#AWANITonight with Hafiz Marzukhi
- Chinese president Xi arrives in Malaysia
- Pak Lah laid to rest at Makam Pahlawan
#AWANIEnglish #AWANInews
- Chinese president Xi arrives in Malaysia
- Pak Lah laid to rest at Makam Pahlawan
#AWANIEnglish #AWANInews
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00Hello and good evening, you're watching Awani Tonight with me, Hafiz Marzouki.
00:12The fifth Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, was late to rest at 2.30pm today
00:17at the Makam Pahlawan or the National Heroes Mausoleum at the National Mosque.
00:23Thousands of people, including statesmen, political leaders and members of the public
00:27were in attendance at the funeral to honour the late former Prime Minister.
00:33His casket draped in the Jalo Gemilang was carried by eight army personnel
00:38from the main prayer hall to the mausoleum after funeral prayers were completed.
00:42Among those in attendance were Prime Minister Datuk Sri Anwar Ibrahim
00:46and Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Sri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Sri Fadila Yusof
00:51along with four former Prime Ministers, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Datuk Sri Najib Razak,
00:56Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
00:59Also present were notable political figures including Singapore Senior Minister Lee Sien Lo.
01:05Born on November 26, 1939 in Bayan Lepas, Penang,
01:09Tun Abdullah served as Kepala Batas MP from 1978 to 2008.
01:14Affectionately known as Pak La, he became Prime Minister on October 31, 2003
01:19after Tun Dr Mahathir's resignation and served until April 3, 2009.
01:24He passed away at 7.10pm yesterday at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur at the age of 85.
01:31Tun Abdullah is the fifth national leader to be laid to rest at the mausoleum
01:35alongside Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Tun Hussein Onn and Tun Abdul Ghafar Baba.
01:42China President Xi Jinping has arrived in Malaysia for a three-day state visit beginning today.
01:53The aircraft carrying Xi and his delegation landed at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport KLIA
01:58at approximately 6.48pm.
02:02Prime Minister Datuk Sri Anwar Ibrahim along with Foreign Minister Datuk Sri Muhammad Hassan,
02:06Transport Minister Anthony Loeb and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia O-Yang Yu Jing were present to greet Xi's delegation.
02:15Wisma Putra had said that the visit from April 15 to 17 was at the invitation of the Yang Dipertuan Agong,
02:22His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim.
02:24Accompanied by Cabinet Ministers and Senior Government Officials,
02:27Xi was scheduled to meet with Anwar to discuss bilateral cooperation
02:31and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
02:37The visit was part of Xi's first tour of state visits in 2025,
02:42including stops in Vietnam and Cambodia.
02:45Xi's last state visit to Malaysia was in 2013,
02:48during which both countries elevated their diplomatic relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
02:55Malaysia and China established diplomatic relations on May 31, 1974.
03:00Now, as part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Malaysia,
03:09Esra Awani hosted an insight-sharing session with CGTN.
03:14Here's Farhana Sheh in conversation with CGTN anchor Li Choyan.
03:20Hello, I'm delighted to have with us Li Choyan from CGTN
03:24to share with us her insights and anecdotes of the growing Malaysia-China relations.
03:29Thank you so much for being with us here today.
03:32Thank you so much for having me, Farhana.
03:34Right.
03:35Choyan, looking back at 50 years of ties,
03:38what do you think are some of the untold or underappreciated moments in China-Malaysia relations?
03:42Well, one of my favorite moments was back in the 1970s and 1980s
03:48when we had those early cultural exchanges.
03:50And these exchanges included traditional Chinese art troops visiting Malaysia
03:54and Malaysian folk artists coming to China, fostering mutual understanding and respect.
04:00For example, the Po Senteng Temple in Malaysia, which honors the famous Chinese navigator Zheng He,
04:05is a symbol of our long-standing historical connections.
04:08And another aspect that I think is often overlooked is the role of Malaysian students here in China.
04:14In recent years, students like those from Tianjin University have written letters to Chinese leaders
04:20expressing their commitment to promoting China-Malaysia friendship.
04:24I mean, these young people, they are the future ambassadors of our bilateral ties.
04:28And their efforts in sharing their experiences and fostering people-to-people bonds
04:31are really crucial for the long-term development of our ties.
04:35And of course, the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2024, that was a big deal.
04:40There were a series of commemorative events that really highlighted the depth of our cultural
04:45and people-to-people exchanges.
04:47For instance, the China-Malaysia Campus Cultural Day held at Weinan Primary School of Xi'an
04:52Deltung University was really amazing.
