31/10/2025

FRIDAY | OCT 31, 2025

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Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

Unite in shared pride over success of Asean Summit: PM KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia’s success in hosting the 47th Asean Summit should be a source of pride for all Malaysians, regardless of political affiliation and not a subject of criticism or division. He said among the significant achievements during the summit were the admission of Timor Leste as Asean’s 11th member and the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord between Thailand and Cambodia, both milestones that should unite Malaysians in shared pride. Anwar said international recognition of Malaysia’s active role in promoting regional peace, including from major powers such as the United States (US), clearly demonstrates the growing confidence in the country’s diplomatic capability. “Today, Malaysia’s name shines on the world stage, something that has rarely happened in our history. Let us seize this moment to strengthen our nation. “Do not be resentful of our nation’s success. This is the country’s achievement. Prime ministers may come and go, rise and fall, but the nation must always be uplifted,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. He was responding to a supplementary question from Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muda–Muar) on Malaysia’s efforts to balance its diplomatic and trade relations with major global powers. Anwar said Malaysia’s success was also reflected in its ability to bring together major powers, including the US, Russia and China, as well as representatives from the BRICS bloc, for a series of bilateral meetings at the summit. “Imagine, within just a few days, we engaged with the US, Brazil, Africa, China and Russia, and all discussions were handled constructively. “As a relatively small but developing nation we must continue strengthening trade and investment ties with everyone.” He added that Malaysia’s growing global recognition should not be viewed as a personal success for the prime minister but the result of the collective efforts of tens of thousands of civil servants and volunteers. Anwar extended his appreciation to all civil servants, uniformed personnel, students and private sector participants for their outstanding contributions to the summit’s success. – Bernama He said the allocation covers initiatives such as the Rahmah Cash Contribution, Rahmah Basic Contribution (Sara) and Social Welfare Department aid. “From the data, the remaining 0.09% represents hardcore poverty. That was the figure at the beginning of the year. The cases listed were resolved not only through federal efforts but also through cooperation from state governments and Islamic councils,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. He was responding to Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (PN-Kuala Kangsar) who asked about the Madani government’s progress in tackling poverty. Anwar said eradicating hardcore poverty requires close cooperation with state governments, including Kelantan and Kedah, particularly to improve the tracking and coordination of aid. He said the increase in the minimum wage

King receives briefing from Anwar KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, granted an audience to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Istana Bukit Tunku yesterday. According to a post on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s Facebook page, His Majesty was briefed on the outcomes of the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits held in the federal capital last week. A total of 80 outcome documents were received and approved throughout the Asean Summit, said the Prime Minister’s Office. These documents include joint statements between Asean leaders and their counterparts from the United States, Japan, India, New Zealand and Australia. The outcomes also stemmed from the Asean+3 Summit, the East Asia Summit, the Asian Zero Emission Community Leaders’ Meeting and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Summit. Another significant achievement was the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord between Thailand and Cambodia, witnessed by the prime minister and US President Donald Trump. Malaysia has officially handed over the Asean chairmanship to the Philippines, marking the ceremonial transition of leadership as Malaysia enters the final phase of its 2025 chairmanship. – Bernama

Anwar updating the King on the outcomes of the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits at Istana Bukit Tunku yesterday. – PIC COURTESY OF SULTAN IBRAHIM SULTAN ISKANDAR FACEBOOK PAGE

JAYA: Vision of regional power grid to be reality soon o Asean chairmanship transforms concept of shared energy future into concrete roadmap: Academic Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING Asean chairmanship has done more than host summits. It has powered the region’s biggest step yet towards a shared energy future, turning years of talk about an Asean Power Grid into a real, funded plan to connect Southeast Asia’s electricity networks. Universiti Tenaga Nasional Institute of Malaysia’s

among Asean countries could also enhance the region’s global competitiveness. “Europe saves billions each year by coordinating electricity flow across borders. “If Asean can do the same by sharing power rather than maintaining large national reserves, we can lower costs and improve energy reliability.” Malaysia has already demonstrated what such cooperation can achieve. “Through the Laos–Thailand–Malaysia– Singapore Power Integration Project Malaysia helped channel renewable hydropower from Laos all the way to Singapore. “Malaysia is ideally placed to lead – geographically central, with the experience and technical know-how to make cross border energy trade work.” She added that new proposals, including the Peninsular Malaysia-Sarawak power link and a second Malaysia-Singapore interconnection, could advance Asean’s long-term goal of a shared regional grid. Nora Yusma said Malaysia’s chairmanship has also focused on building collaboration among regional think tanks, universities and research institutions that shape Asean’s clean energy strategies. “The World Bank estimates Asean will need around RM3.82 trillion by 2045 to modernise its power systems, while the ADB projects that at least RM477 billion will be required for new transmission lines over the next two decades. “These projects will not only create thousands of jobs but also bring in advanced technology and skills.”

Energy Policy and Research director Dr Nora Yusma Mohammed Yusoff said Malaysia’s leadership has transformed the long-discussed vision of regional energy integration into a concrete roadmap for action. “The Asean Power Grid isn’t just about building cables or power lines. It’s about helping countries share energy more efficiently, reduce costs for consumers and attract greater investment in green energy.” Asean energy ministers agreed to update the Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation 2026–2030, setting new regional targets. The plan aims for 45% of Asean’s total power capacity to come from renewable sources, alongside major improvements in energy efficiency. To support these goals, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank Group have launched the Asean Power Grid Financing Initiative, a RM48 billion fund to connect national power grids and develop cleaner, more reliable energy systems across Southeast Asia. “This is a strong vote of confidence from global investors. It shows the world believes in Asean’s potential to become a green and competitive energy hub.” Nora Yusma added that the initiative mirrors the European Union’s cross-border energy projects which have saved Europe billions of euros annually by sharing power more efficiently. She said Malaysia’s clear policy direction and active regional cooperation have bolstered investor confidence. She added that stronger energy links

RM20b allocated to uplift low-income group KUALA LUMPUR: The government allocated nearly RM20 billion this year for assistance programmes for the low-income group, helping to cut Malaysia’s hardcore poverty rate to just 0.09%, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. from RM1,200 to RM1,500 and now RM1,700, together with a 25% to 30% salary adjustment for low-income civil servants, is part of broader efforts to reduce relative poverty and income inequality.

On the Sara RM100 aid for rural consumers, Anwar said over 80% of recipients have redeemed the assistance while more than 2,000 small rural shops now accept programme transactions, up from just 180 initially. To a question from Roy Angau Gingkoi (GPS Lubok Antu), Anwar said poverty reduction remains a priority in Sabah, Sarawak and other low-income states, with the highest distributions recorded there. He said aid distribution in longhouse areas are also being adapted to suit local communities. He added that the government is coordinating the MyKad database with Padu and records from various aid agencies to prevent duplication and ensure fair distribution of aid. “Apart from cash assistance, we are expanding programmes like Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia and Tekun so that families can generate stable incomes and not return to poverty.” – Bernama