SESI TAKLIMAT MEDIA

 

 

 

YAB DATO’ SERI ANWAR BIN IBRAHIM

PERDANA MENTERI

 

 

BERSAMA

 

 

KETUA PENGARANG

MEDIA TEMPATAN DAN ANTARABANGSA

 

 

22 OKTOBER 2025 (RABU), 8.00 MALAM

PUTRAJAYA

 

 

MUKADIMAH:

 

Salutasi:

Dato’ Seri Utama Mohamad Hassan, Menteri Luar;

Dato’ Sri Amran Mohamed Zin; dan semua rakan-rakan media.

 

Saya tidak bercadang mengadakan pengucapan tetapi memadai untuk menyatakan bahawa sesi ini penting dalam memberikan pandangan awal tentang sidang dan harapan kita dari sidang dan manfaat kepada negara ASEAN. So, if there are questions later, it can be in English. Jadi untuk permulaannya lebih baik saya bercakap dalam Bahasa Melayu terlebih dahulu.

 

Yang bagi saya yang significant apa? Pertama, ini sedang pertama dalam sejarah ASEAN di mana perhatian dari sudut keupayaan kita pertahankan pendirian, sederhana dan centrality ASEAN itu. Di mana kita undang bukan sahaja rakan-rakan dari negara ASEAN dan rakan dialog yang biasa dari Asia, China, Korea, Jepun kemudian India, Australia, New Zealand, tapi dengan kehadiran pengerusi European Union dan Perdana Menteri Kanada, Presiden Amerika Syarikat dan yang agak utama ialah menunjukkan strategi baru Malaysia dan ASEAN membuka jaringan persahabatan dan perdagangan dengan rantau lain termasuk benua Afrika dan Amerika Latin. Terutama dengan kehadiran Presiden Cyril Ramaphosa Afrika Selatan dan (Presiden) Lula Brazil. Tapi kehadiran Presiden Donald Trump dengan sendiri juga mengundang perhatian kerana permasalahan tarif akan cuba dirungkai.

 

Selain daripada beberapa ketetapan yang memerlukan input daripada ASEAN untuk bersama dalam membawa hujah kita. Pertama dari segi centrality, keduanya dari segi perdagangan bebas dan dunia yang lebih aman. Saya ingat itu gambaran awalnya tetapi tentunya kita memanfaatkan dengan kehadiran rakan-rakan kita terutama yang baru, Perdana Menteri Anutin dari Thailand juga akan merupakan kunjungan pertama beliau sebagai Perdana Menteri. Jadi kita harus ada sambutan dua hala, biasa di Kompleks  Seri Perdana. Kemudian Presiden Lula, Brazil dan berikutnya adalah Presiden Ramaphosa dari Afrika Selatan.

 

Jadi dalam kita sudah menambah dari sidang sepatutnya 26 Oktober 2025, kehadiran Presiden Donald Trump dan permulaan sidang ASEAN 25 Oktober 2025, sudah sepenuhnya 3 sesi penuh. Dan masa yang sama juga kita ada lain-lain kunjungan umpamanya dari Bank Dunia, IMF, dari ILO, dari Presiden FIFA pun masa yang lebih kurang sama. Jadi melihat bahawa Malaysia menjadi agak tumpuan pada ketika itu dan tentunya memerlukan kerjasama sepenuhnya.

 

Saya tentunya banyak bergantung kepada Menteri Luar dan Kementerian Luar Negeri yang telah banyak menakhodai isu-isu ini dan menyelenggarakan program serta mengadakan perbincangan-perbincangan awal dengan rakan-rakan sejawat. Tetapi yang penting dalam ASEAN ini ialah sepanjang tahun ini dalam pengerusian ASEAN, kita adakan ratusan sidang, ribuan mesyuarat-mesyuarat peringkat pegawai dan merupakan tahun yang paling aktif dan bergerak dalam sejarah ASEAN.

