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KUALA LUMPUR — Anwar Ibrahim held talks with Lawrence Wong on the escalating conflict in West Asia, expressing concern over its growing impact on the global economy and Southeast Asia. Both leaders supported the United Nations call for an immediate ceasefire and urged all parties to return to negotiations, emphasising that disputes must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. They also voiced concern over the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing attacks on critical infrastructure, warning of potential disruptions to global oil markets and regional energy security. Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to supporting efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote peace, justice and stability in the region.

PM Anwar Ibrahim, Lawrence Wong Discuss West Asia Conflict, Urge Ceasefire

KUALA LUMPUR — PM Anwar Ibrahim held talks with PM of Singapore, Lawrence Wong on the escalating conflict in West Asia, expressing concern over its growing impact on the global .... read more

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KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia maintains its stance that all disputes in West Asia must be resolved through peaceful means to ease escalating tensions in the region, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said dialogue, diplomacy and close cooperation among nations remained the only way forward to de-escalate tensions and restore stability, in line with humanitarian imperatives and the principles of universal justice. Anwar said this in a Facebook post after holding telephone conversations with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, Prince Salman Hamad Al Khalifa, and the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed Zayed Al Nahyan, today. “I expressed deep concern over the prolonged tensions and their implications for regional security and the well-being of the people, while also conveying condolences over the loss of lives and damage to property resulting from the retaliatory attacks,” he said. Apart from discussing regional security issues, Anwar said he and the two leaders also exchanged Aidilfitri greetings and expressed hope for the well-being, peace and prosperity of their respective nations. Regional tensions have continued to escalate since the United States (US) and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran on Feb 28. Tehran responded by launching drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq and Gulf states hosting US military assets, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage, in addition to disrupting global markets and the aviation sector.

Malaysia Calls For Peaceful Resolution To West Asia Conflict – PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia maintains its stance that all disputes in West Asia must be resolved through peaceful means to ease escalating tensions in the region, says Prime Minister Datuk .... read more

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Hundreds of journalists at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) will stage a 24-hour strike on Wednesday, marking the broadcaster’s first industrial action in two decades. The walkout comes after a majority of union members rejected a pay offer that falls below inflation, with workers also raising concerns over job security, working conditions and the potential use of artificial intelligence (AI) to replace staff. The strike, set to begin at 11am local time, is expected to disrupt key programmes including the 7.30 current affairs show and breakfast broadcasts, while radio services such as Triple J and ABC Classic will have limited live content. ABC management said its proposed salary increase — totalling 10 percent over three years — is the maximum it can sustainably offer, but unions are demanding better pay, improved career progression and firm limits on AI use to protect jobs and editorial integrity. Mass rallies are planned in Sydney and Melbourne, as the dispute is set to be taken to the Fair Work Commission for resolution.

Journalists at Australian Broadcasting Corporation to Strike Over Pay, Conditions and AI Concerns

SYDNEY — Hundreds of journalists at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) will stage a 24-hour strike on Wednesday, marking the broadcaster’s first industrial action in two decades. The walkout comes .... read more

TEHRAN: Iran continues to maintain its stance of fully controlling ship movements in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, only allowing ships deemed “non-hostile” to transit as long as they coordinate with Tehran authorities. This was stated in an official letter from Iran to member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In the letter, Iran stressed that foreign ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz provided they comply with announced safety regulations and are not involved in any form of support for aggressive actions against the country. Iran added that ships linked to the United States, Israel or parties involved in the current conflict are not eligible for passage. Ship tracking data in recent days shows that Iran has allowed a small number of ships to transit through its territorial waters, including ships from China, India and Pakistan. This route is often used to allow Iranian authorities to verify the identity and purpose of ships before they are allowed to pass, according to maritime analysts. Due to the risk of attacks and tensions in the narrow waters near Oman, many commercial ships are now changing their routes to routes closer to the Iranian coast, including the area around Larak Island. The move gives Iran a monitoring advantage as well as strengthening its control over maritime traffic in the strategic route. The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz peaked after the US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, causing shipping traffic to almost come to a standstill and affecting global oil supplies. The Strait of Hormuz previously handled around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. With rising shipping costs and global oil prices, Iran is now trying to balance its economic interests while maintaining pressure on its perceived enemies. Free navigation access in the Strait of Hormuz is also one of the main points in the 15-point peace plan developed by the United States and sent to Iran via Pakistan. But so far, there is no sign that Tehran is willing to give up its strategic advantage without comprehensive security guarantees. Iran has said it will not relax control over the maritime route as long as the conflict continues, with several government sources insisting that pressure on the enemy will continue until there is a full ceasefire.

