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HYDERABAD, JUNE 18 -- India says "significant progress" has been made in efforts to seal a long-awaited trade deal with the United States (US). This was among the issues discussed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump during their meeting on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Evian, France on Wednesday. "The leaders expressed satisfaction at the significant progress made in the negotiations towards an Interim Bilateral Trade Agreement and directed their respective officials to finalize an agreement that is balanced, mutually beneficial and of significant commercial value as soon as possible," said a statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. According to the statement, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will visit India next week regarding the matter. Responding to a question about the ongoing trade talks, Trump described Modi as a "tough" negotiator. "We've been going through this process for some time and he's a very tough negotiator, one of the toughest," Trump said, pointing at the Indian leader. The US and India agreed on an interim trade deal in February this year which saw the US reduce tariffs to 18 percent. In 2025, Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on India as well as an additional 25 percent penalty for buying oil from Russia. -- BERNAMA

Significant progress made in US-India trade talks

HYDERABAD, JUNE 18 — India says “significant progress” has been made in efforts to seal a long-awaited trade deal with the United States (US).

This was among the issues discussed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump during their meeting on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Evian, France on Wednesday.

“The leaders expressed satisfaction at the significant progress made in the negotiations towards an Interim Bilateral Trade Agreement and directed their respective officials to finalize an agreement that is balanced, mutually beneficial and of significant commercial value as soon as possible,” said a statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

According to the statement, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will visit India next week regarding the matter.

Responding to a question about the ongoing trade talks, Trump described Modi as a “tough” negotiator.

“We’ve been going through this process for some time and he’s a very tough negotiator, one of the toughest,” Trump said, pointing at the Indian leader.

The US and India agreed on an interim trade deal in February this year which saw the US reduce tariffs to 18 percent.

In 2025, Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on India as well as an additional 25 percent penalty for buying oil from Russia.

— BERNAMA

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GEORGE TOWN, JUNE 18 -- The organisation of the National Journalists' Day Summit (HAWANA) 2026 in Penang will catalyse the state's tourism sector and creative economy through large-scale media exposure that can strengthen the Penang brand at the regional level. The state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman, Wong Hon Wai, said that the selection of Penang as the host of HAWANA for the first time was a recognition of the state's ability as the country's main tourism destination and a location for organising international-class events. He said the prestigious event, which brought together more than 1,000 media practitioners and delegates from Malaysia and ASEAN countries, opened up a wide opportunity to introduce the uniqueness of Penang's cultural heritage, gastronomic diversity, tourism products and the strength of the creative economy sector. "Through the presence of media from across the country and the ASEAN region, Penang will receive extensive and high-value exposure, thus strengthening its position as one of the major tourist destinations in Malaysia. "This is also expected to have a direct and indirect economic impact on the state because the presence of thousands of visitors and media personnel will increase demand for hotel services, food and beverage, transportation, shopping centres and local tourist attractions," he told Bernama, today. Commenting on the state's level of preparedness as the host, Wong said that initial feedback from tourism industry players saw hotel room booking rates showing an encouraging increase in conjunction with HAWANA 2026. He said that Seberang Perai, which was chosen as the main location for the program, has sufficient accommodation capacity to accommodate participants and visitors throughout the three-day event from June 19 to 21. Meanwhile, he described the media as an important strategic partner in efforts to promote tourist destinations and strengthen the development of a state's creative economy. Wong said the media helps introduce destinations, promote tourism products and build visitor confidence through the delivery of accurate and effective information. "For the creative economy sector, the media helps highlight local talent, artwork, cultural events and creative initiatives that can increase the economic value and identity of a state. "Therefore, the state government appreciates the contribution of the media as a development partner that helps drive the growth of tourism, the creative economy and the positive image of Penang at the national and international levels," he said. Wong is confident that organizing HAWANA 2026 will leave a positive impact not only on the media industry, but also on the entire tourism ecosystem and creative economy of Penang. The HAWANA 2026 Summit, which will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on June 20 at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena, is expected to be attended by approximately 1,000 media practitioners from home and abroad. Taking up the theme "Media with Integrity, Core Credibility", HAWANA 2026, organised by the Ministry of Communications with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, is a platform to celebrate the contributions, perseverance and professionalism of media practitioners in this country. In conjunction with HAWANA 2026, the RIUH Pi HAWANA Carnival will also be held at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena which will last for three days starting tomorrow. The carnival is expected to attract approximately 30,000 visitors and bring together more than 24 local creative product brands and 20 food and beverage vendors, in addition to interactive workshops that give the public the opportunity to explore various creative activities. Apart from that, visitors will also be entertained by 16 stage performances featuring local artists such as Exists, Bunkface, Masdo, Sakura Band, Budak Nakal Hujung Simpang and Chelsea Ng with free admission. -- BERNAMA