 

Ini bagi saya satu kebanggaan kepada negara kita. Maknanya merentas aspek diplomasi, geopolitik, perdagangan, pelaburan, kerjasama ekonomi, sempadan, keselamatan, digital, AI, komunikasi dan penerangan. Jadi, energy dan semua itu dirungkai dalam mesyuarat-mesyuarat ini yang kemudian merumuskan beberapa strategi utama yang tentunya akan disahkan dan dibincang di peringkat ketua-ketua negara.

 

Jadi saya ingat memadai setakat itu. Kalau ada beberapa soalan, kemudian saya minta YB Dato’ Mohamad Hassan yang menghadam semua aspek ini untuk melayan saudara-saudara.

 

Q&A SESSION:

 

QUESTION 1: NETTY ISMAIL BLOOMBERG NEWS

I just wondering if you could tell us more about what you hope to achieve from the ASEAN Summit. What are your goals? Also you give us a preview of your bilateral meeting with President Trump as well. What are you expecting?

 

ANSWER 1:

Naturally when countries initiate such regional forum, the expectation is of course to benefit fully, particularly in terms of economic, trade, investment for the country and I think the fact that it is given some prominence would certainly be helpful to the country as a whole.

 

Alhamdulillah Malaysia has attained its since attaining independence and more so now. It seems to be multiracial but peaceful, politically stable and we have crafted policies, clear policies for the country which include not only economic or trade or investment incentive, but then energy transition, digital transformation.

 

And so, I’m hopeful that this, particularly with the relevant conferences, major business meetings, which is quite major, it’s attracted a lot of major players internationally, more so regionally. And I think that by itself would certainly be most useful for our business community and for investments in this country with President Trump of course there have been discussions and negotiations taking place for the last few months, beginning with tariff and then of course trade related issues and number of understandings with the intention of enhancing trade and investments.

 

I think mainly the issue of trade and investments. We are intending to sign some of these initial agreements and understanding with the United States of America, and I am extremely delighted with the fact that there have been very positive vibes the negotiations taken place in the last few months. Of course, some negotiations by nature are tough, can be tedious, but the bottom line is of course to find and seek ways to enhance trade investments between these two countries because President Trump is also keen to see the more positive results of the negotiations peace initiative between Thailand and Cambodia and he will certainly participate in the process which is detailed and we’ve been coordinating Foreign Ministry, Defence Ministry, the Chief of the armed forces have been working relentlessly for the past few weeks with the Chief of the Armed Forces of Thailand and Cambodia and foreign ministers and the defence ministers of this country. So, I think we hopefully see some more positive results. Thank you.

 

 

QUESTION 2: SARASWATHI A/P MUNIAPPAN, BERNAMA

 

Following up to the Bloomberg’s question, I want to ask specifically if there will be any discussion on semiconductor industry specifically as well as REE, especially to attract high value investment, but also to ensure that our participation save us national interest, promote sustainable development as well as your political leverage.

 

 

ANSWER 2:

 

You see, the negotiations with the United States is, to me, tough. And because the intentions, of course, to meet to give preference and priority to United States, we don’t have an issue of having or taking all measures necessary to enhance bilateral trade investments with the United States, but it should not preclude our collaboration and continued relations with other countries. So if we just said or suggested that we should give some focus to the United States, to me, it’s not an issue, because we can give quite a number of focus to some other countries, too. But semiconductor is, of course, one area, the AI, digital, energy, all covered in this sort of a series of negotiations that taking place which we hope to finalize by today, and I think, sanction by the cabinet on Friday.

 

 

QUESTION 3: NUR HANIS IZMIR, BERNAMA

Dato’ Seri, Malaysia has been vocal globally from Gaza to trade reform. Do you see this ASEAN Summit as your chance to position Malaysia as the moral compass of the Global South?

 

ANSWER 3:

Well, we are mindful of the fact that we are a small emerging country, emerging economy, but fiercely independent. We are clear it is our foreign policy position to ensure that we have good bilateral relations with all countries, focusing on trade and investments.

But at the same time, we reserve our right to express our position, our policies clearly without fear or favour. And I believe the United States of America is very familiar with our policy.

