10/08/2025

NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday AUG 10, 2025

King’s Tatarstan visit expected to further boost bilateral ties KAZAN: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim has expressed hope that his visit to Kazan would inspire stronger ties between Malaysia and the Russian republic of Tatarstan. Vision Group ‘Russia-lslamic World’ in the highest regard. It stands as a testament to your dedication to the advancement of the Muslim ummah.” joint research in emerging fields such as engineering, energy and computer science. “I commend the ongoing collaboration between Kazan Federal University and Kazan National Research Technological University with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, located in my state, Johor.”

from Tatarstan choosing Malaysia as their preferred destination.” Sultan Ibrahim expressed joy at renewing his close friendship with Minnikhanov at the historical landmark of the Kazan Kremlin. “ Rakh-mat (thank you) – your generosity and warmth will long be remembered.” The King was warmly welcomed by Minnikhanov at the Kazan Kremlin, followed by a photo session against the scenic backdrop of the Volga River. The audience was followed by a reception hosted by Minnikhanov for His Majesty at the Banquet Hall. – Bernama

Sultan Ibrahim highlighted significant potential for enhanced collaboration in sectors such as petrochemicals, innovation, Islamic finance and the halal industry. “I also take pleasure in witnessing the expansion of academic exchanges between our institutions of higher learning.” The King said Malaysian and Russian universities, including several in Kazan, have developed strong partnerships, including

When receiving an audience from the Rais of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov at the Kazan Kremlin Presidential Palace here on Friday, Sultan Ibrahim said he was pleased with the growing engagements between the peoples of Malaysia and Tatarstan in economic, institutional and cultural cooperation. “We hold your leadership in the Strategic

His Majesty said the prospect of resuming direct air connectivity between Russia and Malaysia has been encouraging, which would open new avenues for tourism, commerce and enhance people to-people exchanges. “I hope to see more students and tourists

‘More M’sians taking up Singaporean citizenship’

US lauds nation’s Asean leadership

KUALA LUMPUR: The United States (US) has described Malaysia’s chairmanship of Asean this year and the upcoming 47th Asean Summit in October as significant opportunities to deepen engagement with the grouping and advance regional peace and prosperity. US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan said Washington appreciates Malaysia’s leadership and ongoing efforts in preparing for the high-level meeting. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa are among the world leaders expected to attend the 47th Asean Summit in Malaysia. Kagan added that recent US high-level visits and engagements demonstrated Washington’s recognition of Southeast Asia’s strategic importance. These include the participation of Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the 57th Asean Foreign Ministers Meetings, visit by US Indo-Pacific Command Commander Admiral Paparo and the engagement by Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth with Anwar in Singapore. – Bernama BACHOK: Malaysia is ready to be a mediator in the conflict in southern Thailand and work to end tensions there, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. “The issue in Southern Thailand is an internal matter of the Thai government. I have contacted the Thai government, which has shown its willingness to try to stop the tensions, especially the violence on both sides. “I am confident that with the wisdom of the Thai leadership, efforts to find peace and security will continue so that the area can be developed, with Islamic studies strengthened and the Malay language upheld,” he said after attending a gathering of leaders and students of Pusat Pengajian Pondok Yayasan Islam Kelantan in Taman Sri Cempaka on Friday. On Aug 5, it was reported that Muslim residents in the southern region of Thailand asked Anwar to play a role as peacemaker to end the protracted conflict in the area, which had claimed thousands of lives over the past few decades. Commenting on the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, Anwar expressed hope that peace and tranquility between the two countries would continue to prevail. “ Alhamdulillah , the reconciliation efforts in Thailand and Cambodia will hopefully be sustained, and this will help our Muslim friends there as well.” On Friday, Anwar was reported to have said the swift and effective ceasefire

According to Singapore’s National Population and Talent Division, based on information published on Sept 24 last year, 23,472 individuals were granted Singapore citizenship in 2023. However, the number of new citizenships granted for 2024 has not yet been disclosed. From 2019 to 2023, the republic approved 22,400 citizenships per year, slightly more than average of 21,600 in the previous five years. According to a written reply on Jan 7 by Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam to then-Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Gan Thiam Poh, about 20% of the new citizenships granted were under the Family Ties Scheme to foreign spouses of Singapore citizens. Between 2019 and 2023, Singapore granted 111,890 citizenships in total.

had risen in recent years. Saifuddin Nasution added that there were 7,394 cases reported in 2015, 8,654 in 2016, 7,583 in 2017 and 7,665 in 2018. He said this in a written parliamentary reply to Kota Bharu MP Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, who is also PAS secretary-general. Takiyuddin had asked for the total number of Malaysians who had applied for Singaporean citizenship from 2015 to 2025. Saifuddin Nasution said 16,930 citizenship renunciations were made last year, up from 11,500 in 2023. “The figure in 2022 was 5,623, lower than the 7,956 recorded in 2021.” The highest annual total was in 2019, with 13,362 cases, which fell to 5,591 cases in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A total of 6,060 became nationals of city state as of June 30 this year, says minister

BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 6,060 Malaysians renounced their citizenship to take up Singapore nationality as of June 30 this year, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He said the number of Malaysians giving up their citizenship and adopting Singaporean nationality

Malaysia ready to help end conflict in Southern Thailand: PM

Anwar visiting the Desa Gemalai organic padi cultivation centre under the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority in Kelantan yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

central government. “There is major damage, so we will approve RM2.1 million in the next few months. Then, we will study the application in its entirety, including those of 246 schools like this throughout the country, which are in very poor condition.” – Bernama

Pengajian Pondok Yayasan Islam Kelantan. He added that the aid, to cover damage to the school study centre, would be expedited. “Of course, schools like this under the management of the Kelantan Islamic Foundation need some attention from the

agreement between the two nations was an extraordinary achievement that had never happened before for Asean, thus proving the strength, commitment and determination of its leaders. Anwar also announced that he would channel RM2.1 million in aid to Pusat