Day: July 3, 2026

BN Respects PH Manifesto – Ahmad Zahid

JOHOR BAHRU, July 3 -- Barisan Nasional (BN) respects Pakatan Harapan's (PH) manifesto for the 16th Johor State Election (PRN) to be held on July 11. BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that as a country that practices a democratic system, the political coalition always welcomes any offer from any party contesting. "I have studied the manifesto... we respect what they propose," he told reporters after the Leadership Engagement Ceremony with Parents of Tabika Kemas Bangsa Johor at the Larkin Court 1 Housing Flats here today. Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and candidate for the Larkin State Assembly seat Mohd Hairi Mad Shah. Earlier, PH launched a manifesto with 10 offers, including the Johor Health Scheme, deposit assistance for first-time homeowners, a RM500 million fund allocation to empower the development of the younger generation and the empowerment of the education sector. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid in his speech said the BN manifesto was based on the record of excellence of the state government last term which successfully realised more than 90 percent of the promises made previously. He said this manifesto was drafted comprehensively to cater to every level of society without marginalizing any race or social background. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said the benefits offered cover various levels of people's lives, from pregnant mothers, children, school students, university students to single mothers and fathers. "As long as anyone lives in Johor, they are considered part of the Johor people and receive the same benefits," he said. At the same time, he assured that he would continue to assist in the development of Johor as long as he led the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development. The Johor state election saw 172 candidates contesting for 56 state assembly seats with polling day set for July 11 and early voting on July 7. -- BERNAMA

JOHOR BAHRU, July 3 — Barisan Nasional (BN) respects Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) manifesto for the 16th Johor State Election (PRN) to be held on July 11. BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that as a country that practices a democratic system, the political coalition always welcomes any offer from any party contesting. […]

Penang Economy Grows 7.3 Per Cent, Records RM130.3 Bln GDP In 2025

GEORGE TOWN, July 3 --  Penang's economy grew by 7.3 per cent in 2025, with its gross domestic product (GDP) rising to RM130.3 billion from RM121.4 billion in the previous year, driven by the strong performance of the manufacturing and services sectors. The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) said in a statement that the manufacturing and services sectors continued to dominate the state's economy, contributing a combined 94 per cent to GDP, followed by the construction sector, which accounted for 3.3 per cent. Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the manufacturing sector contributed 47.3 per cent to Penang's GDP in 2025, with value-added amounting to RM61.7 billion, an increase of 10 per cent compared with 4.0 per cent growth in the previous year. "Electrical, electronic, and optical products were the main drivers of the manufacturing sector's 12.7 per cent growth, supported by increases in the electronic components and boards, communications equipment, and consumer electronics segments. "In addition, non-metallic mineral products, basic metals and fabricated metal products also supported the sector's expansion, growing by 8.7 per cent in 2025," he said in the statement. Mohd Uzir said the services sector recorded a value-added of RM60.8 billion, up from RM58.4 billion in 2024, registering growth of 4.1 per cent. The sector's performance was driven by a 5.6 per cent increase in the wholesale and retail trade, food and beverage, and accommodation subsectors, as well as 2.7 per cent growth in the utilities, transportation and storage, and information and communications technology (ICT) subsectors. The construction sector recorded a value-added of RM4.3 billion, compared with RM3.8 billion in the previous year, contributing 3.3 per cent to the state's GDP and expanding by 13.4 per cent. This was driven by double-digit growth in the civil engineering and specialised construction activities subsectors. The agriculture sector grew by 1.8 per cent in 2025, compared with a contraction of 0.5 per cent in 2024. This was supported by a 3.4 per cent increase in the fisheries subsector, while the mining and quarrying sector expanded by 1.1 per cent in 2025. "In terms of GDP per capita, Penang recorded an increase of RM4,477, rising from RM76,107 to RM80,584, exceeding the national average of RM59,167," the chief statistician said. -- BERNAMA

GEORGE TOWN, July 3 —  Penang’s economy grew by 7.3 per cent in 2025, with its gross domestic product (GDP) rising to RM130.3 billion from RM121.4 billion in the previous year, driven by the strong performance of the manufacturing and services sectors. The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) said in a statement that the manufacturing […]