President Donald Trump is certainly aware of our position. The fact that we commend him for the initiative taken on at least the temporary brief in Gaza. We will continue to urge him to ensure that there is peace, durable peace and justice, and also place importance on the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinians.

And I think I would certainly use the occasion to present our case and at the same time, whilst giving him and commending him for the initiative taken which is, to me, remarkable but at the same time, urging him to ensure that this continues, and not only durable peace, but  amicable, just resolution to the decades of conflict.

 

 

QUESTION 4: HIMANSHU BHATT, THE SUN

 

A few months ago, at the BRICS meeting, you articulated the importance of ASEAN aspiring towards de-dollarization. So, is there going to be an effort to create a framework for greater regional connectivity for payments and currency, also locally?

 

ANSWER 4:

I think I was explicitly clear that the term ‘de-dollarization’ can be a bit misleading, because we have to be realistic to accept the fact that dollar remains the dominant currency use. But de-dollarization, in the sense that countries, for example, in our trade with Thailand, 20 over percent is in our own local currency. Similarly, with Indonesia, with China, there is a part of the initial initiative by what is termed as Chiang Mai Initiative. So, that is being extended, so that the dependencies on our own strength, our own Ringgit with the Baht, or the Rupiah with the Renminbi. So, I think that is the position we are, you know, gradually exploring that and extending that to some other countries.

 

 

QUESTION 5: JOSEPH SIPALAN – SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST

 

A couple of quick questions on US President Donald Trump’s arrival will you be receiving him and what sort of welcome will Malaysia roll out for him? And on the peace ceremonial peace signing, is that confirmed? Because we understand that Thailand is a bit apprehensive about it.

 

 

ANSWER 5:

 

No, we look forward to President Donald Trump’s visit because important the United States remains very important player in international global peace arrangements, particularly Gaza and some other countries.

 

And I think our position would be to continue to not his support, but urge him to be more proactive. And I think people notwithstanding their position, their views on some issues, generally countries and people want peace.

 

So, it comes to Cambodia and Thailand. I don’t think I should say more than this, that is, but to say that both countries, both Prime Ministers have talked both to Prime Minister Hun Manet and the new Prime Minister Anutin. They are keen to ensure that there is durable peace, but at least to honour the ceasefire, not to allow it, not to escalate the warfare between the two countries. And I think that has been quite resolved. I mean, of course, in terms of determining boundaries and the detailed mechanism that is being discussed at the different levels, including the General Border Committee between the foreign ministers.

 

But our task is only to facilitate the process. And we are very fortunate because both countries given us that confidence to help and assist in facilitating the process.

 

And all ASEAN leaders are quite committed to support us in that initiative. The United States continue to urge these countries and support our measures, similarly China. So, we don’t have issues with that and I hope we can get some sort of progress in this direction. And so that probably, as suggested, President Trump and me can witness some sort of understanding or whatever, signing whatever document that they would finally agree, hopefully in the next one or two days.

 

 

QUESTION 6: SAMER ALLAWI FROM AL JAZEERA

 

I have two questions. First, about the recent tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan and what we understand that you have played a role. You called both leaders of the countries and there was some sort of agreement, which is a ceasefire in Qatar. How do you look at the situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan? Is there any role Malaysia can play to find a solution for the conflict?

 

The second one is, how can asean, with the leadership of Anwar Ibrahim, convince Donald Trump, the President of the United States, to stop funding, arming and provide the political cover for the genocidal war on the Palestinians?

 

ANSWER 6:

 

The second one is: how can ASEAN, with the leadership of Anwar Ibrahim, convince Donald Trump, the President of the United States, to stop funding, arming, and providing the political cover for the genocidal war on the Palestinians?

 

Well, firstly, on Afghanistan and Pakistan, of course we are concerned. We maintain very good relations with Pakistan, although we don’t have diplomatic relations with Afghanistan, we maintain engagement and contact with the government leaders and also the agencies. So, I thought just part of our concern to express our views. And when the Amir of Qatar and Prime Minister Mohammad took the initiative, and I was also asked to speak to both the prime ministers, I did my part to say that please give the chance for these negotiations to take place and try to find an amicable resolution, at least an immediate ceasefire.

