KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesia will be able to resolve internal and global issues involving member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) better and faster, especially as chair of the 10-nation regional bloc next year.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this was due to the fact that the country has great influence and good economic cooperation with ASEAN member countries as well as many other foreign countries.
"Indonesia is a very influential country with an economic alliance with ASEAN countries that is able to attract a lot of investment, Indonesia is (also) able to resolve other internal issues that occur such as the South China Sea issue, the political crisis in Myanmar and its ethnic Rohingyas.
"I believe Indonesia can resolve all these issues quickly, provided it has the support of other ASEAN member countries.
"I am also confident that not only Malaysia, but also other ASEAN member countries will also cooperate with Indonesia as the ASEAN Chair country."
Ismail Sabri said this during a question and answer session with several foreign media representatives and Bernama in conjunction with his first anniversary as Prime Minister.
On Aug 21, last year, he took over the country's number one position after Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced his resignation as the eighth Prime Minister following the loss of support of the majority of Dewan Rakyat members.
Indonesia will chair ASEAN in 2023, taking over the seat from Cambodia this year.
Commenting further on ASEAN, Ismail Sabri said member countries of the regional bloc are once again calling for an expedited negotiation of the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea (COC).
He said the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS 1982) should be complied with also by China so that the situation improves.
"Every time the ASEAN Summit is held and when issues involving ASEAN and China arise, almost all ASEAN member countries raise the issue of the South China Sea and the need for China to comply with UNCLOS 1982.
"UNCLOS 1982 is an international law that should be complied with. Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines are among the countries that are directly affected by China's policies, especially in relation to the position of these countries on the 'nine-dash line'.
"If China can comply with the CoC, many issues can be resolved. Freedom of navigation needs to be respected by all parties," he added.
Most recently, the international media reported that ASEAN this year aims to complete the CoC to prevent armed confrontation in the South China Sea.
Responding to questions about escalating tensions between China and the United States after the controversial visit of the speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan recently, Ismail Sabri insisted that Malaysia maintained its firm adherence to the 'One China Policy'.
Ismail Sabri said at the same time the United States and Taiwan also have bilateral relations.
Pelosi is the most senior US politician to visit the island nation in 25 years. China considers the self-governing island as its territory under the One China policy.
China unleashed a show of force against Taiwan, conducting massive military exercises, after Pelosi left the island on Wednesday (Aug 3). International media reported that Chinese troops were moved into Taiwan's waters disrupting a major route.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Aug 23 2022
Indonesia is a very influential country with an economic alliance with ASEAN countries that is able to attract a lot of investment, Ismail Sabri said. - BERNAMA/Filepic
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.