Day: May 8, 2026

Trump Gives EU July 4 Deadline To Comply With Trade Deal

ISTANBUL, May 8 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- US President Donald Trump warned the European Union (EU) on Thursday that it must eliminate its tariffs by the 250th anniversary of American independence or face significantly higher trade barriers, Anadolu Ajansi reported. “I’ve been waiting patiently for the EU to fulfil their side of the historic trade deal we agreed in Turnberry, Scotland, the largest trade deal ever,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social after speaking to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the phone. He asserted that a promise was made to reduce tariffs to zero in the trade deal the two signed in the UK last year, a commitment he said remains unfulfilled. The president noted he has granted European leaders until July 4, 2026, to comply with the agreement. Should the 27-member bloc fail to meet the deadline, Trump threatened to escalate US tariffs to "much higher levels." The Turnberry deal, negotiated on July 27, 2025, establishes a 15 per cent rate on most European exports to the US in exchange for zero tariffs on key American industrial and agricultural goods entering the EU. Although the EU Parliament approved the implementing legislation in March with a 417-154 vote, member states continue to negotiate the finalisation of the framework due to attached conditions. Von der Leyen confirmed the "very good" call with Trump and stated on X that both sides "remain fully committed" to the deal's execution, asserting that "good progress is being made towards tariff reduction by early July." Politico, citing one person familiar with the meeting, reported on Thursday that talks between EU lawmakers and governments on implementing the US deal ended Wednesday night without a deal. Trump said last week that Washington would raise tariffs to 25 per cent on cars and trucks imported from the EU, saying ​the bloc had not complied with the trade deal. Beyond trade, the US president said he and von der Leyen discussed the Iran war.

ISTANBUL, May 8 (Bernama-Anadolu) — US President Donald Trump warned the European Union (EU) on Thursday that it must eliminate its tariffs by the 250th anniversary of American independence or face significantly higher trade barriers, Anadolu Ajansi reported. “I’ve been waiting patiently for the EU to fulfil their side of the historic trade deal we […]

PM Anwar Ibrahim, Singapore PM Lawrence Wong Strengthen Strategic Cooperation on Economy, Energy and Regional Stability

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic bilateral cooperation aimed at safeguarding mutual interests, regional stability and the prosperity of the people of both countries. During a bilateral meeting yesterday, both leaders discussed several key areas of cooperation, including efforts to accelerate the implementation of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and ensure the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project becomes operational by the end of 2026. The discussions also focused on expanding collaboration in renewable energy development and the ASEAN Power Grid initiative, as well as deepening cooperation in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology as part of broader sustainability and climate goals. Malaysia also stressed the importance of continuing maritime border negotiations in a constructive manner and in accordance with international law. Both sides agreed on the need to address matters related to water supply, airspace and the management of the Kuala Lumpur Flight Information Region (KL FIR) through mutual respect and bilateral understanding. On regional and international developments, Anwar emphasised the importance of achieving a lasting ceasefire in the Middle East and safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz amid growing geopolitical tensions. The Prime Minister further underscored the need for ASEAN to continue playing a principled and proactive role in preserving regional stability, security and the sustainability of global supply chains. Anwar said Malaysia remains committed to fostering strong ties with Singapore in the spirit of good neighbourliness and ASEAN cooperation, while advancing sustainable economic growth and regional peace. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic bilateral cooperation aimed at safeguarding mutual interests, regional stability and the prosperity of the people of both countries. During a bilateral meeting yesterday, both leaders discussed several key areas of cooperation, including efforts […]

PM Anwar Ibrahim Reaffirms Malaysia’s Commitment to Strengthening Regional Cooperation Through BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035

CEBU, May 8 — Anwar Ibrahim yesterday reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to enhancing regional cooperation through the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), describing the platform as a strategic mechanism to bridge development gaps and expand economic opportunities across the region. Speaking at the Special BIMP-EAGA Summit in Cebu, the Prime Minister said the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035 must be driven by a spirit of solidarity, sustainable governance and a strong commitment to ensuring that remote and less-developed regions are not left behind in the development agenda. Anwar stressed that the regional cooperation framework plays a vital role in strengthening trade networks, attracting investments, improving digital connectivity and enhancing food security for the benefit of communities across ASEAN. Amid global challenges such as energy supply crises, climate change and economic uncertainties, he said the region must adopt a more integrated and courageous approach in addressing emerging issues. He noted that Malaysia fully supports efforts to strengthen cross-border energy connectivity, increase investments in renewable energy and promote sustainable solutions such as solar energy and mini-grid systems to ensure inclusive and equitable development, particularly for rural and interior communities. According to Anwar, the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035 is not merely a policy document, but a collective aspiration to build a more resilient, competitive and people-centred region. “With the ASEAN spirit continuing to thrive, Malaysia will remain committed to supporting development agendas that uplift humanity, empower local communities and create a more prosperous future for coming generations,” he said. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE:FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

CEBU, May 8 — Anwar Ibrahim yesterday reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to enhancing regional cooperation through the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), describing the platform as a strategic mechanism to bridge development gaps and expand economic opportunities across the region. Speaking at the Special BIMP-EAGA Summit in Cebu, the Prime Minister said the BIMP-EAGA […]

Malaysia Remains Reliable Partner For Russia In Asia-Pacific – Russian Presidential Aide

MOSCOW, May 8 2026 — Malaysia is a reliable partner of Russia in the Asia-Pacific, with sustainable political dialogue maintained between the two countries, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said on Thursday, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti. “Malaysia is a reliable partner of Russia in the Asia-Pacific region. Russia and Malaysia maintain regular and substantive political dialogue, […]

Igan MP Calls For Wiring Audit In Schools

SIBU, May 8 2026 — Igan Member of Parliament Ahmad Johnie Zawawi has urged the Ministry of Education (MOE) to immediately conduct a comprehensive electrical wiring audit in all schools following an electrocution incident in Daro yesterday that claimed the life of a student. He said monitoring the safety level of school facilities was crucial, […]

Student Turns Parents’ Health Struggles Into Motivation For Success

IPOH, May 8 2026– Witnessing his parents struggle with health problems over the past few years has become the driving force for 18-year-old A. Divesh to excel academically and change his family’s circumstances for a better future. The former student of SMJK San Min said he realised that only through education could he secure better […]