Day: July 2, 2026

Global South Must Assert Own Interests As Global Order Evolves

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 -- Emerging middle powers, including Malaysia, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Turkiye, and Mexico, should chart their own strategic course and pursue their own interests rather than adopting the agenda of established middle powers as the global order evolves. Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, Professor of International and Comparative Politics, Dr Dawisson Belém-Lopes, said emerging and established middle powers represented fundamentally different political realities and should not be viewed as a single group. Speaking at the 39th Asia-Pacific Roundtable (APR), he said that emerging middle powers, largely comprising countries from the Global South, had never been fully comfortable with the post-World War Two liberal international order and had long called for deep reforms to the global system. He said these countries also have different historical experiences and priorities compared to established middle powers. “The so-called Global South is gaining ground. We now have both more resources and some institutional platforms we could not rely on in the past,” he said, during the session titled “Rogue World Order: Power, Principles, and Pragmatism on Wednesday.” Meanwhile, University of Queensland Chancellor Peter Varghese said the world is currently “in between international orders,” with the post-war system which is largely led by the United States (US) gradually unravelling. Varghese, who was former secretary of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said the shift was driven not only by the current US administration but also by long-term structural changes, including China’s rise, the move towards a multipolar world, the weakening of the Washington Consensus, and the growing influence of identity and cultural politics. However, he said rebuilding a new multilateral system would take time. He warned that while agency was necessary, it was not sufficient to create a new world order and countries should instead focus on strengthening regional and cross-regional cooperation.  Another panelist, Keio University Japan Professor of International Relations, Dr Ken Jimbo, said Asia would remain central to the evolving global order despite shifts in US foreign policy. He said the US would continue to rely on regional partnerships to advance its strategic objectives, even under an America First agenda, while countries such as Japan remain dependent on a free and open rules-based international order for their security and economic prosperity. The two-day event was organised by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia under the theme “Accelerating Agency and Action.” -- BERNAMA 

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 — Emerging middle powers, including Malaysia, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Turkiye, and Mexico, should chart their own strategic course and pursue their own interests rather than adopting the agenda of established middle powers as the global order evolves. Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, Professor of International and Comparative Politics, Dr Dawisson […]

Penang Technology Park @ Bertam’s Infrastructure Works Completed

KEPALA BATAS, July 2 -- Ideal Property Group has completed all infrastructure works at its 880-acre (323.7-hectare) Penang Technology Park @ Bertam, with the development entering full delivery following the completion of its landmark entrance gateway. The group said in a statement that the technology park is now development-ready, allowing investors to acquire land and begin construction and operations. “More than 60 per cent of industrial land has been taken up. The project is expected to generate employment and support regional supply chain growth as operations commence,” it said. Located in North Seberang Perai, the park is connected to the North-South Expressway and has direct access to Penang Port and the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT), supporting logistics efficiency and supply chain integration. Ideal Property Group chief operating officer Datuk Goh Teng Whoo said Penang has developed into a high-technology manufacturing hub supported by a mature semiconductor supply chain, skilled talent pool and established industrial ecosystem, making it an attractive destination for multinational investment. “Investors can acquire freehold industrial land at Penang Technology Park @ Bertam, complemented by one-stop support services including plot advisory and regulatory coordination,” he said. Goh said the park is equipped with four-lane dual carriageway, 100-ft-wide internal roads, water supply, power supply infrastructure, 5G connectivity, natural gas pipelines and 24-hour CCTV surveillance. He noted that the state’s financing and capital market ecosystem continues to support corporate expansion, and thanked the Penang state government for its support in fast-track approvals, infrastructure delivery and investment promotion. Goh said Penang Technology Park @ Bertam aims to provide a full industrial ecosystem, enabling businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, to integrate into the global semiconductor supply chain. The development comprises light and medium industrial lots, commercial components and built-to-lease facilities. -- BERNAMA

KEPALA BATAS, July 2 — Ideal Property Group has completed all infrastructure works at its 880-acre (323.7-hectare) Penang Technology Park @ Bertam, with the development entering full delivery following the completion of its landmark entrance gateway. The group said in a statement that the technology park is now development-ready, allowing investors to acquire land and […]

KL Police: Early School-Level Action Key to Curb Bullying, Gangsterism

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 2 -- Efforts to tackle bullying and prevent gangsterism among students must begin at the primary school level through strong character-building and discipline programmes, said Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Fadil Marsus. He said disciplinary issues involving primary school pupils have already been recorded, stressing that bullying and gangster influence must be addressed early before the problem escalates. “There are indeed cases involving primary school discipline. We do not deny this, but bullying and gangsterism is our priority,” he told reporters after officiating the Royal Malaysian Police (Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM)) programme titled No Separated Students: Building Character, Instilling Discipline at Sekolah Kebangsaan La Salle 2 Jinjang. Fadil said the police will not tolerate any attempt by gangster elements to infiltrate educational institutions. The programme, conducted in collaboration with the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Education Department, aims to strengthen cooperation between police and school authorities in shaping disciplined and independent students. Previously focused on secondary schools, the initiative has now been expanded to include primary schools nationwide. “This ongoing programme involves all schools, school liaison officers, and continuous two-way communication between the education sector and the police,” he added. Fadil also stressed that building the younger generation is a shared responsibility involving parents, schools, the community, and law enforcement. On concerns over social media misuse — including cigarette and vape-related content targeting students — he said police are aware of the issue and will take firm action. “Such things do happen. There are parties using various methods to attract young people. We will deal with it decisively,” he said. -- MINUTESMY