PM Criticises Onn Hafiz Over JS-SEZ Campaign Remarks, Says Issue Should Not Be Politicised

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has criticised Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi for raising the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) issue during the Johor state election campaign, describing the move as inappropriate and unwise. Anwar said the JS-SEZ is a Federal Government initiative being implemented in collaboration with the Johor state government, stressing that negotiations and agreements on the project were conducted at the highest level between the Malaysian and Singaporean prime ministers. "The signing of the agreement is between the Prime Minister of Malaysia and the Prime Minister of Singapore. It is not a matter for the Menteri Besar. "There is no need to turn it into a campaign issue. The project is progressing with substantial investment and support from the Federal Government. "Instead of appreciating the assistance given, he chose to use it during the campaign to criticise the government. That is inappropriate and not a wise approach," Anwar told reporters after performing Friday prayers at Masjid As-Sodiqin in Taman Kobena. Earlier, Onn Hafiz had urged the Federal Government to expedite the announcement of the JS-SEZ master plan, saying it is crucial to provide certainty for investors and set the direction for Johor's economic development. He noted that the master plan was initially expected to be unveiled by the end of 2025 before being rescheduled to March 30, but had been postponed again. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: BERITA HARIAN

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has criticised Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi for raising the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) issue during the Johor state election campaign, describing the move as inappropriate and unwise. Anwar said the JS-SEZ is a Federal Government initiative being implemented […]

Meet the Limited-Edition Football Google Pixel Plushie

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, 3 July 2026 – Some collectibles can be bought. Others have to be earned. For Google Pixel fans around the world, the Google Pixel Plushie has quietly become one of the brand’s most elusive collectibles. Rarely available beyond selected Google Pixel activations and community giveaways, it has built a loyal following among […]

Allora Labs Launches Forge to Let AI Models Compete, Improve, and Earn on Real-World Predictions

NEW YORK, July 3 -- Allora Labs today launches Forge, the world's first arena for predictive intelligence: a live environment where AI models compete on real-world problems, improve through that competition, and earn continuously for the predictions they produce.  A network of models, not a single one Predicting what comes next is one of the oldest pursuits there is. Allora's thesis is that its future will not belong to a single dominant AI model but to a network of them, each competing and improving, together forming a collective intelligence that grows more capable as more models join. Built for developers who want a real test Forge is built for developers who want to test their models against the best in the world. Models improve fastest under real competition, and on Forge they face it on live problems with real outcomes. A developer brings a model and a predict() function, and Forge runs it live and handles the data, the infrastructure, and the rest, so the work stays on the model rather than the operations around it. Models remain owned by their developers, wherever they run. Predictions that are already in demand More than 140 partners across the Allora Network build on the predictions made on Forge, so a model's work is consumed in production and rewards its developer continuously as the model improves and the network grows. "We don't believe the future will be predicted by one model that beats all the others," said Nick Emmons, CEO of Allora. "It will be predicted by many models competing, each making the others better. Forge is where that happens, and where the engineers building the best prediction models in the world are rewarded for it." Availability Developers can join and deploy their first model directly on Forge. About Allora Labs Allora Network is a decentralized AI inference network that harnesses a globally distributed community of machine learning models to produce highly accurate, context-aware predictions in real time. Built on a modular, topic-based system, Allora orchestrates competing models on shared prediction tasks and continuously evaluates performance under live conditions, synthesizing outputs into a high-confidence aggregated signal. By treating inference as an open, competitive, and economically aligned process, Allora enables ever-improving AI services that can be embedded directly into operational systems, powering use cases from EV charging optimization to autonomous IoT decisioning. -- PRNewswire -- Source: Allora Labs 

NEW YORK, July 3 — Allora Labs today launches Forge, the world’s first arena for predictive intelligence: a live environment where AI models compete on real-world problems, improve through that competition, and earn continuously for the predictions they produce. A network of models, not a single one Predicting what comes next is one of the oldest pursuits there is. Allora‘s thesis […]

