Standing united: Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan (centre) posing for a group photo with the heads of foreign delegations and their spouses before the commemorative parade marking 80 years since the end of World War II in Beijing. Anwar (front row, fourth from left) and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail are in attendance. — Xinhua
BEIJING: The commemorative Victory Parade held by China to mark 80 years since the end of World War II serves as a timely reminder that a nation’s sovereignty must always be defended and safeguarded.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this is even more crucial in today’s geopolitical landscape, where turmoil persists and the international system is increasingly undermined.
He cited the genocide in Gaza, where the Israeli regime continues its atrocities against Palestinians with impunity.
“For me, the celebration is a reminder that a nation must be free, independent and sovereign. A country’s independence must be respected.
“Our experience of embracing peace and resolution after World War II, and how China rose against violence and colonialism, should serve as a lesson for today’s society, especially in our region,” he told Malaysian media at the end of his working visit to Beijing and Tianjin this week.
Anwar was among the foreign leaders invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the parade at Tiananmen Square yesterday morning.
On his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Plus Summit 2025 in the port city of Tianjin, Anwar said that although Malaysia is not a member of the SCO, he was invited by Xi, as the current Asean Chair, to attend as a special guest and share his views on global issues.
“So we took the opportunity to attend and share our views,” he said, Bernama reported.
Anwar said he also highlighted the United Nations’ failure to fulfil its mandate in resolving major crises, which has further eroded its global influence – a point acknowledged by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who participated in the meeting.
The Prime Minister added that he had met several world leaders on the sidelines of the summit.
Among them was Myanmar’s acting President Min Aung Hlaing, with whom he discussed and followed up on the country’s peace process ahead of Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan’s visit later this month.
His meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, meanwhile, focused on the situation in Gaza amid Israel’s brutal aggression.
“I asked about the latest developments in Gaza. Many leaders who attended the summit also raised the issue of the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and the suffering of the Palestinian people there,” Anwar said.
He also met with his counterpart from Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, Cambodia’s Hun Manet and Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to discuss boosting two-way trade and investment.
Anwar departed for home yesterday afternoon after attending the Victory Parade and a banquet hosted by the Chinese President.
China held a massive military parade in central Beijing on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory in World War II, pledging the country's commitment to peaceful development in a world still fraught with turbulence and uncertainties
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse yesterday. — Bernama pic
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse yesterday. — Bernama pic
Anwar: asian nations must be independent yet interdependent
Making an impact: Anwar greeting students after delivering a lecture at Tianjin University. — Pic from Anwar’s Facebook page
TIANJIN: Asian nations should chart a path of sovereign interdependence to promote global stability, peace and resilience, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said Asia’s strength lies in preserving its sovereignty while staying open to one another.
He cautioned that while globalisation had produced discontent and inequalities, its flaws should not be used to justify exclusionary blocs or economic fortresses.
Such approaches, he warned, would only deepen divisions and risk leading to stagnation.
“Malaysia proposes a different path: the path of sovereign interdependence – the art of standing tall without standing apart.
“It is the conviction that nations can remain fully themselves – sovereign in choice, in voice and in destiny – while still being open to the flows of trade and investment, of talent and technology, on which prosperity depends,” he said in his public lecture at Tianjin University yesterday.
The Prime Minister stressed that independence and interdependence should be viewed as complementary rather than opposing concepts, Bernama reported.
“We must design interdependence that fortifies sovereignty rather than undermines it.
“Interdependence should not make nations fearful that their autonomy will be diluted. It should give them confidence that, by being connected, their resilience is multiplied,” he added.
He also cited the history of Chinese Admiral Zheng He’s voyages, which linked Melaka with Africa and Arabia centuries ago, bringing gifts and exchanges without conquest or subjugation.
Such traditions of openness, he said, reflected a distinctly Asian model of engagement.
Anwar said that Asia, as a community of diverse nations, bears a special responsibility in shaping the next chapter of the global order, as the region is now the engine of global growth, home to most of the world’s youth and the centre of dynamic technological advances.
“For too long, debates about the world economy have been framed in trans-atlantic terms.