HAWANA 2026 will be a catalyst for Penang’s tourism and creative economy – Exco

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 18 -- Malaysia supports Turkey's aspirations to become an ASEAN Dialogue Partner. In a statement, the Malaysian Embassy in Ankara announced that the matter was conveyed by the Malaysian Ambassador to Turkey, Adlan Mohd Shaffieq, when he officially presented his Letters of Credence to the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Complex on June 17. The Ambassador stressed that Turkey is emerging as an increasingly important partner for Southeast Asia through its growing economic involvement, strategic outlook and increasingly strong people-to-people ties with ASEAN member countries. He also conveyed greetings and congratulations from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim and Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Erdogan. The Ambassador also stressed Malaysia's commitment to continue strengthening the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership with Turkey, which continues to grow through regular high-level engagements and closer cooperation, particularly in the fields of education, defence and the halal industry. "Malaysia and Turkey share a special relationship built on trust, respect and shared aspirations for peace, prosperity and development. "Based on the strong personal relationship between President Erdogan and Prime Minister Anwar, we should leverage their shared vision to deepen cooperation in all sectors," he said. Erdogan, when welcoming the Ambassador, also expressed confidence that trade relations between the two countries would continue to grow and reach the target of US$10 billion.

Malaysia supports Turkey’s aspiration to become ASEAN Dialogue Partner

KUALA LUMPUR: The Chief Executive Officer of Stadium Malaysia Corporation (PSM) was charged in the Sessions Court here today with seven counts of corruption totaling RM1.45 million in relation to the RM8.7 million tender to upgrade the Bukit Jalil National Squash Centre. Iliyas Jamil, 42, pleaded not guilty after all charges were read out before Judge Suzana Hussin. According to the first charge, Iliyas is accused of soliciting a bribe of RM1 million for himself from Yap Yeow Kuen, 60, at the Stadium Malaysia Corporation Office, Level 2, Kuala Lumpur Sports Center (KLSC) National Stadium, Sri Petaling here, on Feb 24. The money was in return for the accused agreeing to choose Yap's company, Aerolux Power Constructions Sdn Bhd, to win the tender for the Upgrading of Sports Courts & Facilities Project at the National Squash Centre, Kuala Lumpur Sports City Bukit Jalil here, worth RM8,733,197. The charge was brought under Section 16(a)(B) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 which is punishable under Section 24(1) of the same act, which provides for a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount or value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher. For the second to seventh charges, Iliyas is charged with receiving a cash bribe of RM450,000 from Yap as a reward for choosing Aerolux Power Constructions to win the project tender. The accused is charged with committing the offence at the PSM office and a restaurant in Sri Petaling, between Feb 25 and April 13, under Section 16(a)(B) of the MACC Act 2009 which is punishable under Section 24 (1) which provides for the same punishment. In today's proceedings, the prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Noralis Mat while the accused was represented by lawyer Mohd Yusmadi Mohd Yusoff. Earlier, Noralis offered bail of RM200,000 with one Malaysian surety taking into account the status of the accused and the seriousness of the offence. "Our side is also requesting additional conditions, namely that the accused's travel documents be submitted to the court, report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission office once a month and not interfere with prosecution witnesses," he said. Mohd Yusmadi, on the other hand, applied for bail of between RM50,000 and RM80,000 as his client is still young and has a child who is still in school and is currently suspended from duty. Suzana allowed Iliyas to be bailed at RM100,000 with a Malaysian surety and allowed the additional conditions requested by the prosecution and not to interfere with the prosecution witnesses until the case is concluded. The court also set July 27 for mention of the case for the submission of documents. -- BERNAMA

