Day: May 14, 2026

PM Anwar Condemns Norway’s Revocation of Naval Strike Missile Export Licence

PUTRAJAYA, May 14 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has strongly criticised Norway’s decision to revoke the export licence for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) system and its associated launcher systems, describing the move as unilateral, unacceptable and damaging to Malaysia’s defence preparedness. In a telephone conversation with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Anwar conveyed Malaysia’s “vehement objection” to the decision, which he said would severely affect the country’s defence operational readiness and the ongoing Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) modernisation programme. According to Anwar, Malaysia has honoured every obligation under the defence contract since 2018 “scrupulously, faithfully and without equivocation,” but said Norway had failed to reciprocate the same level of commitment and good faith. The Prime Minister warned that the revocation could have broader implications beyond bilateral ties, including ramifications for regional security and strategic balance. “Signed contracts are solemn instruments. They are not confetti to be scattered in so capricious a manner,” Anwar said in a strongly worded statement. He also questioned the reliability of European defence suppliers as long-term strategic partners if they reserve the right to withdraw from agreements without consequence. The NSM system is regarded as a key component in strengthening Malaysia’s naval defence capabilities, particularly under the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship programme aimed at enhancing maritime security and operational readiness in regional waters. Anwar stressed that Malaysia expects all international defence agreements to be honoured with integrity, consistency and mutual respect between sovereign nations. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

PUTRAJAYA, May 14 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has strongly criticised Norway’s decision to revoke the export licence for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) system and its associated launcher systems, describing the move as unilateral, unacceptable and damaging to Malaysia’s defence preparedness. In a telephone conversation with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Anwar conveyed […]

Penang needs to draft a master plan for green waste, high-tech e-waste – Reezal Merican

GEORGE TOWN: Penang has great potential to transform waste into new wealth by attracting foreign investment based on high technology as a new economic driver for the state. Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican (BN-Bertam) said in this regard, he proposed that the state government draw up a comprehensive Green Waste and High-Tech E-Waste Master Plan. "The e-waste recycling industry has high potential because it involves processing valuable metals such as nickel, lithium and cobalt. "In fact, seven out of 17 licensed companies in Malaysia are already operating in Penang and this is an advantage that should be fully utilized," he said when debating the motion of thanks for the policy speech by Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here. He, who is also the Chairman of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), also emphasised the importance of the Waste-to-Energy (WTE) project which can solve the problem of solid waste while generating energy. However, he said its implementation required careful planning and full support from Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and the state's top leadership. Reezal Merican said this is not just an environmental issue, but rather a huge economic opportunity that cannot be missed. According to him, in this regard, the state government needs to act immediately before Penang falls behind in the green economy and the circular economy. Meanwhile, he also suggested that the state government provide a one-time incentive of RM500 to each farmer to help them cope with the recent soaring price increases in agricultural inputs. He said the proposal was put forward to ease the burden on rice farmers who were affected by the increasing costs of fertilisers, pesticides and other agricultural inputs. "The state government can consider providing a one-off incentive of RM500 to farmers to help them at this time. This is among the direct support measures that can be implemented immediately," he said. He said the agricultural sector, especially rice crops, needed to continue to be given attention by the state government given its importance in terms of ensuring the country's food supply. -- BERNAMA

GEORGE TOWN: Penang has great potential to transform waste into new wealth by attracting foreign investment based on high technology as a new economic driver for the state. Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican (BN-Bertam) said in this regard, he proposed that the state government draw up a comprehensive Green Waste and High-Tech E-Waste Master […]

Datuk Seri Najib successfully delays USD1.3 billion payment to SRC pending appeal

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here today allowed Datuk Seri Najib Razak's application to postpone the implementation of the USD1.3 billion compensation payment to SRC International pending an appeal against the court's decision last March. Judge Datuk Ahmad Fairuz Zainol Abidin, who is now a Court of Appeal judge, said there were special circumstances that justified the stay, including the large amount of claims against an individual, the precedent of a stay granted in Najib's tax case involving RM1.69 billion, as well as the fine imposed on him in a previous criminal case. "Factors to consider are the unusually large financial judgment amount imposed on the defendant, the financial judgment of similar scale in the Inland Revenue Board suit as well as criminal liability involving financial penalties." "The judgment and order that the defendants are facing simultaneously, when viewed as a whole, are special circumstances that justify the granting of a stay... it is better for this case to be fully decided at the highest level first before any enforcement is carried out," he said. In the proceedings held via the Zoom application today, Ahmad Fairuz ordered Najib to pay costs of RM2 million to SRC International and RM150,000 to each of the third-party defendants named in the suit. In his decision last March, the judge did not set the amount of costs that the former Prime Minister had to pay to SRC International and the five third-party defendants in the suit. They are former directors of SRC International, namely Tan Sri Ismee Ismail, Datuk Suboh Md Yassin, Datuk Mohamed Azhar Osman Khairuddin, Datuk Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi and Datuk Che Abdullah @ Rashidi Che Omar. This was confirmed by SRC International's lawyer, Luc Choong, after the proceedings were completed. On March 31, the High Court ruled that Najib was liable for the USD1.3 billion losses suffered by SRC International Sdn Bhd after he was found to have breached fiduciary duties, abused his position and misappropriated company funds for personal gain. Ahmad Fairuz made the decision after allowing a civil suit filed by SRC International totaling USD1.18 billion and ordered Najib to pay the amount, in addition to the USD120 million he received from the company involved into an AmPrivate Banking account with a number ending in 964, bringing the total to USD1.3 billion. The court also dismissed Najib's claim against the third-party defendant with costs after finding that he, who had control over the company, could not abdicate responsibility to individuals who were merely implementing decisions made on his own instructions. SRC initiated the suit in May 2021, claiming that Najib had breached fiduciary duties, abused his power and misappropriated company funds for personal gain. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here today allowed Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s application to postpone the implementation of the USD1.3 billion compensation payment to SRC International pending an appeal against the court’s decision last March. Judge Datuk Ahmad Fairuz Zainol Abidin, who is now a Court of Appeal judge, said there were special circumstances that […]

PM Anwar Strengthens Malaysia-US Economic Ties Through High-Level Talks with US-ABC Delegation

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 MAY -- PM Anwar Ibrahim yesterday received a courtesy visit from the President and Chief Executive Officer of the US-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC), Brian McFeeters, along with a delegation in conjunction with the Mission Business Malaysia 2026 programme. The meeting provided an important platform to discuss the potential for enhancing investments and strategic cooperation across various sectors between the United States and ASEAN, particularly Malaysia. During the discussion, Anwar highlighted Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s competitiveness through several key economic frameworks, including the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), as well as the New Incentive Framework (NIF), which are aimed at delivering more targeted and results-driven economic growth. He stressed that these initiatives reflect the MADANI Government’s firm commitment to strengthening sustainability, economic resilience and the competitiveness of the nation’s industries, while ensuring that high-quality investments continue to generate long-term benefits for the people and the country. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 MAY — PM Anwar Ibrahim yesterday received a courtesy visit from the President and Chief Executive Officer of the US-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC), Brian McFeeters, along with a delegation in conjunction with the Mission Business Malaysia 2026 programme. The meeting provided an important platform to discuss the potential for enhancing investments and […]