Proton drives the country to a higher level, with Geely China, Automotive High Tech

 

Proton's e.Mas 7 electric vehicles at the company's plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak, Malaysia. -- PHOTO: BLOOMBERG

IT’S an exciting time to be in Tanjung Malim, a town in Perak, which is actually nearer to Kuala Lumpur than Ipoh as it is only 70 km north of Kuala Lumpur and 120 km south of Ipoh.

Once a sleepy town, which most motorists using the North-South Expressway would just pass by without entering, Tanjung Malim has become too important to ignore.

It is now known as the Proton City, with commercial and residential activities, spread over 16 km and the home of the multi-million ringgit Proton manufacturing plant.

The national car, under the then Proton Holdings Bhd, was once near collapse as its losses ran into billions of ringgit over the years preceding 2016 due to high operating costs, declining market share and a lack of research and development. 

But the change began when DRB-Hicom Bhd and China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group took over Proton in 2017.

They transformed the struggling national car project into a profitable entity on a growth trajectory, driven by advanced technology and improved models with increased market share.

Now, DRB-Hicom and Geely are taking Tanjung Malim to a new level with the creation of the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) as its global strategic hub – the first outside China.

Both have signed a master collaboration agreement that sets forth the principles, framework and mutual commitment for AHTV.

Total investment from Proton, Geely, DRB-Hicom and the future foreign direct investors is estimated at RM32bil over 10 years to develop AHTV into Malaysia’s right-hand-drive export hub, producing vehicles not only for Proton and other Geely brands but also other original equipment manufacturers.

The AHTV has been classified as a “high impact major project” under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026 to 2030) with the aim of making Proton City an automotive hub for the Asean region.

The focus will not just be on production but also in the manufacturing of high technology components and parts for New Energy Vehicles as well as NxGV or Next Generation Vehicles.

Malaysians can expect many ground breaking events to take place in the coming years.

Last December, Proton’s new electric vehicle (EV) was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with the first locally made Proton e.MAS 7 expected to be rolled out from the new Proton EV factory by November this year and to be followed by the more affordable e.MAS 5.

The ground breaking of the new RM82mil EV factory, which sits on a 2.25 ha site within the Proton complex, has a first phase initial capacity of 20,000 units per annum.

The concept of the AHTV has been created to propel Malaysia’s competitiveness in the automotive industry to improve competitiveness of local vendors through collaboration or joint-venture with overseas vendors.

The creation of the AHTV is in line with the National Automotive Policy 2020 and National Industry Master Plan 2030, National Energy Transition Roadmap and Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint.

Proton now plans to fully relocate from Shah Alam to Tanjung Malim by 2027.

DRB-Hicom group managing director Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar Syed Ali Rethza Albar said: “The total Proton staff is around 8,000 with 4,000 each in Shah Alam and Tanjung Malim respectively but by 2027, Proton will relocate entirely to Tanjung Malim, save for some management staff.”

The expectation that over 8,000 workers will be based in Tanjung Malim along with their families will surely reshape the town.

The relocation will reduce operational costs, optimise efficiency and help to increase production capacity at the Tanjong Malim plant for greater economic scale.

This plant is not only a production site – it’s also seen as a strategic investment to advance green technology in the local automotive sector, creating over 3,000 jobs in Tanjung Malim.

As of 2024, about 20 vendors, both local and foreign, are operating there to support Proton’s manufacturing.

Proton is moving in the right partnership with Geely via the AHTV as the former wants to leverage on the advancement of the automotive industry in China through Geely with its high tech features, new energy vehicles and global premium brands under their wing such as Zeekr, Lynk and Co, Polestar and Smart, amongst others.

It’s a big deal that Geely has chosen Tanjung Malim as its Global Strategic Hub as the spillover impact would be tremendous, including developing public amenities for a growing population, gas pipeline for vendors, 5G connectivity for advanced manufacturers, new connectivity and possibly a railway hub for logistic support and a new North-South Expressway interchange to Tanjung Malim and, an expansion of Federal Route 1.

For the community in Tanjung Malim, a private English medium primary school has opened since March 2024 for the benefit of the expatriates and their families working there as well as a golf range and a bowling centre.

