PUTRAJAYA, Feb 1 – The ASEAN chairmanship secretariat has been urged to fully leverage the diverse locations in Malaysia to ensure that all states can enjoy the economic benefits of the summit next year, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for a thorough study to ensure that the benefits extend beyond urban areas, with a specific focus on the programmes that will be implemented.
“As such, we will avoid distinguishing between urban and rural areas, prioritising instead the programmes implemented. Our commitment is to ensure fairness, allowing economic benefits to reach all states.” he told a press conference after the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
Fahmi, who is also the Unity Government’s spokesman said Anwar also stressed the importance of infusing a distinct Malaysian touch into all souvenirs during the summit.
He said as requested by the prime minister, there will be a concerted effort to ensure the extensive involvement of artisans or craft makers throughout the ASEAN chairmanship, promoting their active participation in various initiatives and events.
Last Friday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said that in preparation for Malaysia’s takeover of the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, three main clusters were established: political, defence and citizenship cluster under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; economic and trade cluster (Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry) and the cultural and social cluster under Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture(MOTAC).
Meanwhile, Fahmi said the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has briefed the Cabinet on the fleet card diesel programme for the transportation sector, which will commence tomorrow.
“KPDN will provide further details, but this is specifically for large companies that are set to commence using the fleet card from tomorrow,” he said.
In another development, Fahmi said Anwar has also urged ministers to study, launch and actively participate in the implementation of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah Programme (SARA).
“This is to ensure that ministers and subsequently, members of Parliament can comprehend and identify the various aspects of the programme’s implementation to enable them to communicate it more effectively to the public and bring benefits to their respective parliamentary constituencies,” he said.
In response to inquiries about the concert featuring international pop star Ed Sheeran, who is known to support activities associated with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, Fahmi said as of now, the concert will proceed as scheduled.
“So far, there have been no changes to the approval given earlier,” he said.
Ed Sheeran is set to perform at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, on Feb 24. The singer and songwriter had previously held a concert in Malaysia at the same venue in April 2019.
Yesterday, Penang mufti Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor urged the Communications Ministry to take into consideration and respect the Islamic stance given by muftis before allowing any entertainment events, including concerts.
He said the views on the prohibition of activities related to the LGBT community is not merely the ijtihad of scholars but based on clear scriptural sources in the Quran and hadith.
