KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today called on the international community to work together by adopting the spirit of the 'world family' in facing global challenges, especially during the post-pandemic.
He said the COVID-19 pandemic had taught all countries that the current global challenges could not be tackled alone or in silos.
In fact, he said the world economy and politics were currently facing a complex post-pandemic situation apart from the increasing competition between the world's major powers.
"In Europe, for example, we are witnessing conflicts that have a devastating impact, not only on the people of the countries involved but also around the world.
"Hence, it is paramount for the world community to intensify efforts and preparations in the face of uncertainty and work together towards a more peaceful, progressive, inclusive and prosperous future," he said at the opening of the 35th Asia-Pacific Roundtable via a prerecorded video today.
Citing Malaysia as an example, the Prime Minister said the spirit of Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) adopted to establish inclusive cooperation by prioritising togetherness and those in need, had proven effective in finding ways to achieve better solutions.
He said the increasingly complex and difficult global issues should serve as a reminder to policymakers about the importance of managing the challenges that could have adverse effects on future generations.
On ASEAN, Ismail Sabri said the association has always upheld its basic principles which prioritise ASEAN Centrality in facing past and future challenges.
He said the basic principles of ASEAN such as mutual cooperation and respect for national sovereignty, as well as the spirit of preserving regional peace and stability, had been its recipe for success.
"In this regard, ASEAN has emerged as a respected and trusted concept for a regional multilateral mechanism. Nevertheless, ASEAN centrality will continue to be tested by internal and external pressures.
"For that, ASEAN also needs a combination of bilateral, multilateral and even minilateral mechanisms as well as the creativity and support of non-governmental organisations to succeed," he said.
Ismail Sabri said the competition between the world's superpowers should not be detrimental as proactive engagement with the superpowers would benefit the region.
"In this situation, ASEAN should be smart and prepared to cope with the effects of superpower competition.
"ASEAN's stability will have a positive impact on us and because of that it needs to remain strong and productive and remain the axis of regional engagement towards shaping new norms in the region," he said.
At the same time, he said the important role of China in the region cannot be denied as the republic had been ASEAN's main trading partner since 2009.
"In 2020, ASEAN has overtaken the European Union as China's main trading partner. Looking at China's economy and strategic position, ASEAN hopes to maintain positive and stable relations with Beijing," he said.
The Prime Minister said ASEAN should also continue to improve economic and diplomatic relations with the United States based on mutual respect and friendship.
"The United States, China and Southeast Asia must ensure that the spirit that binds bilateral and multilateral relations is preserved and strengthened based on long-standing compliance with international law.
"Even though we face great challenges, we must continue to stand strong together to find solutions to enjoy a more prosperous, sustainable and equitable future," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Jul 05 2022
Ismail Sabri said the competition between the world's superpowers should not be detrimental as proactive engagement with the superpowers would benefit the region. - Astro AWANI/Shahir Omar
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
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.