A private hospital, international school, technical training institute and hotel are in the development plans.

AHTV also wants to target top global vendors to set-up facilities in AHTV and to attract original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) there as a manufacturing hub for their own export markets.

All these are being planned and expected to be executed over the next six years.

From 2030 onwards, AHTV hopes to enhance research and development capabilities in Malaysia as well as to set up a national automotive testing centre, a vehicle testing centre and possibly an automotive museum.

Once fully developed, AHTV could potentially produce up to 500,000 vehicles annually, with 50% targeted for export. Component production is also projected to support one million vehicles by 2035.

For the long term, the development is projected to generate between 160,000 and 370,000 job opportunities, which will include the production of microchips and core component production in batteries, autonomous technologies and automotive artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced connectivity.

AHTV will shape the production of the national car to a new milestone as it was established to create an automotive system in Malaysia. It was not merely to produce the Proton cars but aims of a larger plan.

An ecosystem to manufacture a car is important, without which it will be difficult to assemble foreign cars in Malaysia.

At the same time, the multiplier effects on the economy must improve to benefit Malaysians at different levels.

But there has to be some reality checks too.

After many years of having a solid ecosystem, Malaysia’s total automotive exports is still low at 3% whereas Thailand is at 50% and Indonesia at 37%.

Yet, Malaysia is the biggest passenger car market in Asean and has the highest car ownership rate among Asean countries with 490 units per 1,000 population.

This is why DRB-Hicom, Proton and Geely want to build the AHTV; taking advantage of economies of scale from Proton and Geely’s influence in bringing global top-tier vendors to set-up shop there.

The intention is to create a vibrant hub for other OEMs to take advantage of the AHTV’s ecosystem which can naturally start with Geely producing their branded vehicles in Tanjung Malim.

Geely brands include Volvo, Zeekr, Lynk & Co, Geometry C, Radar, Emgrand, Smart, Farizon, London Electric Vehicle Company, Polestar and Lotus, among others.

In short, AHTV aims to increase its automobile production volume, export volume, upgrade local vendor capabilities in new technology areas and competitiveness while creating Malaysia as a new energy vehicle and NxGV hub for the benefit of Malaysia and the region.

As we celebrate Malaysia Day, we can certainly take pride that Proton, the national car, is in healthy shape with the support of its Chinese partner and is now poised to take the industry to a higher level.

By Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, a National Journalism Laureate and Bernama chairman. The views expressed here are the writer’s own.

Defence diplomacy the best option for Malaysia

Photo: Xinhua via AP

 CHINA’S Victory Parade on Sept 3 (pic) was more than pageantry; it was a warning shot about the future of war. With cyber, space and information warfare now centre stage, Malaysia must turn to its greatest strength – defence diplomacy.

Our ability to build trust, balance powers and shape regional security will determine whether South-east Asia remains stable amid intensifying rivalry.

The parade held in Beijing was more than a spectacle of power. It was a statement, a declaration that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is no longer simply modernising; it is also redefining warfare itself.

For Malaysia and Asean, the lesson is unmistakable – the battlefield of tomorrow will extend far beyond land, sea and air. It will be fought in cyberspace, outer space and the invisible realm of information.

The response must not be passivity but strategy and, above all, defence diplomacy.

For the first time, China showcased three new branches. The Information Support Force, the Cyberspace Force, and the Aerospace Force. These are not symbolic formations.

They signal the elevation of data and algorithms, satellites and electronic warfare to the same status as tanks, ships and aircraft.

China’s message is clear; victory will belong to those who dominate information, not just territory. It is a pivot from platform-centric power to information-centric warfare, an approach that mirrors Nato and US doctrines of multi-domain operations.

Military parades are theatre, but in Beijing theatre is strategy. To its people, China portrays: “We are secure and advanced.” To Washington, it signals: “We can fight across every domain.”

To its neighbours, the message is unmistakable: “We are no longer only a regional power; we are a global power.”

Malaysia can draw at least three key lessons from this signal. First, cyber and space resilience must become national priorities. Our financial systems, communications and power grids remain exposed to sophisticated cyberattacks.