“We are not merely the objects of other people’s strategies. We are the authors of our own destiny. We must resist the temptation to think that the world has no alternative but to splinter into blocs.
“Fragmentation is not destiny. We can choose cooperation over coercion, bridges over barriers. We can choose sovereign interdependence,” he said.
He said under Malaysia’s chairmanship, Asean has adopted inclusivity and sustainability as guiding themes.
China, Anwar added, also has a unique role as a civilisational power whose choices would shape the region’s openness, stability and inclusiveness.
“The region looks to Beijing not only for economic dynamism but also for confidence that Asia’s future will be open, stable and respectful of diversity,” he said.
At the same time, middle powers such as Malaysia have their own duty to act as bridges and remind major powers that restraint and reciprocity are the anchors of peace.
“Asia’s future will rest on steadiness – on the confidence to act without haste, and the patience to give every nation the space it needs to feel secure.
“If we hold fast to that spirit, Asia can move forward with dignity, assured of its place in the world,” he said.
The lecture, titled “Sovereign Interdependence: Building A Shared Future in Asia”, was part of Anwar’s engagement with university students and academics in conjunction with his four-day working visit to Tianjin and Beijing starting Aug 31.
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Impressive growth chalked up in first quarter 2024
Nga: The ongoing property stock rally is expected to continue into the second half of 2024.
PETALING JAYA: The property market has a “bright future” in the coming years under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, says Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
Interestingly, the minister also made a forecast that the ongoing property stock rally is expected to continue into the second half of 2024.
He said this in a statement where he noted that property stocks on Bursa Malaysia have rallied by up to 600% since the beginning of 2023.
Nga also pointed out that property transactions reached RM56.53bil in the first quarter of 2024 (1Q24), demonstrating an “impressive growth”.
Premised on investors’ bullishness on property stocks and the market appetite for properties, Nga said the local property market is expected to be stable this year.
The market is also likely to continue growing in the next three years, supported by various initiatives outlined by the Madani government under Budget 2024, he added.
“We must work together to enhance our industry’s reputation and increase the confidence level of investors to make the property market even more resilient,” the minister said.
Nga also noted that property counters in the stock market have been on the rise from January 2023 to June 2024.
Out of 100 property counters on Bursa Malaysia, approximately 76 counters experienced an increase in share price, 22 counters showed a decrease in share price and two counters maintained their share price despite fluctuations.
For instance, DPS Resources Bhd experienced 600% growth in its share price, UEM Sunrise Bhd saw a 347.06% increase and WMG Holdings Bhd also showed a 326.31% growth from January 2023 to June 2024.
A total of 23 counters have at least doubled their share price in the period, based on data provided in Nga’s statement.
Meanwhile, the minister highlighted the impressive growth in Malaysian property transactions.
“In 1Q23, Malaysia’s property market transactions were valued at RM42.31bil, with more than 89,000 transactions recorded. In contrast, in 1Q24, property market transactions reached RM56.53bil, with more than 104,000 transactions, marking an increase of RM14.22bil in terms of value.
“This significant growth indicates that Malaysia’s property market is recovering well and on the rise,” he said.
About three weeks earlier, Nga reportedly said that the country’s property overhang was clearing up. Quoted by Bernama, Nga said that since the Madani government took office, the number of completed but unsold property units had decreased by over 40% with a drop from 37,066 units to fewer than 24,000 units.
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‘We do not have a problem with China’: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
MELBOURNE: As a “fiercely independent” nation, Malaysia will not be dictated to by anyone over its relations with China or any of its important neighbours, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“While we remain an important friend to the United States, Europe and here in Australia, that should not preclude us from being friendly to one of our important neighbours, specifically China,” the Prime Minister said.
“We are fiercely independent. We do not want to be dictated to by any force.
“If they have problems with China, they should not impose them upon us. We do not have a problem with China,” Anwar said in a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his official visit to the country yesterday.
Asked about how Sinophobia manifested itself and its effect on the region, Anwar replied that Malaysia upholds an “open trading policy to encourage investments from foreign countries.”
“They have levied some criticisms against us for giving additional focus to China. Right now, China seems to be the leading investor in Malaysia.