04:54It featured activities like Bahasa, Malayu teaching by Malaysian students,
04:59a badminton coaching session by professional Malaysian coaches,
05:03a Malaysian movie screening, and an introduction to Malaysian cuisine.
05:06So these events not only celebrate our historical ties,
05:10but also lay the foundation for future cooperation and friendship.
05:15And I think these relations and cultural exchanges will just keep on happening
05:18and grow even stronger year by year.
05:21I really feel that way.
05:23Right.
05:23So how does Chinese media actually view Malaysia's role within ASEAN,
05:27especially now that we are chairing ASEAN for the year 2025,
05:31when it comes to regional stability and economic integration?
05:34Right.
05:36Chinese media sees Malaysia as a cornerstone of ASEAN,
05:39crucial for regional stability and economic integration.
05:42With its prime location, a solid infrastructure, and booming digital economy,
05:47it's really the perfect bridge between ASEAN and China.
05:50I mean, economically, Malaysia has been a real powerhouse.
05:53It's been at the forefront of ASEAN's integration efforts,
05:56pushing for free trade and investment.
05:58Take the East Coast Rail Link Project, for example.
06:00Once it's done, it'll not only boost Malaysia's own growth,
06:04but also connect with China Laos and China-Thailand rail networks,
06:07making the whole region more integrated.
06:10And Malaysia is also a key player in China's Belt and Road Initiative.
06:13So projects like the Malaysia-China-Quantan Industrial Park are already creating jobs,
06:19improving logistics, and attracting investment.
06:21And this is not just good for Malaysia.
06:23It helps the whole ASEAN region grow together.
06:26And when it comes to regional stability, Malaysia is doing a great job, we think,
06:31strengthening people-to-people bonds and cultural exchanges.
06:33The China-ASEAN media and think tank forum in Kuala Lumpur
06:36really highlighted how important it is to bring different perspectives together
06:41and promote harmony.
06:44I mean, I think with partnerships with our neighbors like China, for example,
06:48this, you know, we can amplify our role
06:50and help strengthen ASEAN's position even more.
06:53So thank you for your assessment of that.
06:56Now, you know, we talk about politics and trade a lot,
06:59but Chinese soft power is also expanding.
07:02So how is CGTN, you know, as a key media,
07:04they're adapting its storytelling to resonate with younger South Asian audiences?
07:10That's a very good question, Farhana.
07:11At CGTN, we are all about reaching out to the next generation,
07:15especially the tech-savvy, socially conscious young folks in Southeast Asia.
07:20So we're diving headfirst into cutting-edge tech
07:24to create content that really speaks to them.
07:26Take our series Beyond the Fabbles, for example.
07:29This was launched in 2024.
07:31It's an AI-powered micro-drama
07:33that blends ancient Chinese myths with modern tech.
07:36It's not just a show.
07:37It's an experience that brings China's rich cultural heritage
07:40and technological progress to live.
07:42And it's super engaging for younger viewers.
07:44And we also get that Southeast Asia's youth are all about digital trends and pop culture.
07:50So we are making content that's diverse and relatable,
07:54touching on shared cultural values, youth empowerment, and social issues.
07:58We're focusing on what matters to them, you know,
08:01aiming to build a real connection here.
08:03And social media is huge among young Southeast Asians.
08:06We're aware of that.
08:07So we're leveraging platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
08:11We're creating short, engaging videos and teaming up with influencers
08:15to really grab their attention.
08:18And don't forget, sustainability and social responsibility,
08:21they are also big deals for this generation.
08:24So we are weaving these themes into our storytelling,
08:27highlighting China's efforts in environmental protection,
08:30renewable energy, and social development.
08:32So this aligns with their values
08:34and could help us build a positive image among this generation.
08:38And now, lastly, we also care a lot about localization.
08:43We're adopting our content to fit local tastes and preferences,
08:46collaborating with local talents sometimes,
08:48and incorporating regional elements.
08:50So by telling stories that reflect the shared experiences
08:53of the young people in the region,
08:54we're hoping to make our content more relatable and appealing.
08:59Right. I mean, very much exciting thing to come,
09:01and we're looking forward to it on our side.
09:03Thank you so much, Joanne, for your time and for your insights.
09:06Thank you so much for having me.
09:08Good to talk to you, Farhana.
09:12We'll go for a short break. Stay with us.
09:14Singaporeans will head to the polls on May 3rd
09:34for the country's 14th January election.
09:37The upcoming vote will mark the first electoral test
09:40for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong,
09:42who succeeded long-time leader Li Xianlong
09:44as head of the People's Action Party, or PAP.
