PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to lead Malaysia’s delegation to the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, from November 22, highlighting the nation’s role as ASEAN Chair in advancing equitable and sustainable economic development.
Invited by South African President and current G20 Chair Cyril Ramaphosa, Anwar will engage in discussions under the summit’s theme, “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” which closely aligns with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chair priority of “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
The G20 brings together 19 countries and two regional organisations—the European Union and the African Union—representing over 85 per cent of global GDP, 75 per cent of international trade, and 65 per cent of the world’s population.
In a parallel diplomatic effort in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Malaysian government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Palestine’s post-conflict recovery, particularly in digital connectivity.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil met with Palestinian Deputy Minister of Telecommunications and Digital Economy Huda Al-Wahidi and South African Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technology Mondli Gungubele on the sidelines of the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025.
Fahmi emphasised that Malaysia will explore mechanisms to address connectivity challenges in Gaza and other Palestinian territories, stating,
“I will bring several findings to the Cabinet, discussing with the Prime Minister and Wisma Putra so that the support we provide is not only technical.” He noted that Palestine intends to submit a special proposal to the International Telecommunication Union to redefine connectivity as a humanitarian right, adding,
“They feel there is a need to define connectivity as a humanitarian aspect that should not be targeted in any conflict.”
The minister also announced plans to provide scholarships for five Palestinian students in network and radio engineering in Malaysia to help rebuild communications infrastructure damaged by Israeli attacks, particularly in Gaza.
Discussions with South Africa highlighted bilateral cooperation in the telecommunications sector, with Fahmi noting that officials from Pretoria were impressed by Malaysia’s rapid 5G deployment and affordable internet access.
“We see several areas successfully implemented in Malaysia that can be discussed with our counterparts in South Africa,” he said.
The meetings in Baku were attended by Malaysia’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ahmad Kamrizamil Mohd Riza, MCMC Deputy Director General (Regulation and Corporate) Datuk Zurkarnain Mohd Yasin, and Ministry of Communications Technology Secretary Ahmad Ahmad Norhad Zahari, underscoring Malaysia’s simultaneous engagement on global economic leadership and digital humanitarian initiatives. - November 20, 2025
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