4/09/2025

THURSDAY | SEPT 4, 2025

2

‘Victory Day’ a reminder for nations to uphold sovereignty

No need to join SCO for now, says minister BEIJING: Malaysia sees no necessity to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) for now, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. Instead, Malaysia should focus on strengthening Asean while exploring opportunities to further enhances its engagement and cooperation with the SCO, he said. “We already have Asean and Asean needs to be empowered further aside from establishing a better relationship with the SCO,” he told the Malaysian media delegation covering Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s four-day working visit to China, here. Mohamad accompanied Anwar on the visit, which covered Beijing and Tianjin. Mohamad said Anwar was invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the SCO Summit, where he also delivered remarks at the SCO Plus Summit. “The prime minister was invited as a special guest and was given the opportunity to speak at the forum. “For the time being, we do not see a need to become a member state of the SCO,” he said. Established in 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is an intergovernmental international organisation aimed at encouraging effective cooperation among member states in various spheres, including politics, economy, regional security and stability, science and technology, energy and transport. It now comprises 10 members, namely China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus, representing over three billion people or about 45% of the world’s population. The combined Gross Domestic Product of the organisation in 2023 accounted for approximately 32% of the world’s total. – Bernama Anwar expresses sadness over Afghan quake KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed sadness over the earthquakes that have struck Afghanistan, claiming many lives and leaving families in grief and hardship. In a Facebook post yesterday, Anwar said he was also deeply pained to learn of the severe landslides in Sudan, which have claimed more than a thousand lives. “My thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Malaysia stands in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and Sudan,” he said. Bakhtar News Agency reported the death toll from the recent 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Kunar Province, eastern Afghanistan, has risen to 1,411, while 3,124 people were also injured. In Sudan, more than 1,000 people lost their lives in a landslide triggered by heavy rains in a village in the Central Darfur State of western Sudan. – Bernama

He also met with the China Semiconductor Industry Association and Matrix, with discussions expected to unlock export opportunities worth RM2 billion over the next two years, reinforcing Malaysia’s role in the semiconductor industry. Anwar further held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkmenistan, the prime minister of Egypt and leaders from Pakistan, Cambodia and Nepal. The conflicts in Gaza and Myanmar were among the key issues discussed. He stressed the need for reform at the United Nations, echoing Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ call for a more democratic and inclusive system. Anwar was among foreign leaders who joined Xi at the Victory Parade at Tiananmen Square.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke had told the Dewan Rakyat last month that further discussions with China and the main contractor, China Communications Construction Co Ltd, were still required as the project is ongoing and the Rantau Panjang extension would need to be incorporated into the wider package. Anwar also confirmed that Li will represent China at the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur at the end of October. During his four-day visit, Anwar held bilateral talks with Xi and Li, focusing on cooperation in infrastructure, ports, artificial intelligence, education and trade. The trip secured potential investments worth RM905 million in the chemical and technology sectors, along with possible exports worth RM180 million through e-commerce giant JD.com.

He said the proposal remains at a preliminary stage, with a technical team tasked to review costs, financing and development plans. Anwar added that the matter was also raised in his meetings yesterday with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. “The proposal is towards that direction, about 20 to 25km to Rantau Panjang near the Thai border,” he said. Anwar, who is also finance minister, said he hopes the project can be realised as part of efforts to lift the area’s economy. “The stretch from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, particularly around Rantau Panjang, remains relatively underdeveloped. “We hope that with this and a station there, the development and business ecosystem can be improved,” he said.

PETALING JAYA: The Victory Day Parade hosted by China to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II is a reminder that nations must defend and uphold their sovereignty, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the message is especially relevant in today’s volatile global landscape, where instability persists and the international order continues to weaken. Citing the atrocities in Gaza, Anwar noted that Israel’s assault on Palestinians shows how international norms are being blatantly disregarded. “For me, this commemoration is a reminder that every nation must remain free, independent and sovereign, and that such independence must always be respected. “The post-war embrace of peace, as well as China’s struggle against colonialism and oppression, should serve as lessons for today’s generation, particularly within our region,” he told Malaysian media at the conclusion of his working visit to Beijing and Tianjin this week. On the domestic front, Anwar said the government is considering extending the East Coast Rail Link from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, near the Thai border, to spur economic activity in the underdeveloped border town. o Message especially relevant in today’s volatile global landscape, where instability persists and international order continues to weaken, says PM Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Chinese militia members march during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China yesterday. – REUTERSPIC

China supports accelerating Malaysia’s BRICS membership BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged his full support for accelerating Malaysia’s full membership in the BRICS bloc. currently made up of 11 countries, including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and Egypt. Malaysia became a partner country of the bloc in early 2025. quick action can this special relationship have a more meaningful impact on the people of both countries,“ he said. Initiative (BRI), which strengthens global connectivity, as well as the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) conceived during this time’s Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

He added that he highly appreciates the sincerity of the friendship expressed by President Xi and the respect given to Malaysia. “ Alhamdulillah , President Xi and I are in agreement to continue strengthening this friendship based on trust, respect, and sincerity. Even though we are a small country, confidence, mutual trust and shared determination can become a great strength to shape a more peaceful, just, and prosperous future,“ he said. Anwar also expressed support for the proposals and ideas championed by Xi, especially the Belt and Road

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this development was conveyed by Xi during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People here on Tuesday. “President Xi stated his full support for accelerating Malaysia’s participation as a full member of BRICS. “This is a great honor and a sign of support for our country to continue playing an important role on the world stage,“ he told Malaysian media covering his four-day working visit to China. BRICS, established in 2009, is

Earlier, the Prime Minister made a courtesy call on Xi, where both leaders discussed efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Commenting on the meeting, Anwar said the meeting reinforced ties that have been in place since Xi’s state visit to Malaysia last April, during which 31 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements were signed. “I stated that this relationship must be translated with the immediate implementation of the matters that have been agreed upon. Only with

He also congratulated Xi on the successful and historic organisation of the SCO Summit. China remains Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, with bilateral trade reaching US$106 billion last year, reflecting the closeness of this relationship. “I stated to President Xi about Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening high-value exports such as E&E, aerospace, medical, pharmaceutical, as well as oil and gas,“ said Anwar. - Bernama