29/05/2025

THURSDAY | MAY 29, 2025

2

Brunei Sultan in stable condition

PM: No interference in Auditor-General’s report o ‘Public trust in govt depends on effectiveness of institutions, core values of integrity, transparency and accountability’

Tangible outcomes expected at Asean Summit in October KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is confident that Asean will deliver tangible outcomes in the next Asean Summit slated for October. He said his confidence was based on the unprecedented progress in discussions and renewed sense of commitment shown by member states during the 46th Asean Summit and related summits, which concluded on Tuesday. Anwar said most of the work, usually reserved for the next summit, have already been undertaken, allowing the region to move forward with greater clarity and purpose. “This is quite unprecedented. Things that normally would be deliberated or discussed in October have been done now, and we are moving forward.” He was speaking at a media conference at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Present were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. Anwar said consensus among Asean leaders has significantly supported ongoing efforts to resolve the Myanmar crisis, which he described as a major progress, with both sides now engaged in lower-level consultations aimed at prolonging a ceasefire and facilitating humanitarian assistance. “The development marks a shift from previous deadlocks, with Asean seeing greater willingness from stakeholders in Myanmar to engage in constructive dialogue within the framework of the Five-Point Consensus.” Anwar added that Timor-Leste is expected to be accepted as a full Asean member by October. He said negotiations on the matter had been protracted but this time around, a consensus was reached. – Bernama Earlier, questions were raised about the Sultan’s absence from the Asean-GCC-China Summit on Tuesday. – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who is receiving treatment at the National Heart Institute for fatigue, is reported to be in a stable and satisfactory condition. The Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement yesterday that His Majesty, who is accompanied by Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha, is still under medical observation. “The medical team has advised that His Majesty not receive any visitors for the time being, except members of the Brunei royal family.” The statement added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail visited the Sultan. Anwar also called on all Malaysians to pray for the Sultan’s health and well-being.

of transparency and accountability and to strengthen anti-corruption frameworks, especially by ensuring the independence of auditors and regulators.” He also urged Asean countries to go beyond economic progress and embrace principled governance as a defining feature of the region’s global standing. “We want Asean to stand as a region of cohesion, trust and peace, not just because we’re home to around 650 million people or one of the fastest-growing economies, but because we live by our values.” Anwar warned against prioritising technological and financial development at the expense of social equity, calling for a more inclusive approach to growth. “Why focus on audit, governance and AI if we don’t also resolve abject poverty or address inequality? Our ultimate goal must be to protect human dignity. “Governance rooted in values and dignity is the only foundation for sustainable development. History is full of nations that rose to greatness and then declined due to greed and corruption.” Present were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Auditor-General Datuk Seri Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi. Held under the theme “Inclusive and Sustainable Auditing for a Progressive Asean,” the two-day conference drew more than 2,000 participants.

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

strengthen independent oversight bodies and audit institutions in both Malaysia and across Asean. Anwar also acknowledged the political risks involved in acting on audit findings, particularly when entrenched interests are challenged. “In government, I’ve learnt that taking corrective action, even when backed by audit reports, can be very unpopular. “You face backlash from vested interests. For example, enforcing a transparent tender process may upset those used to the old ways. But if we don’t act, we risk letting corruption flourish.” Citing the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal as an example, Anwar warned of the consequences when oversight mechanisms are weak and audit processes compromised. “We’ve seen in the past, even in our own country, how oversight failures and complicity among auditors can contribute to scandals that rob the nation. “Let’s be honest. In the past, even large audit firms have not been immune to complicity.” Anwar said to address this, there is a need to empower auditors and regulators to operate independently and without external pressure. “Our goal is to uphold the highest standards

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that he does not interfere in the preparation of the Auditor-General’s report, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transparency and good governance. “When I receive audit briefings, it’s not to interfere or alter the findings, but to understand them before they are presented to the Cabinet and Parliament for open, public debate. That is good governance. That is transparency.” Speaking at the closing ceremony of the inaugural Asean Auditors Conference 2025 yesterday, Anwar said public trust in the government depends not only on the effectiveness of institutions but also on the core values they uphold, particularly integrity, transparency and accountability. “A crucial part of our cohesiveness lies in remaining true to our ideals – a community rooted in responsible and good governance. And at the heart of good governance is accountability.” He reiterated his administration’s ongoing institutional reforms, notably efforts to

CEREMONIAL SEND-OFF ... Chinese Premier Li Qiang inspecting a guard-of-honour mounted by the First Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment at the Bunga Raya Complex, KL International Airport before his departure after attending the Asean-GCC-China Summit. – BERNAMAPIC

New legislation needed for artificial intelligence, says Anwar KUALA LUMPUR: New legislation has to be introduced to enable artificial intelligence (AI) to operate independently without having to subject itself to the laws of the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Fortune yesterday. Anwar said although some Asean and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have only recently begun substantive engagement with Malaysia, there is already a strong foundation of mutual understanding on critical issues. one another.” He said such trust is instrumental in encouraging broader cooperation, with Asean and GCC getting onboard, and persuading China to align on certain positions.

cannot persuade the team to come up with very substantive agreements.” He said amid shifting global dynamics, legitimate concerns cannot be dismissed lightly as they deal with human beings that bring values, faith, personality, historical understanding and national identity. Anwar said the current global political order suffers from a “deficit in values”, and urged caution against blindly adopting new technologies without an ethical foundation. He highlighted the importance of education and critical thinking, which are keys to empowering diverse perspectives. – Bernama

Although national laws protect a country’s sovereignty, new legislation has to be enacted to transform new technologies. “If you want to accept AI, then you cannot be thinking of sovereignty in the old school form.” He was speaking during a panel session at the Asean-GCC Economic Forum 2025, titled “The Intelligent Grid: Building Bridges Through Sovereign AI Collaboration”, organised by

He reiterated that these fundamentals are supported by the fact that Asean is relatively one of the most peaceful regions in the world, coupled with its status as the fastest-growing economy, while GCC countries continue to achieve remarkable progress in renewable energy, digital transformation and AI adoption. “There is no point in having all this facade in hosting big international conferences if we

“These include governance, international relations and the adoption of new technologies such as digital transformation and alternative energy. “When you have leaders having that sort of mindset promoting new technological advancement and change, it could not have happened if we do not have this basic trust with