“Cumulatively, it’s still the United States of America,” he added.
On Feb 27, Anwar had decried “China-phobia” among US and Western allies in an interview with the Financial Times in the United States, questioning why Malaysia would “pick a quarrel” with China, its largest trading partner, in response to US criticism of Malaysia’s ties with Beijing.
“Why must I be tied to one interest? I don’t buy into this strong prejudice against China, this China-phobia.”
Calling China an important neighbour, he said Malaysia would give priority to enhancing relations with Beijing in terms of trade, investment and culture.
Anwar, who is in Australia with his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and several ministers and leaders, will attend two major programmes – the Malaysia-Australia Annual Leaders’ Meeting and the Asean-Australia Special Summit.
Warm welcome: Anwar shaking hands with Albanese at Government House in Melbourne, Victoria. Looking on is Governor of Victoria, Margaret Gardener. — Bernama
On the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Anwar lauded the Syrian government for supporting the call for a ceasefire and enhancing media efforts in Gaza.
“The consensus is in calling for a ceasefire and good humanitarian support, and probably avoiding the contentious issues between Palestine and Israel. At least for now, it is to cease fire and provide humanitarian assistance.”
Albanese also reiterated his call to end civilian suffering through a humanitarian ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a two-state political solution for Palestinians and Israelis to live with security and stability.
On the 10th anniversary of flight MH370, which went missing on March 8, 2014, Anwar said Malaysia would not hesitate to renew the search for the aircraft if there was “compelling evidence.”
“We will be glad to reopen (the search) because I don’t think it’s a technical issue. It is an issue affecting the lives of people, and whatever needs to be done must be done,” he said.
Both Anwar and Albanese also agreed that Malaysia and Australia would like to achieve more growth in trade and economic relations, especially in green energy and education.
“There’s a real potential for further institutional investment from Australia into Malaysia as well, with universities and tertiary education being a real prospect.
“Australia remains an important supplier of LNG to Malaysia. We have so much in common in our economies that is quite complementary,” Albanese said.
He also said Australia was focused on this region despite receiving critical commentary about it sometimes.
“We make no apologies for our focus being on South-East Asia in the Indo-Pacific because this is where our future economic prosperity will be determined.
“We’re living in this region, the fastest-growing region of the world. What that presents is an enormous opportunity for both our nations,” he said.
Anwar replied that Malaysia was committed to facilitating all avenues that both countries could explore – including renewable energy, green technology, digitalisation, food security and education opportunities involving top Australian institutions.
During China's two sessions, much attention is often paid to the country's GDP growth target. However, it is crucial to look beyond the numbers and understand the implications of new policies and measures to address economic challenges.
We also hope that the Philippines' expression of "hope for a peaceful resolution to the maritime disputes with China" is not just a diplomatic rhetoric shifting the blame onto China
All smiles: Anwar taking pictures with Malaysians at an event in Imperial hotel in Tokyo. — Photo taken from Anwar’s Facebook page
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia, which has long looked to Japan and South Korea as models for economic development, is now also interested in learning from China, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“We need to be open to revise any policy that has been in place for 40 years,” he told Asahi Shimbun in an interview in Tokyo on Sunday.
He was referring to the Look East Policy that fourth prime minister Tun (then Datuk Seri) Dr Mahathir Mohamad introduced in 1982 to learn economic modernisation strategies primarily from Japan and South Korea.
“I wouldn’t say ‘East’ (in this policy) means Japan and South Korea minus China. Now, when we say ‘Look East,’ it’s East (including China),” he was quoted as saying by the Japanese newspaper, according to Bernama.
Anwar added that because digital technologies, cybersecurity and other issues are changing the world, Malaysia needs to expand on the decades-old policy while continuing its aspects that remain beneficial.
The Prime Minister was on a five-day working visit to Tokyo from Dec 15 to attend a summit celebrating the 50th anniversary of the friendship and cooperation between Japan and Asean.
Malaysia, he said, advocates a “fiercely independent” foreign policy, and the country will deal with China depending on Malaysia’s interests.
He said when he was in the United States recently (for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2023), he was asked why Malaysia was tilting towards China.
