UN Human Rights Council adopts China-tabled draft resolution on promoting economic, social and cultural rights

 

Photo: CFP

A draft resolution on promoting and protecting economic, social and cultural rights within the context of addressing inequalities was adopted without a vote at the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council on Monday.

The draft resolution was submitted by China on behalf of nearly 70 countries, including Bolivia, Egypt, Pakistan, and South Africa, according to CCTV News.

Chinese Ambassador Chen Xu, China's permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, said at the session that as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN and the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, China's proposal aims to bridge differences, build consensus and focus on action-oriented cooperation, CCTV News reported.

He called for strengthening multilateralism and international cooperation, holding thematic discussions and interactive dialogues within the Human Rights Council, supporting the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in enhancing its work on economic, social and cultural rights, and making full use of the economic social and cultural rights knowledge hub established under a China-tabled resolution to better provide technical assistance and capacity-building for countries in need.

Various developing countries voiced support, saying the resolution reflects the real needs of people and effectively responds to the strong calls of developing countries for increasing investment in economic, social and cultural rights. Various parties including the EU commended the resolution. After its adoption, many countries and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights extended congratulations to the Chinese mission, recognizing China's leading role in advancing these rights globally, according to CCTV News.

How China’s J-16 drives away foreign stealth jets, deterring them from approaching China’s coastal waters again

 

Li Chao Photo: CCTV news

"My canopy was only about 10 to 15 meters away from his…" In a documentary titled Invincible about the V-Day military parade, aired Thursday on China Central Television, a pilot from the special mission aircraft formation shared his experience of driving away two foreign stealth fighter jets while flying a domestically developed J-16 fighter jet, according to CCTV news.

Li Chao, a pilot with the PLA Air Force under the Western Theater Command, encountered two foreign fighter jets during a coastal training mission in 2024. "They headed straight toward our two aircraft. Their intention was very clear—it was a provocation.With our backs to the territorial sea line, we had to intercept them."

During the first encounter, Li locked onto the foreign fighter jet. Its wingman immediately broke away at high speed, while the other foreign fighter jet exited the combat zone and locked onto Li's jet. Seizing the opportunity, Li pulled up his aircraft and executed a barrel roll, flying inverted directly above the foreign jet.

"At that moment, my canopy was just 10 to 15 meters away from his. After completing this maneuver, I simultaneously locked onto both foreign fighter jets. In the end, both aircraft withdrew," Li said. 

That was the only encounter. Since then, this type of foreign fighter jet has not been spotted again near China's coastal waters, according to CCTV.

Chinese media revealed on Monday how China’s J-20 stealth ...

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After multiple rounds of intensive attack and defense, the foreign military aircraft were finally expelled. (Video: CCTV Military Channel) ...

Financial literacy boost for consumers

Those borrowing more than RM100k to be sent for courses

PETALING JAYA: The new rule requiring personal loan applicants who borrow more than RM100,000 to attend financial ­education courses will help consumers make better decisions, says the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca).

Its chief executive officer Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said the measure announced by Bank Negara is timely, as many borrowers underestimate repayment burdens and the risks of default.

“The modules can help high-risk ­borrowers understand the dangers of over-borrowing, be cautious about ­unsustainable commitments, and better evaluate whether the loan will genuinely serve their financial needs,” he said.

Saravanan added that financial edu­cation is critical for preventing households from being trapped in long-term hardship.

“With effective modules, borrowers will be more informed about interest costs, repayment schedules and the long-term impact on their financial well-being.”

Automotive journalist Caleb Fong said the move is good to safeguard younger or less experienced borrowers.

“For younger people like us, financial decisions can be overwhelming. The modules could be useful, provided they are practical and not filled with information we already know,” he said.

Animal activist Myza Nordin, 57, said the requirement is a brilliant move, noting that many Malaysians were already burdened by loans they could not afford.

“Servicing a large loan can be a major commitment that could take a heavy toll on borrowers and their families.

“This is especially so when people take loans simply because they can, and not because there is an urgent need,” she added.

Self-employed Padma Zachariah, 58, said servicing huge loans could have a lifelong impact.

“Having never taken a personal loan, I can see the value of ensuring people understand the responsibility that comes with borrowing such large amounts,” said Padma.

Finance executive Kamal Kanapathy, 50, said the policy is a significant step forward, but its success would depend on implementation.

“The quality and accessibility of the ­financial education modules will be paramount.

“The provision empowering lenders to recommend the module to high-risk borrowers, for any loan amount, would also be a welcome safeguard that should be applied diligently,” he said.

