Saturday, September 21, 2024

Malaysian King in China for maiden visit

King accorded state welcome in Beijing

Red-carpet welcome: Sultan Ibrahim arriving in Beijing as a guard of honour mounted by the People’s Liberation Army stands at attention. Accompanying His Majesty is Sun (right). — Bernama

BEIJING: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia has arrived for a four-day state visit to China.

His Majesty, who ascended the throne on Jan 31, is making his maiden state visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

The special aircraft carrying His Majesty departed from the Royal Malaysian Air Force Subang Air Base at about 9.40am yesterday and arrived at the Official Terminal, Beijing Capital International Airport at 3.30pm.

Accompanying His Majesty on the visit are Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.

Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, who arrived at the same airport in a separate aircraft at about 3pm, is also accompanying His Majesty on the visit.

Sultan Ibrahim was received at the airport by China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong, China’s Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, Malaysian Foreign Ministry secretary- general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zain and Malaysia’s Ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad.

His Majesty received the salute from a guard of honour mounted by the People’s Liberation Army.

His Majesty’s visit symbolises the robust state of bilateral relations between Malaysia and China that have continued to grow since its elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2013.

During the visit, Sultan Ibrahim will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, followed by an audience with Xi and a state banquet hosted by the Chinese President.

His Majesty will also grant an audience to Premier Li Qiang and visit the Beijing COMAC Aircraft Technology Research Centre to observe the latest developments in China’s aviation technology.

His Majesty is also scheduled to attend the naming ceremony of the Chair of Malay Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University in His Majesty’s honour and engage with the Malaysian diaspora during the visit.

The visit also coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China.

Earlier, during a press conference, Norman said His Majesty’s state visit is highly anticipated by China.

He noted that this is the first state visit by a Malaysian King to China in 10 years, marking a significant moment for both nations as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

This is the second state visit conducted by His Majesty, with the first being a two-day visit to Singapore in May at the invitation of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. — Bernama

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Malaysian king’s China visit to ‘expand co-op’
Malaysia's new king Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar (C, L) attends the installation ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 20, 2024. Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar was formally installed as Malaysia's new king on Saturday, as part of a grand ceremony marking the event held at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur. (Malaysia's Department of Information/Handout via Xinhua)

Malaysia's new king Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar (C, L) attends the installation ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 20, 2024. Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar was formally installed as Malaysia's new king on Saturday, as part of a grand ceremony marking the event held at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur. (Malaysia's Department of Information/Handout via Xinhua)

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Friday, September 20, 2024

Self-repair capability of US democracy is weakening, with grave consequences, Second assassination attempt on Donald Trump

Illustration: Chen Xia/Global Times

Former US president Donald Trump was once again the target of an assassination attempt, marking the second such incident in two months.

How many more bullets are aimed at American political figures? This event has thrust the issue of escalating political violence in the US into the spotlight.

Politicians have resumed their customary performances in Washington: condemning violence and calling for unity. Yet, behind these lofty words lies a political system spiraling out of control, a beacon slowly dimming.

American media and analysts have offered various explanations: increasing social inequality, political polarization, the spread of fake news, and rampant gun ownership.

Some even provide historical context, suggesting that the political violence has always been part of American politics.

The evolution of America's democratic system to its current state is linked to early defects in this machine. However, it has self-repair capabilities, and the current problem is that this ability is weakening.

It can no longer keep pace with the global progress and development of democracy, nor can it adapt to the political and social developments within the US.

The flaws of this dual-party rivalry are becoming increasingly apparent over time.

The American electoral system is gradually becoming a money game. Whoever has the financial resources can manipulate election outcomes. Corporations and wealthy individuals easily influence policy directions through political donations.

In this process, the voices of ordinary citizens are feeling completely marginalized. This money-driven politics exacerbates social inequality and erodes public confidence in the political system.

The two-party system has devolved into a disingenuous performance. The Republicans and Democrats appear to be at odds, but in reality, they are engaged in a back-and-forth power play.

Their conflicts are not about solving problems but about winning elections. In this process, the true spirit of democracy is cast aside, ultimately deepening societal division and polarization.