/C O R R E C T I O N — SMARTLEND FINANCIAL PTE. LTD./

SINGAPORE, June 12 -- SmartLend, a fully digital alternative financing platform, has officially launched in Singapore, offering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) a faster, more transparent way to secure funding.  Apply Once Access All By eliminating third-party brokers and unnecessary costs, SmartLend simplifies the financing process, enabling businesses to compare and obtain loans efficiently without hidden fees. For many SMEs, securing financing from traditional banks remains challenging due to stringent credit requirements and complex application procedures. Those who explore alternative financing often rely on brokers who charge high fees—typically between 3% and 7%—or impose undisclosed costs. SmartLend removes these barriers with a free-to-use platform that provides SMEs with a clear and unbiased view of their financing options, ensuring they secure the best possible funding quickly and cost-effectively. What once took days of paperwork can now be completed in just minutes. By connecting SMEs directly with a network of trusted lenders, SmartLend ensures a transparent and cost-effective borrowing experience. Removing intermediaries benefits both businesses and lenders, creating a more streamlined and efficient financing ecosystem. Unlike traditional loan aggregators, SmartLend's intelligent matching engine prioritises the most cost-effective bank financing first, only recommending alternative lenders when necessary. This ensures businesses always receive the best possible financing terms. According to Danny Phua, CEO of SmartLend, the platform builds upon the success of Smart Towkay, a comparison platform that has helped over 5,000 SMEs secure more than S$100 million in funding. However, the process was still largely manual, requiring businesses to sift through offers and handle paperwork. SmartLend takes this further by automating the entire journey—from loan matching to application—providing businesses with a seamless, digital-first experience. By integrating automation, SmartLend makes alternative financing more accessible, efficient, and borrower-friendly. Beyond business loans, SmartLend is expanding its offerings to include property equity term loans, allowing SMEs to unlock capital using their assets, providing them with greater financial flexibility. Future features will include an instant property valuation tool, enabling businesses to assess their assets in real time, and a document vault, allowing SMEs to track and manage loans across multiple lenders from a single platform. Phua emphasised that the platform's goal is to empower SMEs by giving them full control over their financing journey without unnecessary delays or consultancy costs. With its innovative approach, SmartLend is set to transform the way businesses in Singapore access funding, making alternative financing more transparent, accessible, and cost-effective. -- PRNewswire -- Source: SMARTLEND FINANCIAL PTE. LTD. 

SINGAPORE, June 12 — SmartLend, a fully digital alternative financing platform, has officially launched in Singapore, offering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) a faster, more transparent way to secure funding. Apply Once Access All By eliminating third-party brokers and unnecessary costs, SmartLend simplifies the financing process, enabling businesses to compare and obtain loans efficiently without hidden fees. […]

Johor Polls: Stop Raising Old, Unrelated Issues – Ahmad Zahid

JOHOR BAHRU, July 3-- Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has reminded all parties to stop playing up old issues unrelated to Johor during the state election campaign period, to ensure a mature and respectful political contest. The Deputy Prime Minister said campaign focus should instead be on candidates’ strengths and their offers to the people, noting that some of the contesting parties are also cooperating at the federal government level. “Although there are certain individuals who have been attacking UMNO and BN with old issues, I hope these issues will not be played up because we are partners at the federal level, and I hope we approach the political arena in Johor with wisdom and in the best possible manner. “I don’t think we need to raise other issues because every week we meet at the Cabinet meeting, and I do not want them to feel awkward when meeting leaders who are their colleagues in the Cabinet,” he said after attending a community programme in the Kempas state constituency today. Ahmad Zahid also denied claims that BN is overconfident in facing the state election, saying the party considers itself the underdog, based on changes in the state’s political landscape. He said BN must work hard to improve on its performance of capturing 40 seats in the last state election, especially as more than half of the voters are now young people. According to him, the manifesto presented by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi places emphasis on youth needs, including job opportunities and skills development through Technical and Vocational Education and Training. Noting that the unemployment rate has fallen to 2.9 per cent, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said this is a positive sign, but young people still need access to premium-wage jobs that can be achieved through skills training. “What we are offering in Johor is technical and skills training for young people, with high opportunities being given strong emphasis in the Barisan Nasional manifesto,” he said. He therefore appealed to young voters in Johor to support BN candidates in the state election, taking into account the offerings provided for their future. BN is contesting all 56 seats in the 16th Johor state election. Polling will be held on July 11, with early voting on July 7. -- BERNAMA

