asean must rise to the occasion, ensure their visit yields results of lasting value, says PM

CYBERJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced the attendance of an unprecedented gathering of global leaders at the Asean Summit, including US President Donald Trump, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and potentially Chinese President Xi Jinping. Speaking at the 58th Asean Day celebration yesterday, Anwar said the upcoming summit in the final week of October will be Asean’s largest gathering and aims to deliver a veritable assembly of the world’s principal centres of power and influence. “Securing their presence is only the first step. The greater test is to ensure that they leave Malaysia and Asean feeling their time was well spent. “We must ensure that their visit yields results of lasting value. The eyes of the world will be upon us. We must therefore rise to the occasion,” he said. Anwar also commended the vision and contributions of Asean leaders, noting their strong principles and foresight to look beyond domestic issues. “Not only do they focus on internal matters, but they also consider the interests of neighbours, the region and the world.” Anwar highlighted that anniversaries like the 58th Asean Day are moments to reflect on the journey Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

so far and the path ahead. He expressed confidence that the founding fathers of Asean – Adam Malik, Tun Abdul Razak, S. Rajaratnam, Narciso Ramos and Thanat Khoman – would look upon Asean’s progress with pride. “They understood that the region’s first task was to ensure that Southeast Asian nations could live together in amity and cooperation. “They also recognised that Southeast Asia must take primary responsibility for its own peace, security and prosperity. It was the foundation of our beginning in 1967, and it remains the measure of our relevance today. Peace among nations, peace within them, these are the foundations of our regional community.” Anwar cautioned against taking peace for granted and emphasised Asean’s responsibility to forge regional solutions to regional problems. He cited the recent escalation of tensions along the Cambodian-Thai border as a reminder of how swiftly conflicts can arise when left unresolved. “As Chair, Malaysia has worked constructively to facilitate talks between the two countries. I must recognise the full support of Asean leaders including Tuanku Sultan Brunei and the presidents and prime ministers across the region, whose solidarity, commitment, trust, friendship and brotherhood made this possible.” He said the successful brokering of