09:50Nomination Day has been set for April 23rd,
09:53giving candidates the minimum nine days to campaign
09:56before cooling off day on May 2nd.
09:58A total of 97 seats are up for grabs across 33 constituencies,
10:03comprising 18 group representation constituencies
10:06and 15 single-member seats.
10:09The ruling PAP is widely expected to maintain
10:12its long-standing dominance since 1965,
10:15though its share of the popular vote will be closely watched
10:19after a weaker showing in 2020.
10:22It faces a renewed challenge from the opposition,
10:25which has steadily gained ground in parliament over the years.
10:28The vote comes amid a gloomy economic outlook,
10:31with Singapore revising its 2025 growth forecast down to 0-2%,
10:37citing pressure from U.S. tariffs.
10:42Harvard has rejected numerous demands from the Trump administration
10:46that it said would cede control of the school
10:49to a conservative government that portrays universities
10:51as dangerously leftist.
10:54Within hours of Harvard taking its stand,
10:56the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump
10:59announced it was freezing US$2.3 billion in federal funding to the school.
11:06The funding freeze comes after the Trump administration said last month
11:10it was reviewing US$9 billion in federal contracts and grants to Harvard
11:14as part of a crackdown on what it says is anti-Semitism
11:18that erupted on college campuses during pro-Palestinian protests
11:22in the past 18 months.
11:23Harvard President Alan Garber wrote in a public letter on Monday
11:27that demands made by the Department of Education last week
11:30would allow the federal government to control the Harvard community
11:33and threaten the school's values as a private institution
11:36devoted to pursuit, production and dissemination of knowledge.
11:40The issue of anti-Semitism on campus erupted
11:42before Trump took office for his second term,
11:45following pro-Palestinian student protests last year
11:47at several universities following the 2023 Hamas attack inside Israel
11:51and the subsequent Israeli attacks on Gaza.
11:57Gaza is experiencing its most severe humanitarian crisis
12:01since the outbreak of hostilities 18 months ago.
12:04At a press conference on Monday,
12:06the United Nations has issued a stark warning
12:08on the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza,
12:11blaming Israel for blocking aid and violating international law.
12:15Israel has responsibilities under international law
12:22as the occupying power to adequately provide basic services
12:29and humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
12:32That is not happening.
12:35We will point out the situations, the violations of we feel is international law.
12:39Dujarik confirmed it has been a month and a half
12:42since any supplies were allowed through Gaza's crossings,
12:45the longest halt to date.
12:47UN staffs reported intensified Israeli attacks in recent days,
12:51causing high civilian casualties
12:52and further damaging Gaza's fragile infrastructure
12:56as well as UN warehouses and food centres.
12:59While an Israeli strike on Sunday has hit Al-Ahli Arab Baptized Hospital,
13:04the last fully functional hospital in Gaza City,
13:06with 200 Palestinian patients and injured forced to leave the buildings.
13:12Health authorities warned nearly 34 hospitals in Gaza
13:15have been completely or partially destroyed by Israeli airstrikes.
13:20Meanwhile, the latest ceasefire talks in Cairo ended without progress,
13:24according to Palestinian and Egyptian sources,
13:26with Hamas insisting that any deal must include an end to the war.
13:31Egypt's latest proposal calls for Hamas to release
13:34aid-living Israeli detainees in return for a 40 to 50-day ceasefire.
13:40In exchange, Israel would free hundreds of Palestinian detainees
13:44and resume humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.
13:46Now, that report wraps up Awani tonight.
13:52Check out our web portal,
13:54keeping you informed on the critical events,
13:57shaping our world,
13:58all in one place,
13:59at international.astroawani.com.
14:03That's all for now.
14:05I'm Hafiz Marzouki.
14:06Thanks for watching and good night.
14:07I'm Hafiz Marzouki.
14:08I'm Hafiz Marzouki.
14:09I'm Hafiz Marzouki.
14:09I'm Hafiz Marzouki.
14:10I'm Hafiz Marzouki.
14:10I'm Hafiz Marzouki.
14:11I'm Hafiz Marzouki.
14:11I'm Hafiz Marzouki.
14:12I'm Hafiz Marzouki.
14:12I'm Hafiz Marzouki.
14:13I'm Hafiz Marzouki.
14:13I'm Hafiz Marzouki.
14:14I'm Hafiz Marzouki.
14:15I'm Hafiz Marzouki.
14:16I'm Hafiz Marzouki.
14:17I'm Hafiz Marzouki.
14:18I'm Hafiz Marzouki.
14:19I'm Hafiz Marzouki.
14:20I'm Hafiz Marzouki.
14:21I'm Hafiz Marzouki.