Entrepreneur Charles Manickam, 58, said the initiative would help individuals and households exercise greater care in managing their finances.

“It will also create greater awareness of potential risks and pitfalls, including legal implications and insolvency if debts are not paid,” he said, though adding the ­success of such a programme was “debatable”.

Accountant Long Paul Lin, 48, said the new policy could help prevent more young people from being declared bankrupt.

“Banks easily give out personal loans and sometimes individuals take the maximum amount they qualify for without worrying about the consequences. As a result, they either live from hand to mouth for years while servicing the loans, or end up bankrupt when they cannot pay,” she said.

Lawyer CR Chua said while financial education is good, most Malaysians do not qualify for a RM100,000 personal loan.

“Those who do are already high net worth individuals who probably know the system better than most of us,” he said.

He suggests that Bank Negara extend the module to all personal loan applicants, since those who end up in trouble are ­usually from lower income groups.

The Star

Multi-agency office to boost financial literacy, help teach M'sians to avoid fraud and debt

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/10/03/multi-agency-office-to-boost-financial-literacy-help-teach-m039sians-to-avoid-fraud-and-debt 

JKR on guard against landslides

 

Taking precautions Workers busy repairing the slope at Taman Eko Rimba, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, to prevent any untoward incidents during the upcoming northeast monsoon. — ART CHEN/ The Star

Early warning systems, monitoring best defence for risky slopes, say department

PETALING JAYA: With more than 1,000 slopes nationwide flagged as high-risk ahead of the northeast monsoon, the Public Works Department (JKR) says round-the-clock monitoring and early-warning systems remain the country’s best defence against sudden collapses.

JKR director-general Datuk Roslan Ismail said although the prediction of the exact time and location of a slope collapse is still very difficult, the ministry monitors precursors at all times to ensure minimal damage.

He said that, despite advanced technologies, it is still not easy to solve all of Mother Nature’s failings.  

ALSO READ: Avoid outdoor activities, public urged

The best the authorities can do is to treat the symptoms – the precursors such as rain and soil movement.

Roslan was responding to the recent announcement by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi that there are slopes nationwide that are classified as high-risk and on the verge of collapsing at any time.

He said that there are 1,066 high-risk slopes in Peninsular Malaysia, seven in Sabah, one in Sarawak, and 13 in Labuan.

ALSO READ: High anxiety and higher insurance costs living near hillslopes

“In Peninsular Malaysia, numerous very high-risk slopes that have been previously identified are situated along federal roads. A notable cluster of these high-risk sites has been observed on the East-West Highway.

“Current systems do not ‘precisely predict’ every collapse (of soil). 

“What the system does is detect precursors (excessive rainfall, ground movement and pore pressure rises) and issue early-warning alerts when thresholds are exceeded. 

“Research and JKR practices show early-warning systems and real-time monitoring reduce surprise failures and allow protective action.

ALSO READ: Monsoon transition brings storm risks

“Through the Slope Engineering Branch of JKR, we are equipped to address potential disasters by identifying slopes that may be unstable. The Slope Hazard and Risk Map (SHaRp) works in tandem with the Landslide Early Warning System (EWS) to achieve this.

“This Early Warning System uses telemetry technology to provide early alerts when the rainfall index measured by installed rain gauges exceeds the warning threshold. There are 73 rain gauge stations installed across Malaysia,” said Roslan. 

Other sensors and thresholds used are the robotic total stations (RTS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) at selected critical slopes to detect movement and rainfall thresholds that trigger alerts.

 “These sensors provide data on thresholds, such as rainfall amounts and displacement, to the monitoring room. When these thresholds are met, BiGBen will issue warnings, and roads can then be closed,” explained Roslan.

But he said that JKR does not just wait for these thresholds to be reached. 

“When a slope becomes imminently dangerous, operational measures such as pre-identified alternative routes, staged road closures, traffic diversions and coordination with emergency services will be activated immediately. 

“If landslides or slope failures occur, clearing the road and removing debris (landslide remnants), implementing traffic management plans, providing temporary diversion and alternative routes, and protecting the collapsed slope with plastic tarpaulin sheets to prevent further landslides before permanent slope repair or restoration work is carried out,” said Roslan. 

He said that, while slope failures are costly, the Works Ministry prioritises funding for repairs and prevention.

Roslan said that the ministry has also identified smaller sets for urgent repair for remedial work, which are specific projects with allocated budgets.

Despite the challenges in accurately predicting slope failures, Roslan emphasised that prevention remains a more cost-effective and safer approach.