Satellites and networks are potential first targets in any conflict. The upcoming Second Phase of Defence White Paper (2026 – 2030) must treat cyber and space security as essential pillars of national defence.

Second, strategic balancing has become a non-negotiable requirement.

Malaysia cannot afford to be ensnared in a great power rivalry, but we also cannot afford to remain silent. Defence diplomacy has emerged as a fundamental strategy. Engaging China, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia and others is the instrument that protects our sovereignty and Asean’s neutrality.

Third, innovation in defence is an urgent imperative. The National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN) and Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) must prioritise dual-use technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, cybersecurity solutions and satellite applications. Without innovation, resilience will remain out of reach.

The lesson from Beijing is not that Malaysia should embark on an arms race. It is that we must strengthen defence diplomacy as the first line of security. Defence diplomacy is about building trust with partners, engaging competitors with clarity, and using dialogue to prevent miscalculation.

It means engaging in joint exercises, officer exchanges, technology collaboration and transparent communication.

For our country, it also means positioning ourselves as a bridge, a country trusted enough to convene conversations between rivals, but firm enough to defend our national interests.

China’s parade revealed a military ready to fight across every domain. But Malaysia’s strength does not lie in matching missile for missile. Our strength lies in building coalitions, shaping norms and leading through diplomacy.

The real contest of this century is not only about who parades the largest arsenal but who builds the most resilient, cooperative and stable security architecture. That is the contest where Malaysia, through defence diplomacy, must lead.

RAEISS ILMY RAMLY Dengkil, Selangor

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Exploring rocket town Hainan, China's gateway to space

The writer at the lobby of Hilton Wenchang where models of Chinese rockets were set up for sale. — Photos: FLORENCE TEH

A call from a Beijing-based Chinese journalist friend came suggesting I should make a quick trip to Hainan, China’s southernmost island province, to watch a rocket launch.

“Hainan is just a few hours away from Kuala Lumpur, so here’s your chance to see a real rocket blast. You don’t have to travel all the way to the United States or Russia to see this,’’ he said.

The only problem was that he could not give me the exact date of the lift off as he couldn’t find the details. He apologised and said that the Chinese authorities were often secretive of such information and that the best way to find out was to call up the hotels by the beach, facing the Wenchang space launch site.

When I approached my local travel agent, she was of no help as she had no idea there were rocket ascents in Hainan, but she did promise to call her Hainan counterpart.  

A few days later, the agent called back to say that most of the launch crew had made bookings for a week at the Hilton Wenchang.

“It is most likely that during that one week, the rocket would be launched. You just have to take your chances,’’ the agent said.

Now, there was no way I could book a room there for a week, as the rates had gone up by quite a bit during that period, so an urgent call was made to Beijing again.

More calls and WeChat messages were exchanged and soon, it was narrowed down to three possible dates, with the launch time likely to be at 8.30pm.

That seemed reasonable as I would be able to explore Hainan – dubbed the “Hawaii of China” as it is well-known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, and luxury resorts – during the day and be back at the hotel in the evenings.

Hainan has long been a destination for vacationers seeking sun, sea, and serenity with its white sand coastlines and subtropical forests.

But unknown to the world, except in China, Hainan is actually fast gaining a reputation as a world-class spaceport, with space tourism as one of its main products.

My wife and I arrived in Hainan via AirAsia, which flies direct from KLIA Terminal 2, hoping to see the countdowns and launch pads.

“You must get a balcony room with a beach view, and just watch the awesome sights and sounds from the room. It will be the best view. That way, you don’t have to jostle with the crowds who will gather at the public beach,’’ my reporter friend reminded me.

White beaches, palm trees and the rocket launch pad. A perfect view from the balcony of Wenchang Hilton in Hainan, China.

To ensure my dates were when the launch was “most likely to happen”, he doubled-checked with his colleagues in the Hainan bureau, and they assured him that it was on and that “it will happen”.

The Wenchang Space Launch Centre, operational since 2016, is the only coastal launch site in China. Most launches take place in desert sites.

The Hainan location allows for the launch of the country’s largest and heaviest rockets – like the Long March 5, which carries modules for China’s Tiangong Space Station and deep-space missions to the Moon and Mars.

Unlike many space facilities around the world, Wenchang’s launch pads are remarkably accessible.