 

That was before both defence ministers left for Doha. By the time I was in communication with Qatar, they were negotiating and there was clearly some progress in that direction. And I’m sure the Foreign Minister and the Ministry will continue to engage with both these countries, at least to stop and learn from the excesses in many other countries. And it will not go well for the people of Afghanistan or Pakistan. That’s one.

 

On Gaza, of course, I have expressed my views very strongly against the genocide by Israel. But, you know, he is very divisive. I’ve been ferociously attacked by leaders of the opposition Islamic Party as submitting to the United States. But you must realize this: when there is a continued aggression against the people of Gaza and Palestine, and if there’s an attempt, not a complete comprehensive settlement, but a beginning at least to stop this madness, atrocities against people of Gaza, I am certainly, I would certainly be failing my duty, if I don’t support.

 

And as I said, notwithstanding views for or against Donald Trump, no one would dispute the fact that he has taken the initiative and I commend him for that. And precisely that was what we did. Of course, we did express some reservations because the 20 point is not a comprehensive settlement. You know, nothing said about the State of Palestine or the continued attack on the West Bank. But at least for the first phase, that was an attempt, and we must do whatever is necessary to support.

 

Now, there are, of course, some continued bombings by the Israeli regime and knowing the Israelis, they work with impunity. I mean, this is shocking. I mean, I’m a small player in the Thailand-Cambodian movement. One shot, one bullet across the border became a big issue. We took it up, we spoke. Was there a final resolution to the conflict? No. Was there a final settlement and agreement? No, but we take it that seriously because we believe in peace. But this doesn’t happen to the people of Gaza, unfortunately. But again, it is a good beginning.

 

Last few days, I spoke to President Abu Fatah Sisi who mentioned that he is equally concerned, and he thought that after the initial initiative by President Trump, it is up to the Arab leaders to take some initiative. So, he said he is taking that initiative with the support of many other Arab countries and invited me to participate in that process. Well, people still attacked me. Why was I not present in the first meeting? In the second meeting? But the second meeting is to ensure, number one, complete ceasefire. Number two, access, humanitarian access to Gaza. Syukran.

 

 

QUESTION 7: SEIICHI OSHIMA, JIJI PRESS

 

About the Gaza situation, it’s at least moving towards peace, and about the reconstruction, there was a mention about Conference on Cooperation among East Asia countries for the Palestinian Development (CEAPAD) in your Parliament, Q&A this week, and how are you going to discuss about the reconstruction of Gaza with your counterparts, from CEAPAD member countries and with the new Japanese Prime Minister?

 

ANSWER 7:

Well, I hope to discuss this with the new Prime Minister because this was an initiative taken by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. We agreed and jointly chairing this, and together with Japanese have taken some initiative. But, of course, that was contingent upon some form of ceasefire reached. Now that we have done so, I think within my next few days I will bring it up, and I’m sure that YB Mohamad Hassan will also bring it up with his counterpart.

But I, again, I think this is worthy of, you know, of respect and mention that the Japanese have taken this seriously to help in the reconstruction of Gaza.

 

QUESTION 8: JAN HENNOP, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE (AFP)

 

My question relates to Myanmar and I know that Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan has worked extremely hard to move the peace process forward in Myanmar in the five-point plan. My question relates to the leader of the junta in Myanmar. Will he be attending this ASEAN meeting? I know that he has not attended previously. That’s the first question. And secondly, the upcoming elections in Myanmar at the end of December, what is ASEAN’s position on those elections? Will ASEAN be sending monitors to monitor the elections that are upcoming?

 

 

ANSWER 8:

 

Foreign Minister, Mohamad bin Haji Hasan will continue I think answering this question in terms of the latest meeting in Myanmar. But let me say this. From my first meeting last year and I must express my gratitude to Dr. Thaksin then we took the initiative and we had lengthy discussions with Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing of junta. Of course, it remains controversial for the fact that Anwar decides to meet him. But what was our central message?

