Budget 2025: Malaysia Firm On Reform Agenda At ASEAN Level

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia firmly holds to a joint approach in taking up the reform agenda at ASEAN level, including mobilising development in areas bordering neighbouring countries for mutual prosperity.

When tabling the Third MADANI Budget 2025, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship is Malaysia's best opportunity to steer ASEAN guided by the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

Thus, Anwar said Malaysia is committed to charting the direction of ASEAN that is more resilient, creative and people-centric.

"Of course it is challenging to take on the trust at this moment, especially when ASEAN is tested by the competition between the big powers, the South China Sea issue, the Myanmar crisis, food security and climate change.

"Based on the existing advantages, Malaysia will lead ASEAN to face the future with confidence, including strengthening regional economic cooperation through the organisation of the ASEAN-GCC + China Summit for the first time," he said.

Anwar said in order to support handicrafts enthusiasts in conjunction with the 2025 ASEAN-Malaysia Chairmanship, the government stipulated that all ministries and departments involved in organising meetings and activities should acquire handicrafts from local entrepreneurs who can highlight the skill, uniqueness and originality of the handiwork of local children to share with all.

He gave an example of the document bag he uses today which is a songket woven artwork by a local designer, Adiguru Rasiah Yusoff from Kampung Tikat Penambang, Kelantan.

Laos officially handed over the ASEAN Chairmanship to Malaysia at the Closing Ceremony of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits which took place together with related Summits and the ASEAN Chairmanship Handover Ceremony in Vientiane.

At the ceremony, the Prime Minister received the gavel of the ASEAN Chairmanship from Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone as a symbolic handover of the position.

Anwar also introduced the logo and theme for Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship: 'Inclusivity and Sustainability' at the event.

Malaysia's duties as ASEAN Chair officially begin on Jan 1 2025.

-- BERNAMA