“International and local studies show landslides produce large human and economic costs. 

“Malaysia has experienced costly landslide events, with academic research highlighting the cumulative impact of these incidents over several decades.

“Investing in monitoring, preventive maintenance, and remediation reduces fatalities, disruptions and long-term economic losses compared with post-disaster repairs and emergency response.

“Prevention is certainly better than allowing slope failures to occur, as large-scale landslides may result in much higher repair costs compared to early-stage mitigation costs. However, the government is subject to budget approvals and has a high backlog of repair works that must be prioritised.

“Preventive maintenance and early works budgets (and improved monitoring coverage) reduce the need for larger emergency expenditures and the indirect economic costs from road closures and disrupted supply chains,” said Roslan  - 

Related stories:

• Avoid outdoor activities, public urged
• Monsoon transition brings storm risks
• High anxiety and higher insurance costs living near hillslopes

Foreign media ‘stunned, surprised’ by aircraft carrier Fujian’s electromagnetic catapult-assisted aircraft launches

 China's first electromagnetic catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has achieved a breakthrough by hosting the first catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested landing training for the J-15T heavy fighter jet, the J-35 stealth fighter jet, and the KJ-600 early warning aircraft, the Chinese People's Liberation Ar the links into your  my (PLA) Navy announced on September 22, 2025. Photo: China Military Bugle

China's first electromagnetic catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has achieved a breakthrough by hosting the first catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested landing training for the J-15T heavy fighter jet, the J-35 stealth fighter jet, and the KJ-600 early warning aircraft, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy announced on September 22, 2025. Photo: China Military Bugle

The latest breakthrough made by China's aircraft carrier Fujian has attracted wide attention from foreign media outlets, with one of them saying the move was "a stunning leap forward" of China's aircraft carrier capability, while another called the sudden release a surprise. This comes after the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on Monday announced that the J-35 stealth fighter jet, J-15T heavy fighter jet and KJ-600 early warning aircraft had completed catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested landing training on China's third aircraft carrier, the electromagnetic catapult-equipped Fujian.

Chinese experts said the new carrier, expected to enter service soon, will elevate the PLA Navy's capability to new heights.

The only other aircraft carrier in the world that has the EMALS (electromagnetic aircraft launch system) is the US Navy's newest carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, which was certified for flight deck operations using the EMALS system in the spring of 2022, CNN noted in its report on the Fujian's technological breakthrough on Tuesday.

The EMALS system allows carrier aircraft to take off with heavier weapon and fuel loads than those operating off China's two older carriers, the Shandong and Liaoning, which feature ski-jump-type take-off ramps, enabling Fujian's aircraft to strike enemy targets from greater distances, CNN said. The report also quoted analysts as saying that the Fujian's ability to launch larger warplanes carrying higher munitions loads to farther distances will give the carrier a greater combat range than its predecessors in the Chinese fleet, providing the PLA Navy with blue-water capabilities.

Furthermore, The War Zone, a US-based defense specialist outlet, noted that not even the US Navy's USS Gerald R. Ford has ever launched a stealth fighter jet like the Fujian has done with the J-35. "[The Ford] has not launched an F-35C so far, making the J-35 the first stealth jet to achieve this feat. Based on earlier predictions, the F-35C may not do the same for some years," The War Zone wrote in a Monday article titled "China's Aircraft Carrier Capability Just Made A Stunning Leap Forward".

Naval News said on Tuesday that the "sudden release" by the Chinese military has taken the wider online commentariat somewhat by surprise. It noted that while the announcement was made on Monday, the flight operation-footage likely dates to earlier in 2025. Circumstantial evidence supporting this notion is again the particular condition of the ship at the time.

USNI News, the news website of the US Naval Institute, on Monday quoted analyst Ben Lewis as saying that the Fujian's test was a "significant milestone" for the Chinese military's carrier program.

"While it appears likely that the tests were done earlier this year, the choice to release the footage during Fujian's ninth sea trials suggests that Fujian will likely be ready for commissioning in the near future," Lewis said.

Chinese military affairs expert Zhang Junshe told the Global Times that with the Fujian's latest breakthrough, China is becoming a major aircraft carrier power, with both the carrier and its aircraft achieving world-class in key metrics.

This not only showed that the PLA has fully mastered and matured the application of complex electromagnetic catapults, but also reflected the continuous improvement in the capability and proficiency of naval personnel in operating high-tech equipment, Zhang Junshe said.

