15/09/2025

MONDAY | SEPT 15, 2025

2

Anwar to attend Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha

M’sia holds unusual leverage in global politics: Analyst SINGAPORE: Malaysia’s mix of natural resource wealth, pragmatic policies and active diplomacy has positioned the country to emerge as a consequential middle power, according to political analyst James Chai. In a commentary titled “Malaysia has something great powers want”, published by CNA on Sept 12, Chai said Malaysia now holds unusual leverage in global politics, and the opportunity lies in how it uses it. “Leverage, in international politics, is determined by who needs whom more. It is unusual for a middle state like Malaysia to hold assets that great powers want.” Chai pointed out that Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Malaysia in April, just days after US President Donald Trump unveiled reciprocal tariffs, underscored the country’s importance. “In an era of geopolitical uncertainty, it is clear Xi wanted to position China as Malaysia’s most dependable trade partner, one that acts on win-win outcomes and mutual trust.” During the visit, China and Malaysia signed 31 MoUs. More significantly, Xi reportedly offered Malaysia Chinese technology to develop its rare earth processing capabilities. Malaysia has discovered 16.2 million metric tonnes of rare earth deposits, valued at about US$175 billion (RM735 billion). “This means Malaysia may become a battleground in the global race for rare earths, courted by great powers, but beholden to none.” Rare earths, central to technologies such as data centres, electric vehicles, robotics and semiconductors, also carry geopolitical weight. Chai said Malaysia has a major role as a global semiconductor hub as the country contributes 13% of backend assembly, testing and packaging as well as supplies about 20% of US semiconductor imports. Adding to its significance is geography, especially the Straits of Malacca, through which 25% of global trade and 60,000 vessels pass annually. Chai said Malaysia, compared with its regional peers, is well-placed to benefit from shifting global trade patterns. The Economist recently argued that Malaysia is among the likely winners of Trump’s tariff offensive, citing more favourable tariff differentials, lower transshipments and less reliance on American demand. – Bernama the global urban agenda through funding and policy support, including weaving the New Urban Agenda into the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The document will be launched at the Fourth Ministerial Meeting on Urbanisation and Climate Change on Nov 11. “Urban challenges no longer stop at national borders. Malaysia is ready to work with China and the global community to ensure no one and no place is left behind in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda,” Nga said. – By Harith Kamal

o Attendance signals Malaysia’s solidarity with Qatar while carefully managing ties with global powers, says academic

of the Sept 22 United Nations General Assembly debate on a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. “It’s an opportunity to reinforce support for Palestinian sovereignty, especially after the assembly’s resolution backed by 142 countries recognising Palestine as a state. We want overwhelming support so that Israel and opposing states are isolated.” Azmi said Malaysia’s backing stems not only from religious but also humanitarian concern. “What’s happening to Palestinians in Gaza goes beyond normal decency.” He added that Malaysia is unlikely to play a mediating role in the Gaza conflict, unlike Qatar or Egypt, as it has no direct communication with Israel. “Israel does not trust us and we do not trust Israel. Unlike in the Thailand-Cambodia conflict, where Malaysia had good ties with both sides, mediation here would be very difficult.”

managing ties with global powers. “It is very important for the prime minister to be there. The attack on Qatar by Israel showed that no country is safe. If Israel wants to do something, they will do it because they have the backing of the United States (US).” Azmi said Malaysia’s foreign policy rests on principles, not alliances. “Malaysia is neutral. We may not be happy with the US but we are not disengaging either. Our approach is pragmatic, balancing relations with major powers while protecting national interests.” He said Malaysia’s stance must ultimately be for the country’s benefit. He added that economic interests also shape this balance, with Malaysia keeping ties with both the US and China while eyeing new markets such as the European Union, which is negotiating a free trade agreement with Kuala Lumpur. Beyond diplomacy, Azmi said the summit carries weight in building momentum ahead

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim heads to Doha today to attend the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit, convened after Israel’s recent attack on Qatar. Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said Anwar’s attendance signals Malaysia’s solidarity with Qatar and the wider international community while carefully

Fahmi to meet Meta reps over online gambling advertisements

Ű BY T.C. KHOR news@thesundaily.com

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil will meet Meta representatives on Sept 22 to address concerns over Facebook, particularly the flood of online gambling ads and questions surrounding the Class Licence for Application Service Providers. Fahmi said Facebook remains the platform most riddled with gambling promotions, despite repeated complaints and takedowns. “They have raised several queries and I believe on Sept 22 we can iron out these matters. From the start until now, the majority of content we flagged and removed from Facebook involved online gambling ads. “If these ads are paid for with credit cards, Facebook should already know they are not permitted in Malaysia.” He was speaking after launching the Community Day Programme and Penanti National Information Dissemination Centre yesterday. He said Facebook has so far resisted taking firm action against accounts and ad payments tied to the activity. He added that the government would not allow criminals to exploit social media for profit at the expense of public harmony. Fahmi also confirmed that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission would review defamatory and sub judice content online linked to the inquest into the death of Zara Qairina, the teenager whose case has sparked intense debate nationwide. He also expressed satisfaction with the

Fahmi during the visit to the mini market in Kubang Semang yesterday. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

system ensures that aid reaches the right people. “In Malaysia, we know MyKad holders really hold their own cards, so there is no issue of misallocation. This is very good, and we expect the same approach for upcoming programmes, including the RON95 subsidy at RM1.99 per litre.”

rollout of the government’s Sumbangan Asas Rahmah programme at a mini market in Kubang Semang, describing it as smooth and impactful. “There are no problems. The labels are clear and there are no stock issues. Rice is plentiful and eggs are more than sufficient.” He added that the MyKad-based redemption

Agreement on cooperation with China in smart city development PETALING JAYA: Malaysia and China have agreed to boost cooperation in smart city development, with plans to roll out command centres in second-tier cities such as Ipoh and Seberang Perai. housing options for middle-and low-income groups.”

including Hangzhou’s City Brain and Shenzhen’s Smart City Data Platform, to pilot projects in Malaysia. These will feature smart infrastructure, energy-efficient systems, digital connectivity, green technologies and housing solutions designed for both elderly residents and families. “These projects will act as living laboratories for testing smart technologies, sustainable designs and community-focused housing models. “Through collaboration with China, we can adapt proven solutions to local contexts, from AI-driven housing management to affordable

Nga also invited China to participate in the Asean+3 Real Estate Conference 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, which will for the first time see South Korea and Japan joining as strategic partners. He proposed an exchange programme for Malaysian and Chinese officials to share expertise in planning and policy, stressing the need to translate collaboration into concrete projects. As UN-Habitat Assembly president, Nga called on China to play a bigger role in advancing

The move was announced following a bilateral meeting between Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming and China’s Housing and Urban-Rural Development Minister Ni Hong, held on the sidelines of the Asean China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction. The partnership will draw on China’s experience with advanced urban platforms,