 

Number one, immediate ceasefire, stop the bombings and against other minorities. Number two, access to humanitarian aid. I mentioned to them that we intend to send this field hospital, military field hospital on condition. Number one, there’s ceasefire. Number two, access to all. You don’t discriminate any groups and both were honored at not I can’t say in full, but to a large extent, I mean both in Karen or Rakhine you don’t have the sort of a story of atrocity.

 

The last year was compared to this last decade was remarkable, progress achieved. Now I had a second meeting with him in Beijing, insisting asking him to pursue this ceasefire and said that there should be some engagement with all groups.

 

He mentioned about the elections. We expressed our concern, our reservation the elections must be fair and free and should be inclusive. He said there were opportunities given to all. It doesn’t seem to be so in the sense that the opposition has not accepted the terms of a new registration of the parties. But his argument is that ‘if I don’t, you won’t consider me legitimate. It if I do, you say it is not perfect and I’m not sure which country has so called perfect democratic electoral system’. Well, I reserve my comment then. But I would say this that as far as we are concerned and ASEAN, I reported this to immediately to all my colleagues in ASEAN. At least we have achieved this for date. Will he be invited to attend? No, because we are still tied to the five-point consensus. We have not just yet clear of that. And number two, we only allow for non-political representation.

 

 

QUESTION 9: K. HARINDERAN, THE VIBES,COM

 

ASEAN member nations, it’s been reported by many times, have to build, to build economy, to be resilient. What are your expectations as ASEAN’s Chair as the ASEAN Summit approaches?

 

ANSWER 9:

 

You are right because whilst we should commend the leaders, the initial leaders of ASEAN for that vision, ensuring there’s peace, a stronger collaboration between these countries, the major deficit, of course, the economy. Economic pillars seem to be weaker.

 

So, in our initial trust as chairman, we have pushed this agenda forward — trade in the borders, joint development in the states, improved facilities, even among the people-to-people in terms of trade and tourism — we have achieved much.

There were initial discussions, for example, with Thailand, jointly developing the border with Indonesia. We’re continuing, for example, the inland port within Perlis and Laos.

 

So, we are working, but I think there’s room for improvement. And the major achievement is, of course, the grid — the ASEAN Power Grid. That, to me, is phenomenal. It is something that we can record as a major achievement from Vietnam to Malaysia, to Singapore, and now supporting the Sarawak initiative into Sabah and to Indonesia into the Philippines.

 

Although that’s a very initial stage, but at least there has been that understanding and agree upon by the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation. And we hope to start with — in fact, the Vietnam–Malaysia–Singapore part has been quite resolved, and just negotiations. Not only negotiations, but then actions on the way. Malaysian side will be Tenaga Nasional Berhad and PETRONAS, and with Singapore, with Thailand.

 

But in terms of digitalization and connectivity, many of these issues — not clearly, not apparent in terms of the pace of implementation. But at least there has been that shift from purely geopolitical of the consideration, of talking, you know, about South China Sea and centrality, east, west, etc., now being more focused on specific areas of digitalization, connectivity, the collaboration in terms of trade, in terms of customs, which is being done.

 

 

QUESTION 10: NG AI LING, ASSOCIATED PRESS (AP)

 

Good evening. Finally, with Timor-Leste becoming ASEAN’s 11th member, could you explain perhaps what is the significance of this for ASEAN in the region? And as one of the world’s poorest nations, what can Timor-Leste contribute to the bloc?

And secondly, just to revert back to the Myanmar situation can you clarify whether, at this Summit, will ASEAN leaders be taking a clear position on whether to support or reject Myanmar’s election process? Thank you.

 

 

ANSWER 10:

 

You always ask difficult questions. [PM joking] Anyway, Timor-Leste rightfully is in Southeast Asia. It was part of Indonesia until 1999, and this protracted negotiation, because to fulfill the political, economic pillars, etc., has taken time.

 

So, I think it’s a matter of conscience. They have been there, they have participated as part of Indonesia in those days, and rightfully, they should be given a place in the ASEAN fraternity. And they tried their level best. Of course, Malaysia has been very supportive, the Foreign Ministry in particular, in assisting them, whatever is required. Similarly, some other countries — I know Indonesia have been supportive too.