With the boost from electromagnetic catapults, the Fujian carrier formation can greatly expand its combat radius to cover as far as the second island chain in the Western Pacific, Zhang Junshe noted.

In response to a media request for comments on analyses claiming that the future commissioning of the aircraft carrier Fujian, the strike range of which will cover the second island chain, will surely change the strategic landscape in the Western Pacific region, and that some US analyses claimed that the Fujian will threaten US military deployment in the first island chain, Chinese Defense Ministry Spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said at a regular press conference on Thursday that China always adheres to a defensive national defense policy.

The development of China's weapons and equipment is solely for safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests. China will always be a force for peace, stability, and progress in the world, the spokesperson said.

Thursday marks the 13th anniversary of the commissioning of China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, with September 25, 2012 becoming the start of an era when the PLA Navy started aircraft carrier operations.

Zhang Junshe, the expert, further noted that the experience and exploration gained from the Liaoning have provided significant reference and assistance for the operation, training, and deployment of subsequent aircraft carriers, leading to a substantial enhancement of China's integrated combat capabilities for aircraft carriers.

From having no aircraft carrier to commissioning its first one in 2012 to now entering an era with three, China's naval capabilities have advanced rapidly.

"The PLA Navy will also have greater confidence in safeguarding maritime rights and interests and carrying out missions on the far seas," said Han Wei, a professor at the PLA's Naval Aviation University, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

The electromagnetic catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested landing training on the Fujian will powerfully drive a generational leap in the integrated combat capabilities of the aircraft carrier formation, providing crucial support for conducting far seas combat missions and accelerating the navy's strategic transition from near seas defense to far seas defense, Han said.

Looking into the future, Zhang Junshe said in an interview with the military channel of China Central Television (CCTV) that China's aircraft carrier program still has significant room for development. 

According to Zhang Junshe, future carriers will transition to utilizing catapult-assisted takeoff in terms of launch systems, while regarding propulsion, the direction is toward developing nuclear-powered carriers, CCTV reported.

Enhancing the PLA Navy's combat capabilities essentially translates to an increase in strength for safeguarding world peace, contributing to better defending the country, fulfilling international responsibilities and obligations, and maintaining global peace and stability, Zhang Junshe said.

When asked to confirm foreign media reports claiming that China's fourth aircraft carrier, also the first nuclear-powered one, is under construction at Dalian Shipyard, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang told the Global Times at a regular press conference on Thursday that he was not aware of the specific situation. He emphasized that China's aircraft carrier development is always conducted in accordance with national security needs and the progress of equipment technology. - Liu Xuanzun

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The evolution of Malaysian foreign policy

Kuala Lumpur once prized non-alignment above all else – now it sees Beijing as more reliable than lectures from the West.- Murni Abdul Hamid

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during a parade for Malaysian Independence Day celebrations last month in Putrajaya, Malaysia (Syaiful Redzuan/Anadolu via Getty Images

Malaysia’s approach in navigating great power rivalry since the Cold War has largely been based on the principles of non-alignment, neutralism, and equidistance. However, two contrasting snapshots of the country’s Independence (Merdeka) Day celebration – half a century apart – offer an interesting perspective on whether Malaysia’s contemporary position has shifted away from these principles.

On 31 August 1973, Malaysia’s second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak, hastily left the joyous Merdeka celebration midway to depart for Algiers and lead the Malaysian delegation to the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) Summit. It was his first time attending the summit. It had taken several attempts for Malaysia to become a NAM member, largely due to Indonesia’s opposition and influence within the Afro-Asian group during the Konfrontasi period. Malaysia’s experience of Konfrontasi and the retreat of the British from the region pushed the country to seek friends among other newly independent states.

When Malaysia finally became a NAM member in 1970, its foreign policy gradually shifted away from heavy reliance on the United Kingdom toward a more neutral and non-aligned stance. Against this background, Tun Razak strongly felt the need for Malaysia to be represented at the highest level in Algiers to signify the country’s commitment to non-alignment – even if it meant leaving the Merdeka celebration halfway.

Malaysia’s second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak (Bettmann/Getty Images)

Jump forward just over 50 years to 31 August 2025, Malaysia’s tenth Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, left at the conclusion of the nation’s Merdeka celebration to immediately depart for China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. It was the first time Malaysia had participated in the SCO, in which Malaysia is neither a member nor an observer. It was also the first time a Malaysian leader attended China’s “Victory Parade” in Beijing, which this year took place a few days later, to commemorate the end of the Second World War, alongside other leaders including from Russia, North Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Iran.