JOHOR BAHRU, July 3– Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has reminded all parties to stop playing up old issues unrelated to Johor during the state election campaign period, to ensure a mature and respectful political contest. The Deputy Prime Minister said campaign focus should instead be on candidates’ strengths and […]

PM Anwar Ibrahim Receives Farewell Courtesy Call from Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today received a farewell courtesy visit from Dato' Sri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin ahead of his mandatory retirement as Chief Statistician of Malaysia on July 8. Anwar expressed his appreciation for Mohd Uzir's dedicated service and commitment in strengthening Malaysia's national statistical institutions, describing reliable and credible statistics as a vital foundation for evidence-based policymaking and the country's long-term development planning. The Prime Minister also thanked Mohd Uzir for his contributions throughout his tenure and wished him continued success and good health in his future endeavours. -- MINUTESMY

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today received a farewell courtesy visit from Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin ahead of his mandatory retirement as Chief Statistician of Malaysia on July 8. Anwar expressed his appreciation for Mohd Uzir’s dedicated service and commitment in strengthening Malaysia’s national statistical institutions, describing reliable and […]

Sept 4 Verdict For Najib, Son In Bankruptcy Stay Appeal

PUTRAJAYA, July 3 — The Court of Appeal has fixed Sept 4 to deliver its decision on the appeals brought by former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his son, Datuk Mohd Nazifuddin, who are seeking to stay bankruptcy proceedings against them. A three-member bench comprising Datuk Dr. Alwi Abdul Wahab, Datuk Dr. Shahnaz Sulaiman and Datuk Ong Chee Kwan heard submissions today from counsel for the appellants, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, and Senior Revenue Counsel Norhisham Ahmad, who appeared for the Inland Revenue Board (IRB). Following the hearing, the bench reserved its judgment. Najib and Nazifuddin are appealing against the High Court’s decision on Nov 17, 2025, which dismissed their application for a stay of the bankruptcy proceedings. The stay is sought pending the resolution of their appeals before the Special Commissioners of Income Tax (SCIT), which challenge the additional tax assessments issued by the IRB. The bankruptcy proceedings arise from separate High Court decisions granting the IRB’s applications for summary judgment against the father and son in respect of unpaid tax arrears for the assessment years 2011 to 2017. The IRB is seeking to recover RM1.69 billion from Najib and RM37.6 million from Nazifuddin in respect of the outstanding tax arrears. Both Najib and Nazifuddin had previously challenged the summary judgments entered against them, but their appeals to the Court of Appeal and subsequently to the Federal Court were dismissed. Following those dismissals, bankruptcy notices were issued against each of them. In response, they applied for a stay of the bankruptcy proceedings. However, on July 29, 2024, High Court Deputy Registrar Kamarul Aris Kamalluddin dismissed their stay applications. They appealed that decision to the High Court, but were again unsuccessful, prompting the present appeals before the Court of Appeal. At today's hearing, Muhammad Shafee submitted that special circumstances warranted the grant of a stay, as the appeals filed by Najib and Nazifuddin before the SCIT, which challenge the underlying additional tax assessments, have yet to be finally determined. He informed the bench that the SCIT hearing for Najib's case is scheduled for September, while Nazifuddin's case is fixed for October. He submitted that the outcome of the SCIT appeals would directly determine the appellants' underlying liability for the additional tax assessments, and that refusing a stay would effectively render those appeals nugatory. He further argued that permitting the bankruptcy proceedings to continue could result in Najib being adjudged bankrupt due to his inability to satisfy the sums demanded, thereby causing irreparable harm to his financial standing. In response, Norhisham submitted that under the Income Tax Act 1967, Najib is required to settle the tax debt as a precondition, notwithstanding the pending appeal. He contended that no special circumstances existed to justify a stay, as the law mandates payment of the tax liability regardless of ongoing appellate proceedings before the SCIT. — BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, July 3 — The Court of Appeal has fixed Sept 4 to deliver its decision on the appeals brought by former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his son, Datuk Mohd Nazifuddin, who are seeking to stay bankruptcy proceedings against them. A three-member bench comprising Datuk Dr. Alwi Abdul Wahab, Datuk Dr. […]