There’s a public beach that’s just a short walk away from the main launch site, where curious onlookers and local families gather to watch the countdowns, to hear the engines roar to life, and to see the rockets pierce through the sky in dazzling displays.

The anticipated day finally came. Roads were sealed. Only vehicles ferrying registered hotel guests were allowed entry into the hotel area.

Space workers in their uniforms were seen walking around the lobby and restaurants. My wife, who speaks Mandarin, asked if the launch would happen. Their lips were sealed but they sportingly smiled and nodded their heads.

The rocket lift-off event at Wenchang, as seen from the writer’s hotel balcony.

The hotel had set up a counter selling miniature rockets, badges and other souvenirs, which was another sign that the launch was on.

There were rocket models in the lobby, and the afternoon tea served cakes and other sweet treats in the shape of astronauts and spacecrafts, though for a pricey RM200.

By 2pm, locals arrived at the public beach with folding chairs and picnic baskets, turning the shoreline into a festive arena. Children waved flags and tourists scrambled for the best camera angles.

Finally, on Aug 22 at 8.25pm, I looked at the balconies next to our room and saw that they were already filled with guests.

Then, the countdown began. When it hit zero, a thunderous roar filled the air. The rocket lifted slowly at first, then accelerated into the clouds, leaving behind a huge column of fire and a trail of awestruck gasps.

It was loud and hot, yet completely unforgettable. I couldn’t believe how close we were to seeing it all. There was no need for binoculars or distant observation decks.

What I also found unbelievable was that there was only a short mention of the launch on the local TV news channel that evening.

One of the hotel restaurant workers, a local, shrugged at my excitement, saying the rocket launches were mainly satellites by the private sector, and that these take place every few months.

A check online indeed showed three launches this year and many locals were no longer excited about these events, “except for the out-of-town local tourists”. My wife and I were the only foreign guests at the hotel.

The writer with his wife, Datin Seri Florence Teh at the Aeronautics City in Hainan.

A record was set between July 30 and Aug 4, when “two launches were carried out within five days”, according to reports.

One big attraction that awaits public opening is the Hainan Science Museum, also called the Hainan Science and Technology Museum, in Haikou. Here, there are galleries within the futuristic six-storey building displaying space technology, ocean science, and mathematics, as well as a few interactive zones.

The design of the building resembles an “updraft” (rising warm air current), with fluid, cloud-like shapes, inspired by Hainan’s tropical rainforests and futurism, according to news reports.

But for now, tourists only have the Astronautics City to visit, which is a modest museum but decent enough.

Since we were already in Wenchang, a quiet “rocket town”, we had to try its Wenchang chicken, a dish so famous it inspired the Malaysian favourite, Hainanese chicken rice.

My verdict? Well, we may be light years behind China in terms of rocket science but as a consolation, our Hainanese chicken rice is way, way better!

The steamed chicken in Hainan is tough as they are free-range chickens. They do not have our chilli sauce as a condiment nor do they use thick caramel soy sauce. The steamed chicken is also pretty plain and dry, really.

One simply has to try the chicken rice in Hainan as that's where it originated, but the writer still prefers Malaysian chicken rice.

What about durians in Hainan? No, it’s not going to happen for a long, long time as they still rely on imported Thai durians.

Haikou, the capital of Hainan, is also known for its Instagram-friendly colonial-era buildings at Qilou Old Street, reflecting both European and Chinese influences, and restaurants.

Further south, the more well-known resort cities like Sanya offer five-star luxury, snorkelling, and rainforest hikes.

But for Malaysians, all these will not really excite most of us ... but seeing a rocket lift off in front of our eyes is definitely worth experiencing.

Hainan is just a little over three hours by flight from KL and not many realise that the place is geographically the closest Chinese province to Malaysia.

Haikou’s Qilou Old Street is a charming town with colonial-style buildings.