Social media in the US has become a tool for spreading lies and hatred. In such an information environment, it is difficult for the public to make rational judgments, and extreme ideologies and conspiracy theories flourish.

The American judicial system has also been politicized. Supreme Court justices are no longer neutral arbiters but have become representatives of party interests. The law is no longer a symbol of justice but a weapon in political struggles. Critically, this machine can no longer solve these problems and instead becomes a creator of issues.

Even the shrewdest politicians cannot discern whether it is societal polarization that has caused party polarization or vice versa.

This touches upon a more fundamental problem: it is the system itself that perpetuates political violence. In other words, the machine's operating system is flawed, not just a few parts or components. It either produces defective outcomes or damages itself in the process.

Washington's politicians seem aware of the severity of the problem but are powerless. They continue to exploit the system for their political gain, attempting to divert attention by creating new adversaries.

America needs a political reform. It needs to redefine what true democracy is and establish a political system that genuinely represents the interests of all people. This inclusivity is crucial for rebuilding the public's confidence in politics.

Meanwhile, Washington's political elites should be careful in using the term "democracy" on the international stage, as it may further remind people to pay greater attention to the challenge they are facing domestically, and damage their reputation.

The bullets are flying, and the potential consequences are grave. Who will they ultimately hit? Let us wait and see.

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Australia's negative perception of China could be overstated

China to step up counteractions if Manila keeps provocation: expert

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Thursday, September 19, 2024

Mayhem as storms lash Penang, felling over 200 trees, damage homes, Shanghai hit by strongest typhoon in 75 years

Penang seaside spots bashed by strong winds and tides

Volunteers sawing off fallen branches after they fell on a parked car in Butterworth, Penang. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

GEORGE TOWN, Penang - Pandemonium swept through Penang when storms caused over 200 roadside trees to topple, crushing cars, damaging homes and putting motorists’ lives in danger.

The northern region of Malaysia has been lashed by storms since Sept 15 and on Sept 17 morning, bouts of strong winds toppled more trees onto passing vehicles on many roads.

The intense wind whipped up the sea too, and in the clan jetties off Pengkalan Weld, a walk away from Penang island’s ferry terminal, violent waves tore up the planks on the jetties.

Built in the 1900s, the clan jetties stretch offshore for over 100m and people live on wooden homes along these jetties, which are tourist attractions.

Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng advised tourists not to visit the clan jetties in the near term till repairs were made.

“Volunteers have been dispatched to monitor and arrange for repairs where necessary.

“For safety, we advise visitors to refrain from visiting the jetties and coastal areas during high tides,” he said.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow called for all motorists to be vigilant as trees fell in 90 places and three houses and eight cars were damaged on Sept 15.

“On Sept 16, fallen trees were reported in nine locations,” he told a press conference on Sept 17.

As at noon on Sept 17, more trees fell in 43 locations, he added.

Mr Chow said even mainland Penang was not spared, with falling trees reported in 30 locations.

Many of Penang’s roads, especially in George Town, are lined with shady decades-old trees – some so large it will take the outstretched arms of at least three adults to encircle them.

The Pulau Tikus suburb, which motorists pass on their way to Tanjung Bungah and beach resort of Batu Ferringhi, had 13 falling trees as at 9.50am on Sept 17, said Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Wong.

He said Penang Island City Council had removed 30 dangerous trees in his constituency so far, and he was saddened to still see so many roadside trees falling and becoming major hazards during the current stormy spell.

He said in the past, the city council had been persuaded by some non-governmental organisations to preserve large and old trees, but “it was a mistake”.

Beautiful as they were, he said these large roadside trees posed a major risk to life and property during storms.

“Penang needs a ‘green city’ concept that is safe, without big, old trees that are dangerous to people and property,” he added.

Retiree Kenny Chuah, 63, from Pulau Tikus, said he drove his daughter to work just 2km away in Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah at 7.30am on Sept 17.

“During the whole drive there and back, the rain was not heavy, but the winds were incredible. I watched roadside trees swaying crazily, and it was frightening.

“On my way back to my house, I drove quickly to get past stretches with old roadside trees. The road was littered with small fallen branches,” he said. -THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

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