21/06/2026

NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday JUNE 21, 2026

Petronas-Turkmenistan deal commended by PM

Neutrality brings economic benefits: Anwar BATU KAWAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia’s commitment to engaging all countries while maintaining its independence and neutrality has strengthened international confidence in the nation and created new opportunities for economic cooperation. He said the approach had enabled Malaysia to foster strong relations with countries across different geopolitical blocs, resulting in tangible economic benefits, including Petronas’s latest agreement in Turkmenistan. “We did (engagement) with the United States President Donald Trump who was here last year, a significant visit. And then we had one with China, India and recently with Russia, showing our centrality – the position that Malaysia takes is to make sure that we engage with all countries and maintain our independence and neutrality. “We express our position in some of the more contentious issues affecting the world but we welcome the participation of all,” he said at the grand opening ceremony of the MKS Super Centre factory in Bandar Cassia Technology Park yesterday. He said Turkmenistan had agreed to award Petronas the development of two major gas blocks, reflecting the confidence foreign governments have in Malaysia’s capabilities, stability and professionalism. He added that the agreement with Turkmenistan was a direct outcome of Malaysia’s efforts to build meaningful relationships with countries around the world. Pointing to continued investments from major global companies in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, Anwar said international investors’ confidence is critical to Malaysia’s economic growth and future progress. He said Penang’s success in attracting high-quality investments shows that clear policies, efficient administration and reduced bureaucracy could strengthen Malaysia’s competitiveness. Anwar said the country must continue investing in talent development, education and industry collaboration to support emerging sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. He said Malaysia’s future competitiveness would depend not on low costs but on the sophistication of its industrial capabilities and the depth of its talent pool. He also called for stronger collaboration between universities and industry players to ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills needed for new and rapidly evolving technologies. – Bernama

ASHGABAT (TURKMENISTAN): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described the success of Petronas in securing one of the world’s largest gas fields, following an agreement signed with Turkmenistan, as an extraordinary achievement that positions the national oil and gas company among industry leaders. He said the success also alleviates concerns over domestic gas supply shortages while enhancing the company’s ability to continue exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) to countries such as Japan, South Korea and China. Anwar said his visit to Turkmenistan, made at the invitation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, was a reciprocal visit following the latter’s trip to Malaysia in December 2024. “What was interesting in 2024 was that when Petronas informed me of the need to urge President Serdar to recognise Petronas’s role as a key pillar in the expansion of Turkmenistan’s oil and gas industry, he (Berdimuhamedov) appeared to provide strong assurances at that time. “Petronas’s track record as a highly respected operator and manager of oil companies, along with the various proposals the company offered to the host country such as technology transfer opportunities, training exposure including at Universiti Petronas and the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme in collaboration with the Foreign Ministry, attracted the president’s attention. “This led him to accept the proposal more readily,” he told the Malaysian media before concluding his two-day official visit to the country, which began on Thursday. Earlier, in his keynote address at the ‘Securing one of world’s largest gas fields ensures continued domestic gas supply, oil firm’s ability to export LNG to several countries’

Anwar and Berdimuhamedov at a joint press conference at the Presidential Palace in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

“Our your universities, our research facilities, your research facilities, our expertise, your expertise, our entry into more challenging new technologies, AI, semiconductor, are yours and ours when we work as a team. “We will continue to ensure that the young professionals from Turkmenistan, the young professionals from Malaysia, will benefit from this collaboration.” He said the close relationship between the two countries also opens doors for greater cooperation across various industries and sectors. “Malaysia will also focus on expanding cooperation beyond the oil and natural gas sector into other areas, including science, technology, research, semiconductor education, AI and other emerging fields.” Anwar was accompanied by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. This was Anwar’s first official visit to Turkmenistan and the fifth such visit by a Malaysian prime minister. universities and

“Turkmenistan-Malaysia: 30 years of Mutual Beneficial Cooperation in the Oil and Gas Industry and New Horizon of Partnership Forum”, Anwar said the agreement reflects a mutual commitment to long-term cooperation that goes beyond mere commercial interests. He said Petronas started its operations in Turkmenistan in 1996, laying the foundation for a lasting collaboration between the two countries, Bernama reported. “As I have mentioned repeatedly to the president, this is not a normal venture like we had experienced with MNCs in the past. “Petronas is here as a partner, a reliable partner, to share our experience, transfer technology and work as a team. We want to progress together. “This is not the traditional method or manner that we are familiar with in terms of investments, offering direct investments, so in 30 years in Turkmenistan, Petronas and Malaysia want to showcase what real partnership in collaboration is all about.

72 companies receive more than RM24m from Media Innovation Fund BUTTERWORTH: The

Yeow and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Present were Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama CEO and Hawana 2026 Working Committee chairman Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and senior management representatives of local media organisations and Hawana 2026 strategic partners. Held under the theme “Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility”, the event brought together more than 1,000 media practitioners from Malaysia and abroad.

for the Tabung Kasih@Hawana as part of the government’s continued support for the welfare of media practitioners in the country, Bernama reported. “To date, 773 media practitioners nationwide have received assistance amounting to RM2.26 million. “In view of this success and in the spirit of compassion and care, we are allocating an additional RM1 million to the Tabung Kasih@Hawana for 2026.” Also attending the event were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon

The Media Innovation Fund was established to support the transformation of the media industry through the development of innovative projects covering aspects of content, media technology and digital strategies. The fund also focuses on training media practitioners, producing creative and interactive content as well as efforts to strengthen the delivery of accurate and relevant information to the people. Anwar also announced an additional RM1 million allocation

companies have so far received funding totalling RM24.57 million from the fund. “So, we have the allocation ready for it to be used. We will then increase it so that the fund will not be disrupted or face any shortage. “So, this is the good news. Keep up the good work,” he said when officiating at the Hawana 2026 highlight event at the Picca@Arena Butterworth Convention Centre yesterday, which was broadcast live on Bernama TV.

government has agreed to continue the Media Innovation Fund to assist local media organisations implement innovation initiatives and strengthen the digital transformation of the industry. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government had previously allocated RM30 million for the fund, which was announced during the National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) last year. He said a total of 72 media