09/01/2026

FRIDAY | JAN 9, 2026

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PM conferred Turkish highest state honour

Embrace differences of opinion, youth wing leaders told PUCHONG: Deputy Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi called on youth wing leaders in political parties to embrace differences of opinion and be open to accepting criticism. He said he and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had previously held leadership positions in Umno Youth, and therefore understood that youth leaders often possess differing ideals and perspectives. “Youth naturally have different ideals, and when they express differing views or opinions, these should be accepted as part of a healthy exchange of ideas. “Young people often offer critical comments but when criticism is directed at them, it must also be accepted. We should not label others as undemocratic or unwilling to accept the truth.” He was speaking after delivering the 2026 New Year’s message to National Disaster Management Agency staff yesterday. Ahmad Zahid was commenting on a media report quoting Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh as saying that he may have reached a point at which he needed to step down. He added that Akmal, or any youth member in a political party, should not resort to shortcuts or inappropriate actions simply because of differences of opinion on certain issues. “This is a political struggle. We must accept that in politics, not everyone will agree with us. When there is disagreement, it should be addressed through explanation and dialogue, not through other actions.” On whether Umno is open to accepting Akmal’s resignation, Ahmad Zahid said the matter had never crossed his mind. – Bernama General assembly expected to chart Umno political path KUALA LUMPUR: The 2025 Umno General Assembly, scheduled for next week, is expected to serve as a key platform for the party to reaffirm its political direction and readiness for the 16th general election (GE16). Attention will be focused on grassroots sentiment, particularly over the party leadership’s stance to remain in the Unity government until the end of the current term, despite calls from its Youth wing for Umno to withdraw from the government. Geostrategist Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said the general assembly is the most appropriate platform for Umno to put to rest speculation over whether it would stay in the government. The National Council of Professors fellow believes Umno is unlikely to make any drastic decision that could threaten political stability. “Umno must also look ahead. Are they prepared, within the next year and a half, to return to being the Opposition? These issues will be debated to ensure a more balanced and objective view.” Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities associate professor Dr Mazlan Ali said Umno’s position within the Madani government is expected to dominate debates at the assembly. “This issue needs to be discussed openly at the assembly to secure a mandate from delegates on whether Umno should remain with the Madani government or pursue an alternative political path.” He said the assembly is likely to focus on how to strengthen the Malay and Bumiputera agenda as well as party revitalisation efforts ahead of GE16, following Umno’s dismal performance in the last general election, in which it won only 26 parliamentary seats. – Bernama

ANKARA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was conferred the Order of the Republic, Turkiye’s highest state honour, in recognition of his role in strengthening bilateral ties between Malaysia and the republic. The recognition was presented on Wednesday by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a ceremony held at the Presidential Complex here in conjunction with Anwar’s three-day official visit to the republic, which began on Tuesday. Also present at the conferment ceremony were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. Malaysian Ambassador to Turkiye Sazali Mustafa Kamal said the award was the republic’s highest form of recognition

o Order of the Republic presented by Erdogan in recognition of Anwar’s role in strengthening bilateral ties

Anwar, who is also finance minister, is on an official visit to Turkiye at the invitation of Erdogan as part of Malaysia’s efforts to further enhance the long-standing bilateral relations between the two countries. Malaysia’s total trade with Turkiye from January to November 2025 amounted to RM21.2 billion, with the republic continuing to be an important economic partner for Malaysia. In 2024, Turkiye was Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner, largest export destination and fourth-largest source of imports among West Asian countries, with total trade valued at RM24.15 billion.

bestowed on a foreign leader. Anwar said in a statement that he accepted the conferment with deep gratitude and humility, not in a personal capacity but on behalf of all Malaysians, Bernama reported. “This conferment also symbolises the close friendship that has long been forged between the two countries, founded on trust, mutual respect and shared aspirations for global peace and prosperity.” He expressed hope that the recognition would continue to serve as a catalyst to strengthen Malaysia-Turkiye cooperation across various strategic fields for the benefit of the people of both countries.

Anwar being conferred the Order of the Republic by Erdogan in Anakara on Wednesday. – BERNAMAPIC

‘RM40.5b M’sia-Turkiye trade target within reach’ ANKARA: The US$10 billion (RM40.5 billion) bilateral trade target between Malaysia and Turkiye is well within reach, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar said Malaysia has benefitted significantly from government-to-government procurement arrangements involving Turkiye’s defence industry, particularly in naval and aerospace production. competitive and uncertain world.” Anwar said cooperation should also be expanded beyond traditional sectors into new disciplines, including educational and research collaboration, supported by institutional mechanisms between the two countries.

He said Turkiye has a strong and resilient economy while Malaysia, although relatively smaller, is growing rapidly. He added that Malaysia has emerged as an attractive destination for high-value investments, particularly in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, data centres and new technologies, including the rare-earth industry. “I think this type of collaboration will be more meaningful not only in terms of traditional levels of trade but also in new disciplines which will be cemented through education and research collaboration between the two countries. “That is why the necessary mechanisms must be put in place,” he said in a joint press statement with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

He described the collaboration as a major advantage for Malaysia, adding that such cooperation reflects a new model of partnership anchored on the principles of good governance and transparency. Anwar said the scope of bilateral cooperation would be further expanded to include the halal industry and Islamic finance, which he described as sectors with strong potential for both countries to jointly explore and advance. Earlier, Anwar and Erdogan co-chaired the inaugural Malaysia-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting. He said both countries should act swiftly to translate commitments into tangible outcomes. “We have to act fast. No amount of normal bureaucratic arrangements can work in this very

On international issues, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s support for Turkiye’s efforts to address regional and global challenges, particularly the situation in Palestine and Gaza. He condemned the continued Israeli actions in Gaza, describing them as total abandonment of moral principles, total disregard for humanity and justice. He added that Malaysia would continue to support initiatives aimed at defending oppressed communities. “Similarly, in some of the issues affecting the world, we need a moral voice. We need a voice of conscience and leadership. The world of politics is facing a deficit in terms of moral and ethical values.” – Bernama