He replied: “Because they’re investing more.”
But Anwar said Malaysia will firmly negotiate with China over territorial disputes in the South China Sea and not allow any unilateral action by Beijing.
The Prime Minister also described Japan as a “very important strategic partner”, adding that Malaysia’s relationship with Japan should be expanded under the Look East Policy such as sharing the Japanese work ethic and its technologies.
According to Asahi Shimbun, Japan announced on Dec 16 that it will provide equipment for warning and surveillance activities worth JPY400mil (RM13mil), including rescue boats and drones, to the Malaysian military under the official security assistance programme.
Anwar emphasised that the defence equipment is designed to help Malaysia protect its territorial waters and does not include any submarines or large aircraft.
“The assistance is mainly for our own security needs, not for offensive or aggressive means,” it quoted Anwar as saying.
Meanwhile, Anwar attended a high-tea event with the Malaysian diaspora at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo on Monday.
There were 416 attendees ranging from students to those working and residing in Japan.
Also present at the event were Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
Anwar spoke about the need for Malaysians to change their mindset and free themselves from the racial and religious divisions that undermine unity.
To a concern from a postgraduate student that their salaries are not commensurate with their qualifications when they return home, Anwar said the government is also looking into ways to improve wages for all.
Another student voiced concern that students sent to Japan are opting to remain and work there after completing their studies.
Anwar replied that they are encouraged to work overseas, especially when they can learn the Japanese work culture, but should return and contribute to their country when the time comes.
Prior to the event, Anwar and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail were at the Imperial Palace where they had an audience with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Look East Policy with the inclusion of China is a wise and necessary move given the latter’s rapid economic rise, says the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong).
“The time has come for us to fine-tune and further expand,” said its president Tan Sri Goh Tian Chuan.
The same policy with Japan as the role model was first introduced by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1982 – 41 years ago.
Goh said with China’s rapid economic growth over the past decades that saw it overtaking Japan as the world’s second largest economy, it is timely for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to include China in Malaysia’s Look East Policy.
“This is especially appropriate, as China overtook Japan as the world’s second largest economy 13 years ago with the United States remaining the largest economy.
“So, for any nation to ignore China’s economic prowess will be unwise diplomatically and economically,” he told Bernama yesterday.
Malaysia and China will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.
With Malaysia being the first Asean nation to establish diplomatic ties with China in 1974, Goh emphasised that it is an opportunity for Anwar to moot the idea.
He noted that Anwar has conducted two official visits to China and successfully brought in a host of advanced Chinese technologies and financially strong investors to set up operations and collaborate with Malaysian businesses, since he became the Prime Minister in November last year.
“I strongly believe that with a strong and stable strategic partnership in Anwar’s era, diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China will be at its peak,” he added.
Goh said more Chinese are expected to invest in Malaysia following the positive shift in the present government’s stance towards Chinese investments, coupled with closer bilateral ties under his leadership.
Malaysia-China bilateral trade hit a record high of US$203.6bil (RM948.38bil) in 2022.
For the first nine months of 2023, trade with China was recorded at RM410.01bil, with exports at RM174.55bil, mainly comprising shipments of electronics and electrical products, palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products as well as iron and steel products.
He said Malaysia could boost its collaboration with China in the field of advanced technologies, such as aerospace, automotive, high-speed rail, artificial intelligence, drone technology, e-commerce, logistics and packaging as well as environmental technologies.
“Other sectors that are worth collaborating include higher education, human resources, culture and tourism, which will ultimately boost bilateral trade and social relations between Malaysia and China,” he added.
#Shenzhou17 crew will soon conduct their first spacewalk mission after having stayed and worked in the #ChinaSpaceStation for 54 days, the CMSA announced on Wednesday.
China's #Shenzhou17 crew successfully completed their first extravehicular activity on Thursday. The 7.5-hour activity saw taikonauts Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie, and Jiang Xinlin completing all planned tasks, including the repair experiment of the Tianhe core module's solar wing, through close collaboration with the space station's robotic arm and ground research personnel.
Many 'firsts' in impressive formations displayed in China's massive V-Day parade