Since becoming Prime Minister in late 2022, Anwar has visited China four times, with China’s President and Premier reciprocating accordingly (also a total of four times if including the upcoming ASEAN Summit and other meetings next month).

While China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner since 2009, relations with China have further intensified in recent years both bilaterally and multilaterally. These include Malaysia’s active involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP). Stronger ties also extend to decisions to allow Chinese companies to develop the country’s second 5G network and to revitalise Malaysia’s national car industry, the recent acceptance of China’s vision of building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, and the landmark creation of a bilateral mechanism with China to discuss maritime issues. Malaysia’s decision to join BRICS, and the initiative to bring in China into the ASEAN-GCC platform by hosting the first-ever ASEAN-GCC-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur, also illustrate the depth of relations.

The actions of the great powers leave little room for Malaysia to manoeuvre, and siding with the more predictable and reliable power seems to be the less risky option.

While Malaysia’s intensification of cooperation with China should not be viewed as a zero-sum game, it is hard to ignore that this occurred against the backdrop of deteriorating relations with the United States. From the perspective of Malaysian leaders, the more benign power and trusted partner today is not the United States, but China. This, in spite of several challenges, particularly in the South China Sea.

In Anwar’s speech during President Xi Jinping’s visit to Malaysia earlier this year, he praised China as a rational, steady, and reliable partner amid the turbulence of “economic tribalism” and threats to multilateralism and the rules-based order. Last year, when Anwar spoke off-the-cuff at a business luncheon in honour of Premier Li Qiang in Kuala Lumpur, he commended the attitude of the Chinese leadership as “friendly, courteous, full of respect, [and] understanding of cultures and differences”, in contrast to the “narrative from the others” and the “barrage of questions” from others – especially “the western” – on whether Malaysia’s close relations with China would be in Malaysia’s best interest.

Understandably, as an independent nation, no country appreciates being told who it should be friends with, especially when those doing the lecturing neither act as they preach nor have been reliable friends in the first place.

While closer relations with the United States would still serve Malaysia’s interests – particularly in the realms of the economy and defence – they are proving even more elusive under President Donald Trump. His arbitrary tariff impositions, aggressive rhetoric (even against allies), withdrawals from multilateral organisations, disregard for the rule of law, undermining of the global order, and coddling of Israel have been obstacles for Malaysian leaders in promoting closer ties with the United States. Domestically, various opinion polls in recent years have shown a steady decline in Malaysians’ favourable perceptions towards the United States, while favourable views of China and even Russia have increased significantly.

If the above trend persists, Malaysia might find itself moving even further away from its non-aligned, neutral, and equidistant stances that served it well in the past. At present, however, the actions of the great powers leave little room for Malaysia to manoeuvre, and siding with the more predictable and reliable power seems to be the less risky option.

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Susannah Patton20h ago

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China in Southeast Asia?

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New Covid-19 variant found

 

Pakar kesihatan turut memberi amaran bahawa kanak-kanak antara golongan lebih berisiko mengalami komplikasi serius jika dijangkiti varian XFG Covid-19. — Gambar hiasan

Photo: Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: A new Covid-19 variant has been detected in Malaysia, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic).

He said the XFG variant accounted for 8.2% of the 43,087 accumulated Covid-19 cases reported in the 35th epidemiology week (ME 35/2025).

He said the new variant was detected by the Health Ministry through genomic surveillance to track the spread of variants.

“The latest genomic surveillance data shows that 34% of the reported cases are of the NB.1.8.1 variant, followed by JN.1 (18.1%), XEC (13.3%), XFG (8.2%) and others (21.0%),” he posted on his X account yesterday.

He added that the number of Covid-19 cases recorded in ME 35/2025 was a 49.5% drop compared with the number of cases reported in the same period last year, which was 85,297.

Dzulkefly said one death has also been reported in ME 35/2025 – a 91-year-old bedridden person – bringing the total number of deaths this year to three.

In June this year, the World Health Organisation designated the XFG variant as a “variant under monitoring” due to its high transmissibility and increased ability to evade immunity.

Dzulkefly reminded the public to continue preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, wearing face masks when symptomatic or in crowded areas and getting vaccinated, especially those in high-risk groups.

Varian baharu XFG Covid-19 dikesan di Malaysia, kanak- ...

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2 days ago — “Data terkini pemantauan genomik menunjukkan NB.1.8.1 masih dominan dengan 34 peratus, diikuti JN.1 (18.1%), XEC (13.3%), XFG (8.2%) dan ..