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Anwar: Victory Parade a reminder to defend one’s sovereignty, joins world leaders at China’s Victory Day parade marking 80 years since WWII

 

 

 

Standing united: Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan (centre) posing for a group photo with the heads of foreign delegations and their spouses before the commemorative parade marking 80 years since the end of World War II in Beijing. Anwar (front row, fourth from left) and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail are in attendance. — Xinhua

BEIJING: The commemorative Victory Parade held by China to mark 80 years since the end of World War II serves as a timely reminder that a nation’s sovereignty must always be defended and safeguarded.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this is even more crucial in today’s geopolitical landscape, where turmoil persists and the international system is increasingly undermined.

He cited the genocide in Gaza, where the Israeli regime continues its atrocities against Palestinians with impunity.

“For me, the celebration is a reminder that a nation must be free, independent and sovereign. A country’s independence must be respected.

“Our experience of embracing peace and resolution after World War II, and how China rose against violence and colonialism, should serve as a lesson for today’s society, especially in our region,” he told Malaysian media at the end of his working visit to Beijing and Tianjin this week.

Anwar was among the foreign leaders invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the parade at Tiananmen Square yesterday morning.

On his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Plus Summit 2025 in the port city of Tianjin, Anwar said that although Malaysia is not a member of the SCO, he was invited by Xi, as the current Asean Chair, to attend as a special guest and share his views on global issues.

“So we took the opportunity to attend and share our views,” he said, Bernama reported.

Anwar said he also highlighted the United Nations’ failure to fulfil its mandate in resolving major crises, which has further eroded its global influence – a point acknowledged by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who participated in the meeting.

The Prime Minister added that he had met several world leaders on the sidelines of the summit.

Among them was Myanmar’s acting President Min Aung Hlaing, with whom he discussed and followed up on the country’s peace process ahead of Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan’s visit later this month.

His meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, meanwhile, focused on the situation in Gaza amid Israel’s brutal aggression.

“I asked about the latest developments in Gaza. Many leaders who attended the summit also raised the issue of the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and the suffering of the Palestinian people there,” Anwar said.

He also met with his counterpart from Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, Cambodia’s Hun Manet and Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to discuss boosting two-way trade and investment. 

Anwar departed for home yesterday afternoon after attending the Victory Parade and a banquet hosted by the Chinese President.

China's V-Day gathering to start at 9 a.m., Sept. 3 at Tian'anmen Square

Many 'firsts' in impressive formations displayed in China's massive V-Day parade

China held a massive military parade in central Beijing on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory in World War II, pledging the country's commitment to peaceful development in a world still fraught with turbulence and uncertainties

Anwar joins world leaders at China’s Victory Day parade marking 80 years since WWII

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse yesterday. — Bernama pic

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China's V-Day gathering to start at 9 a.m., Sept. 3 at Tian'anmen Square

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse yesterday. — Bernama pic

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Standing united: Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan (centre) posing for a group photo with the heads of foreign delegations and their spouses before the commemorative parade marking 80 years since the end of World War II in Beijing. Anwar (front row, fourth from left) and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail are in attendance. — Xinhua

BEIJING: The commemorative Victory Parade held by China to mark 80 years since the end of World War II serves as a timely reminder that a nation’s sovereignty must always be defended and safeguarded.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this is even more crucial in today’s geopolitical landscape, where turmoil persists and the international system is increasingly undermined.

He cited the genocide in Gaza, where the Israeli regime continues its atrocities against Palestinians with impunity.

“For me, the celebration is a reminder that a nation must be free, independent and sovereign. A country’s independence must be respected.

“Our experience of embracing peace and resolution after World War II, and how China rose against violence and colonialism, should serve as a lesson for today’s society, especially in our region,” he told Malaysian media at the end of his working visit to Beijing and Tianjin this week.

Anwar was among the foreign leaders invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the parade at Tiananmen Square yesterday morning.

On his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Plus Summit 2025 in the port city of Tianjin, Anwar said that although Malaysia is not a member of the SCO, he was invited by Xi, as the current Asean Chair, to attend as a special guest and share his views on global issues.

“So we took the opportunity to attend and share our views,” he said, Bernama reported.

Anwar said he also highlighted the United Nations’ failure to fulfil its mandate in resolving major crises, which has further eroded its global influence – a point acknowledged by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who participated in the meeting.

The Prime Minister added that he had met several world leaders on the sidelines of the summit.