 

Now, they are part of ASEAN. Well, they are poor. Well, most of these countries, when we formed ASEAN, it is convergences of relatively poorer economies. But they still have potential — they have the potential for oil and gas. As a community, we, of course, have different stages, but it is our task. I mean, we differ in terms of the prescription, some other regions. To us, we are part of the regions; it is our duty to prop up these countries.

 

I mean, Timor-Leste — I happened to be there last month also and they went through a very tragic history. The colonialism and all these conflict, endless. I mean, it is time, therefore, that they be given some reprieve, assistance where necessary.

 

And, well I am very optimistic that ASEAN, as a community, will continue to engage more and assist. As we have benefited from the assistance of many countries — the West, now China, and many countries, even Malaysia at this stage. So, I don’t think we should preclude that to Timor-Leste.

Now, on whether we’ll be taking a common position on the issues — that’s for the Foreign Minister to advise.

 

 

QUESTION 11: SHANNON TEOH FROM STRAITS TIMES

 

At the start of every ASEAN chairmanship, usually there are two main issues that are put forward. Whether the new chairman or the block as a whole can tackle the question of Myanmar, which we’ve discussed at length. And the other one is South China Sea.

 

So is there any progress on South China Sea? Are we going to see any development on code of conduct or are we finding a different way to resolve this issue?

ANSWER 11:

 

Of course there is a standing issue on South China Sea, but I find it difficult to comprehend why it’s being highlighted as a major issue. It does not affect us in any way. There’s of course contradicting claims between ASEAN and China, not all our neighbors with China. I communicate of course closely with some of the neighboring countries. Recently, even with Prabowo President of Indonesia. Are there issues? Yes. Are they contentious? Well, uncertain. Is that explosive? No. Has there been serious cases? No. With the exception with the Philippines. Even then we are continuing to engage both with the Philippines and China to at least to not to cross the red line to ensure that there is peace.

 

But for now, ASEAN as a whole and China has agreed with the code of conduct. So let us work towards that. So the parameters laid down, there are of course contending claims, encounter claims, but notwithstanding that, there has not been one serious explosive issue with the exception one or two cases with the Philippines.

 

But, it tends to be exaggerated. If I’ve said in many, most of my sessions, media conferences, even in the west, this question will invariably be asked. But, because he said you have a problem with China at the border, I said we Malaysia is a maritime country. We have problem with every single country in the region. We have problem with Thailand, with Vietnam, with Brunei, with Indonesia, with Singapore, with the Philippines. We have not gone to war with any of these countries. And we don’t think we intend to neither we think there is any possibility.

 

For now, let us continue to negotiate and engage. And I think and it has not stopped all the efforts towards either stronger diplomatic. I mean, we have some issues with Singapore. You look at it seriously. It is quite worrying.

 

But, we have excellent relations, even having a joint Johor – Singapore Economic Zone. Similarly, with China. But, I think people tend to exaggerate this and considering this is a major conflict, I don’t consider that. Do we need to continue to discuss, negotiate and try to have an amicable resolution? Yes. Do we agree with the broad parameters as to be framed in the Code of conduct. Yes. Time is a great healer. Let’s work on it.

 

 

QUESTION 12: ROZANNA LATIFF FROM REUTERS

 

we are going to be expecting quite a few protests when President Trump lands in Malaysia. What is your take on his protests? You know, there’s obviously a lot of anger. Would you be allowing the people to have their say and how do you balance that with security concerns?

 

I have a second question and also when press President Trump is here, US Officials will probably be having a lot of bilateral with Chinese officials and others is there a concern that issues between US and China will overshadow the ASEAN summit? and what are ASEAN’s efforts to expand beyond these two major powers? Thank you.

 

ANSWER 12:

 

On the issue of groups particularly PAS youth Hizb ut-Tahrir, some other groups wanting to continue to have demonstrations against I mean, this is a free country they can do it, but they cannot disrupt the organization and the process and the security of the area I mean, they can do it I mean, after all, a few million participated in the anti-Trump protest in the United States I mean, even Turun Anwar was here it’s not something against Trump against Anwar too.