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 2 — Efforts to tackle bullying and prevent gangsterism among students must begin at the primary school level through strong character-building and discipline programmes, said Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Fadil Marsus. He said disciplinary issues involving primary school pupils have already been recorded, stressing that bullying and gangster influence must be […]

Johor Polls: Tok Pandak To Continue Push To Redraw Johor-Singapore Maritime Boundary

JOHOR BAHRU, July 2  — Although the fishing community makes up only 1.53 per cent, or about 2,000, of the 132,579 registered voters in the Kota Iskandar state constituency, it holds a special place in the heart of the constituency’s incumbent Barisan Nasional (BN) representative Datuk Pandak Ahmad. It is easy to understand why, as […]

Thailand tightens flight safety following crew detention in Australia

BANGKOK: Thailand has tightened flight security measures and screening of airline crew following the arrest of a Thai national in Australia on drug smuggling charges. Deputy Government Spokesperson, Lalida Persvivatana said the government led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had instructed the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to cooperate with relevant agencies to strengthen preventive measures and prevent similar incidents from recurring. He said the crew was on duty operating a flight from Thailand to Melbourne on June 25 when Australian authorities found drugs hidden in their luggage during a check upon arrival. "The crew is now facing legal proceedings in Australia," he said in a statement on Thursday. Lalida stressed that the case involved allegations of individual misconduct and did not reflect the Thai aviation industry. He said airline crews are subject to the same international security screening standards as passengers, although they use special routes to facilitate their duties. To tighten controls, he said CAAT had been instructed to work with Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT), airlines, the Customs Department and anti-narcotics agencies to implement stricter measures. This includes stricter checks on crews carrying goods on behalf of others, enhanced intelligence sharing and strengthened inter-agency coordination to improve risk detection capabilities. On Tuesday, media reported that a 26-year-old female crew member was arrested after one kilogram of heroin was found hidden in her luggage upon arrival at Melbourne Airport last Thursday. According to the Australian Federal Police, the suspect was carrying 12 carry-on bags, with the heroin hidden in the inner lining of the bags. -- BERNAMA

BANGKOK: Thailand has tightened flight security measures and screening of airline crew following the arrest of a Thai national in Australia on drug smuggling charges. Deputy Government Spokesperson, Lalida Persvivatana said the government led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had instructed the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to cooperate with relevant agencies to strengthen […]

‘Lethal Weapon’ star Danny Glover reveals he has Alzheimer’s

LONDON: "Lethal Weapon" actor Danny Glover has revealed that he has been suffering from Alzheimer's disease for the past few years, reported PA Media/dpa. The 79-year-old actor announced the matter in an interview with The Today Show, produced by the American broadcaster (US), NBC. He said the diagnosis came shortly after receiving an honorary Oscar Award in 2022. "I am still able to continue living. I am sure that as this disease progresses, many things will change," he said, adding that his movement, speech and memory are slowing down. However, he said the support of his family, who was always by his side, helped him a lot in facing the challenge. In the same interview, his daughter Mandisa said it was "very important" for her father to share his own health condition. "And the time is now. There is no more appropriate time than now for him to speak on his own behalf." "It's important because people often ask questions and I don't want to be dishonest by saying everything is fine," he said. Glover also shared about the diagnosis in an interview with "People" magazine, admitting that he still has not fully accepted the reality of his illness. "There are moments that remind me that I am still able to remember things. And there are memories that I will never forget," he said. However, he stressed that the disease was not the end of his life. "I don't feel like this is the end of my life. There's still a lot to do. "I still have my daughter and friends. I just want to say that life goes on," he said. Over nearly 40 years in the entertainment industry, Glover has starred in over 170 films and television programs. He began his acting career in the film "Escape From Alcatraz" in 1979 before making a name for himself in the 1980s with his role as Roger Murtaugh in the "Lethal Weapon" film series alongside Mel Gibson who played the role of Martin Riggs. He also starred in the films "Places in the Heart", "The Colour Purple" and "Predator 2". Throughout his career, Glover has won five Emmy Awards and four Grammy Awards. He served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) from 1998 to 2004, focusing on global campaigns to eradicate poverty, disease and combat HIV/AIDS in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2004, he was also appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Meanwhile, Alzheimer's Society CEO Michelle Dyson said her party sympathized with Glover following the announcement about his illness. "Personal sharing like this helps raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, and we really appreciate Danny's openness in sharing his diagnosis." "Receiving a diagnosis can be scary, but we believe it's better to know," he said. -- BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa

LONDON: “Lethal Weapon” actor Danny Glover has revealed that he has been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for the past few years, reported PA Media/dpa. The 79-year-old actor announced the matter in an interview with The Today Show, produced by the American broadcaster (US), NBC. He said the diagnosis came shortly after receiving an honorary Oscar […]