12/08/2025

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King returns after historic visit to Russia KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, returned safely yesterday after completing a five-day state visit to Russia, marking the first-ever such visit by a Malaysian Head of State since diplomatic relations were established in 1967. vision group, an effective platform for fostering cooperation and mutual understanding between Russia and Islamic nations. Sultan Ibrahim also visited Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, where he pointed to promising opportunities for collaboration in petrochemicals, innovation, Islamic finance and the halal industry. He expressed

This marked his fourth state visit since ascending the federal throne on Jan 31, 2024, following previous visits to Singapore, China and Brunei. At an official meeting in the Moscow Kremlin, Sultan Ibrahim described Russia as a trusted and important partner, emphasising his wish to strengthen ties and cooperation. He quoted a Russian saying – “Friendship is more valuable than money” – to reflect the spirit he hopes will guide Malaysia-Russia relations for the benefit of both peoples. Putin highlighted the well-established political dialogue between Moscow and Kuala Lumpur and praised Malaysia’s active role in the Russia-Islamic World strategic

His Majesty’s royal private jet arrived at Senai International Airport, Johor at 6.30am, where he was welcomed by His Royal Highness the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, alongside other Johor royal family members. Sultan Ibrahim departed Kazan International Airport on Sunday at 11.08am, concluding his trip which began on Aug 5 upon invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

satisfaction with the growing economic, institutional and cultural ties between Malaysia and Tatarstan, notable for its cultural diversity and Muslim-majority population. The Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, accompanied the King to Kazan International Airport for his departure. – Bernama

Sultan Ibrahim arriving at Senai International Airport yesterday. Welcoming His Majesty were Tunku Mahkota Ismail and other Johor royal family members. – SULTAN IBRAHIM SULTAN ISKANDAR FACEBOOK PIC Malaysia, Senegal to strengthen ties

‘Act as facilitator to resolve southern Thailand conflict’

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Senegal are working to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, haj , waqf , and halal industry, which hold significant potential for joint development. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said these areas were among the key topics discussed during a courtesy call by Senegal’s Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs Yassine Fall, who is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia starting yesterday. “We also exchanged views on various regional and international issues of mutual concern, including developments in the Middle East and the African continent,” Anwar said in a Facebook post. According to the Foreign Ministry, the visit reciprocates Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan’s official trip to Senegal in May 2024. The two foreign ministers are expected to take stock of progress in bilateral cooperation, focusing on trade and economy, education, health, the halal industry and capacity building. They will also discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest, including developments in the Middle East and West Africa. During her visit, Fall is scheduled to meet Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani; Investment, Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong; and Religious Affairs Deputy Minister Dr Zulkifli Hasan. Mohamad will also host a luncheon in her honour. Malaysia and Senegal established diplomatic relations in 1986 and have maintained constructive ties through cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels. – Bernama Correction An Opinion article titled “New hospitals a welcome step but who will staff them?” published in theSun on Aug 6, 2025 incorrectly included a mention that the National Heart Institute has three operating theatres that are currently closed. It has come to our attention that this is not the case. The error is regretted.

and people in the south. It is only a small part of a much larger issue,” Azmi said. “Malaysia has leverage, as shown in our role in creating the Bangsamoro in the Philippines. But that case was different as in Mindanao, the separatist group represented the entire militant movement. “In southern Thailand, BRN does not speak for all militant groups or the entire Muslim community.” Azmi said Bangkok has few options but to work with Malaysia, given their shared border and Malaysia’s strong ties with the Muslim population in the region, many of whom feel closer to Malaysia than to the Thai capital. He added that Thailand’s political turbulence further complicates the peace process. “Even their prime minister is serving in an interim capacity. Negotiations between Bangkok and BRN have been inconsistent, starting and stopping depending on who is prime minister at the time. “We want to see the conflict resolved, but progress remains difficult.”

both sides. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali expressed similar confidence in Anwar’s ability to handle sensitive regional issues, citing his involvement in peace efforts in Myanmar, southern Thailand and the Thai–Cambodian dispute. “Anwar is trusted not only in Asean but also on the world stage,” Mazlan said. “US President Donald Trump acknowledged his diplomatic skills in the Thai–Cambodian conflict. He is also seen as a charismatic and trustworthy leader in handling complex issues such as Palestine.” Mazlan said regional states have more confidence in Malaysia’s foreign policy direction under Anwar than in previous administrations. “There is no risk in Malaysia’s role as a peace mediator. In fact, it enhances global respect for the country because our foreign policy is flexible and non-aligned.” Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said Bangkok also trusts Malaysia to remain neutral but warned that the main obstacle lies in the Thai government’s relationship with the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), an Islamic militant group in southern Thailand. “BRN does not represent the entire spectrum of Islamic militancy Madani facilities, including a kindergarten, surau , clinic and a security centre. On Aug 6, Anwar was reported as saying that housing projects with at least 3,500 units must include schools and kindergartens, particularly for low-income communities. Approval should only be granted once these requirements are met, Anwar said, urging developers, the framework

o Malaysia can promote dialogue, encourage confidence-building and provide platform for discussion, but cannot interfere in Bangkok’s internal affairs without consent: Academic

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Yazid said Malaysia could also use upcoming Asean meetings to hold informal side discussions, invite peace process experts and integrate the conflict into wider conversations on regional security. “These efforts can help build trust between the two sides, framing it as a security concern that affects the whole region, not just Thailand,” he said. “Malaysia can promote dialogue, encourage confidence-building, and provide platforms for discussion, but it cannot force negotiations or interfere in Thailand’s internal affairs without consent.” He said Anwar’s track record in personal diplomacy, including his role in mediating the recent Thailand–Cambodia ceasefire, lends credibility to Malaysia’s offer. On Aug 9, Anwar said Malaysia was ready to mediate the conflict in southern Thailand and to help end tensions. While calling it an internal matter for Bangkok, he said Thai authorities had shown willingness to continue efforts to stop violence on following the launch of Residensi Aman Madani, where he noted that the nearby primary school could no longer cope with growing demand. “I proposed a vertical school within the development, or a new school opposite the residence connected by a pedestrian bridge,” he said on a Facebook post. He added that the proposed school would serve all local residents and be complemented by other

PETALING JAYA: Deep-rooted divisions and political instability in Thailand could hinder efforts to end the decades-old insurgency in its south, analysts warn – even as Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship gives Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim a rare opening to push for peace. International Islamic University Malaysia international relations expert Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Yazid Zul Kepli said Malaysia should position itself as a facilitator rather than an intervener to avoid breaching Asean’s principle of non-interference. “Malaysia can host talks, provide neutral venues and encourage dialogue if both Thailand and insurgent representatives agree,” he said. “The emphasis should be on voluntary engagement, not imposing solutions. This will still be difficult as the conflict has been ongoing for a long time.”

With several high-level Asean meetings scheduled in the coming months, observers say Malaysia could use its role as chair to quietly prepare the ground for renewed talks, but lasting peace will demand patience, trust and sustained political will from all sides. PM holds talk over ‘vertical school’ plan in Bandar Tasik Permaisuri

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Housing and Local Government minister and relevant departments to coordinate under the 13th Malaysia Plan. “If there is no nearby school, the developer must allocate several blocks, complete with a dedicated lift, for a vertical school,” he added. The prime minister also called for kindergartens within residential buildings to assist families earning RM2,000 to RM3,000 a month.

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has met with the developer, ministries and agencies to discuss building a “vertical school” in Bandar Tasik Permaisuri yesterday, to address the area’s surging population and shortage of education facilities. Anwar said the plan was raised