 

So we will, we will not stop but we, I think the security concerns is there because all the leaders are here you know, we have Trump we have Li Qiang, we have all the other president, Malaysia must give a categorical assurance that the security must be fully guaranteed and that’s number one, whether they want to do it but what basis? Because Trump is anti-Islam, Trump is pro genocide.

 

Okay, let them engage but I also said that Trump did take that initiative to try and at least achieve that ceasefire, which is a near impossibility under normal terms and I think as a responsible person, I mean of course I engage with the rest in Gaza and people are rejoicing they want secure peace and it’s not our interest to sabotage that peace process.

 

So they must be clear what they want but they want to express fair they can express but you must also know that you represent a fringe of very extreme position that we’ll have to continue to monitor they have freedom to exercise their position, but we have to be very firm in countering the arguments and also to ensure security to me, no one would come to a country you can’t assure the security of this country.

 

That is important I mean to have demonstration at the heart of the city against Anwar, fair you did it, but to have in the heart of the city against foreign leaders coming here and to sabotage the process, certainly no, we will be firm in our position because security is our utmost consideration and we will not allow any force to sabotage that process.

 

Why should we say overshadow? If there is some sort of progress or achievement in terms of negotiation between China and United States, I’d be very happy and I think Malaysians should be proud, because it would be of immense assistance and help to us as a trading nation to see these two countries being friends I don’t think we have this closed mind or I should say small mind sorry, to consider that, you know, it’s just what we see is important but the world needs after it’s a regional meeting, it’s not a Malaysian Parliament it is, I mean international meeting.

 

So I’ll face the PMQT tomorrow they will deal with them I don’t know I was joking with Keir Starmer. I said why do you export all this? I said what Prime Minister Question Time then he told me if I have my way, I don’t think it should be a good thing for the government it’s a good thing with the opposition, I’m joking.

 

So, I mean is not an issue in fact it is happening and we are facilitating, I mean something very positive if countries leaders use this occasion to negotiate with one another and it would be something to me a great phenomenal success if they do and are able to resolve some of the outstanding issues and conflicts.

 

 

QUESTION 13: ZUNAIRA FROM NEW YORK TIMES

Just to ask you, is there, I mean, I understand negotiations are going on, on the trade deal, but is there some sort of conclusion that has happened on the trade deal as of today between, between Malaysia and the US.

 

ANSWER 13:

 

I should say 99.9 resolved. The 0.01% will be resolved at the Cabinet on Friday.

 

 

 

QUESTION 14: DAVE GRUNEBAUM WITH THE CBC

 

 

I wanted to ask you about the scam compounds. Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos. And yes, of course there have been raids here and there and you know, last February everybody talked about thousands of people getting out. But the fact is they reopened somewhere else once they’ve been shut down in one spot. There’s so many of these around. New people have been trafficked in. Many of these people have been trafficked in.

 

They come from around the world, including ASEAN countries. What steps is ASEAN going to take to substantively crack down? I’m not saying completely eliminate to substantively crackdown in a way that greatly reduces the amount of scamming that’s going on and the number of people that are being trafficked and so that it’s a crackdown that lasts.

 

 

ANSWER 14:

 

There have been discussions at the private bilateral meetings, regional meetings. This has been raised, assurance has been given and I’m sure this will again be raised in this summit because it is an issue of concern not only to these countries, about other countries. It is affecting the stability and health, economic health of the region. Can I show you that this has been, I have raised it to my counterparts a number of times. They have shown me measures that they have taken, they have taken measures.

 

But I also concede and acknowledge that it is still continuing in some areas, and it is our task, therefore, through the foreign ministers and economic and trade ministers and finally the Leaders’ Summit to raise this, to make sure that there’s a firm commitment to end this facade. Thank you very much.

 

What is the 0.5%? I think the New York Times is smart enough to try and engage. (Reference to question Num. 13)