West Asia conflict: Iran insists on controlling the Strait of Hormuz, passage only for ‘non-enemy’ ships

TEHRAN: Iran continues to maintain its stance of fully controlling ship movements in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, only allowing ships deemed “non-hostile” .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated Malaysia’s firm stance calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic negotiations amid escalating tensions in West Asia. In a phone conversation with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Anwar strongly condemned military actions against Iran and rejected unilateral measures that violate international law. He stressed the need to protect civilians and prioritise peaceful resolution through dialogue. Both leaders also discussed the broader impact of the conflict on global security and the economy, including rising fuel prices affecting New Zealand’s energy sector. Anwar welcomed Wellington’s efforts to enhance energy security and accelerate its transition to renewable energy. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Malaysia–New Zealand relations under the Strategic Partnership framework, particularly in trade, investment and energy cooperation, while pledging continued engagement to address shared global challenges.

Malaysia Reaffirms Ceasefire Call, Strengthens Ties with New Zealand

KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated Malaysia’s firm stance calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic negotiations amid escalating tensions in West Asia. In .... read more

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KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will continue to support Indonesia’s diplomatic efforts to ease the Iran-Israel conflict to ensure tensions are reduced and civilian lives are protected. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said such support for Jakarta’s initiative is expected to help open the door to meaningful negotiations towards a peaceful and lasting solution in West Asia. In a Facebook post, Anwar said the matter was among the issues discussed during his telephone conversation with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto yesterday. “We both called for peace, and I informed President Prabowo that Malaysia supports all efforts aimed at achieving peace and resolving the conflict,” he said. Apart from regional and international matters, Anwar said he and Prabowo also agreed to meet soon to further strengthen the already close bilateral relations between the two countries. “We agreed to arrange a meeting in the near future, including my proposal to visit Jakarta as part of efforts to enhance our close bilateral ties,” he said.

Malaysia Supports Indonesia’s Diplomatic Efforts To Ease Iran-Israel Conflict – PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) — Malaysia will continue to support Indonesia’s diplomatic efforts to ease the Iran-Israel conflict to ensure tensions are reduced and civilian lives are protected. Prime .... read more

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Russia pulls out more personnel from Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant

Russia pulls out more personnel from Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant

MOSCOW: Russia will continue the process of evacuating its personnel from the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran, after a series of attacks near the sensitive facility raised security concerns. .... read more

Temporary Rule Change Expands NZ Fuel Supply Sources

The New Zealand Government has announced a temporary policy change aimed at strengthening the country’s fuel supply resilience, as global market conditions remain tight. Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones said .... read more

ISTANBUL, March 23 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- United States (US) President Donald Trump on Monday said he has ordered a 5-day postponement of all strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure, citing “very good and productive” talks with Tehran over the past two days, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. “I am pleased to report that the United States of America and the country of Iran have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East,” Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social. He added that based on the “tenor and tone of these in-depth, detailed, and constructive conversations, which will continue throughout the week," he has instructed the Department of Defence to postpone all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period. The pause is subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions, he added. This comes as regional escalation has continued to flare since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb 28, killing so far over 1,340 people, including the then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.

Trump Pauses Strikes On Iran’s Energy Infrastructure For 5 Days After ‘Productive’ Talks

ISTANBUL — United States (US) President Donald Trump on Monday said he has ordered a 5-day postponement of all strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure, citing “very good .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama-Agencies) -- Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar will celebrate Aidilfitri on Friday (March 20). Saudi Arabia’s Royal Court issued a statement on Wednesday announcing that the Supreme Court has decided that the final day of Ramadan in the Kingdom will fall on Thursday (March 19), with the first day of Aidilfitri on Friday, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. Meanwhile, the UAE’s Presidential Court made a similar announcement, stating that Thursday will mark the completion of the holy month of Ramadan in the UAE, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM). In a statement, the Presidential Court said that, based on the decision of the Moon-sighting Committee for Shawwal 1447 AH, which convened on Wednesday evening in Abu Dhabi, and following a review of reports and moon-sighting results across the country, the Shawwal crescent was not sighted on that evening. Similarly, Qatar’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs’ crescent moon sighting committee announced that Thursday will be the 30th and final day of Ramadan, with Aidilfitri on Friday. The committee said this in a statement issued after its meeting at the ministry’s headquarters on Wednesday evening, corresponding to Ramadan 29, 1447 AH, the Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar To Celebrate Aidilfitri On Friday

KUALA LUMPUR — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar will celebrate Aidilfitri on Friday (March 20). Saudi Arabia’s Royal Court issued a statement on Wednesday announcing that .... read more

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