Among them was Myanmar’s acting President Min Aung Hlaing, with whom he discussed and followed up on the country’s peace process ahead of Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan’s visit later this month.

His meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, meanwhile, focused on the situation in Gaza amid Israel’s brutal aggression.

“I asked about the latest developments in Gaza. Many leaders who attended the summit also raised the issue of the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and the suffering of the Palestinian people there,” Anwar said.

He also met with his counterpart from Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, Cambodia’s Hun Manet and Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to discuss boosting two-way trade and investment. 

Anwar departed for home yesterday afternoon after attending the Victory Parade and a banquet hosted by the Chinese President.

China's V-Day gathering to start at 9 a.m., Sept. 3 at Tian'anmen Square

Many 'firsts' in impressive formations displayed in China's massive V-Day parade

China held a massive military parade in central Beijing on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory in World War II, pledging the country's commitment to peaceful development in a world still fraught with turbulence and uncertainties

Anwar joins world leaders at China’s Victory Day parade marking 80 years since WWII

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse yesterday. — Bernama pic

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China's V-Day gathering to start at 9 a.m., Sept. 3 at Tian'anmen Square

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse yesterday. — Bernama pic

 banquet hosted by the Chinese President.

09/04/thumbs/550/3502767.webp 550w, https://apicms.thestar.com.my/uploads/images/2025/09/04/thumbs/300/3502767.webp 300w" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: initial; display: block; height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-height: 500px; max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: 0px 10%; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; vertical-align: middle; width: 610px;" />

Standing united: Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan (centre) posing for a group photo with the heads of foreign delegations and their spouses before the commemorative parade marking 80 years since the end of World War II in Beijing. Anwar (front row, fourth from left) and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail are in attendance. — Xinhua

BEIJING: The commemorative Victory Parade held by China to mark 80 years since the end of World War II serves as a timely reminder that a nation’s sovereignty must always be defended and safeguarded.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this is even more crucial in today’s geopolitical landscape, where turmoil persists and the international system is increasingly undermined.

He cited the genocide in Gaza, where the Israeli regime continues its atrocities against Palestinians with impunity.

“For me, the celebration is a reminder that a nation must be free, independent and sovereign. A country’s independence must be respected.

“Our experience of embracing peace and resolution after World War II, and how China rose against violence and colonialism, should serve as a lesson for today’s society, especially in our region,” he told Malaysian media at the end of his working visit to Beijing and Tianjin this week.

Anwar was among the foreign leaders invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the parade at Tiananmen Square yesterday morning.

On his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Plus Summit 2025 in the port city of Tianjin, Anwar said that although Malaysia is not a member of the SCO, he was invited by Xi, as the current Asean Chair, to attend as a special guest and share his views on global issues.

“So we took the opportunity to attend and share our views,” he said, Bernama reported.

Anwar said he also highlighted the United Nations’ failure to fulfil its mandate in resolving major crises, which has further eroded its global influence – a point acknowledged by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who participated in the meeting.

The Prime Minister added that he had met several world leaders on the sidelines of the summit.

Among them was Myanmar’s acting President Min Aung Hlaing, with whom he discussed and followed up on the country’s peace process ahead of Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan’s visit later this month.

His meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, meanwhile, focused on the situation in Gaza amid Israel’s brutal aggression.

“I asked about the latest developments in Gaza. Many leaders who attended the summit also raised the issue of the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and the suffering of the Palestinian people there,” Anwar said.

He also met with his counterpart from Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, Cambodia’s Hun Manet and Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to discuss boosting two-way trade and investment. 

Anwar departed for home yesterday afternoon after attending the Victory Parade and a banquet hosted by the Chinese President.

China's V-Day gathering to start at 9 a.m., Sept. 3 at Tian'anmen Square

Many 'firsts' in impressive formations displayed in China's massive V-Day parade

China held a massive military parade in central Beijing on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory in World War II, pledging the country's commitment to peaceful development in a world still fraught with turbulence and uncertainties

Anwar joins world leaders at China’s Victory Day parade marking 80 years since WWII

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse yesterday. — Bernama pic

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China's V-Day gathering to start at 9 a.m., Sept. 3 at Tian'anmen Square

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse yesterday. — Bernama pic

 banquet hosted by the Chinese President.