CEO of Stadium Malaysia charged with corruption in Bukit Jalil National Squash Centre project

JOHOR BAHRU, JUNE 18 -- Being a poster boy or the main character representing a party's campaign in an election is not a guarantee of being appointed as Menteri Besar if a new government is successfully formed. Johor Menteri Besar, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, said that the approval of the palace, especially the Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim and the Regent Sultan of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail, was very important in determining who would lead the state government. "As Menteri Besar, I will be seen as the ' poster boy ', that's normal." "But we are clear that whatever the circumstances, the one who will determine who the menteri besar is is the Sultan of Johor or the Regent Sultan of Johor." "The approval of the Johor Palace is very important," he said in a special interview with print media practitioners and news portals at Saujana, his official residence, yesterday. The poster boy strategy , which is usually used in every election, is important to build and attract voter confidence to support candidates from the contesting party. He also shared advice from the Johor Palace for all parties to maintain good manners and discipline during the campaign period. He said that mutual respect is important to practice despite differences in political beliefs and ideologies. "There's no need to curse or insult. Maintain good manners, that's what your Majesty says," he said. In another development, Onn Hafiz said that feedback from the Johor Palace and the people was one of the yardsticks used to see their performance level over the past four years. "For me and all the Exco members, I always remind myself and them that feedback on the government's performance needs to come from two parties, not just from me." "When the people and the Palace say that we have carried out our duties well, that is when we can consider that the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) set have been successfully achieved. "But if one of them, whether it's the Royal Institution or the people, gives feedback that we're not doing our job well, in my opinion, we're not doing our responsibility well. We're always sensitive to the feedback given," he said. The Johor state election is set for July 11, while the nomination of candidates is on June 27. -- BERNAMA

Johor election: “Poster boy” is no guarantee of becoming MB – Onn Hafiz

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GEORGE TOWN, JUNE 18 -- The organisation of the National Journalists' Day Summit (HAWANA) 2026 in Penang will catalyse the state's tourism sector and creative economy through large-scale media exposure that can strengthen the Penang brand at the regional level. The state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman, Wong Hon Wai, said that the selection of Penang as the host of HAWANA for the first time was a recognition of the state's ability as the country's main tourism destination and a location for organising international-class events. He said the prestigious event, which brought together more than 1,000 media practitioners and delegates from Malaysia and ASEAN countries, opened up a wide opportunity to introduce the uniqueness of Penang's cultural heritage, gastronomic diversity, tourism products and the strength of the creative economy sector. "Through the presence of media from across the country and the ASEAN region, Penang will receive extensive and high-value exposure, thus strengthening its position as one of the major tourist destinations in Malaysia. "This is also expected to have a direct and indirect economic impact on the state because the presence of thousands of visitors and media personnel will increase demand for hotel services, food and beverage, transportation, shopping centres and local tourist attractions," he told Bernama, today. Commenting on the state's level of preparedness as the host, Wong said that initial feedback from tourism industry players saw hotel room booking rates showing an encouraging increase in conjunction with HAWANA 2026. He said that Seberang Perai, which was chosen as the main location for the program, has sufficient accommodation capacity to accommodate participants and visitors throughout the three-day event from June 19 to 21. Meanwhile, he described the media as an important strategic partner in efforts to promote tourist destinations and strengthen the development of a state's creative economy. Wong said the media helps introduce destinations, promote tourism products and build visitor confidence through the delivery of accurate and effective information. "For the creative economy sector, the media helps highlight local talent, artwork, cultural events and creative initiatives that can increase the economic value and identity of a state. "Therefore, the state government appreciates the contribution of the media as a development partner that helps drive the growth of tourism, the creative economy and the positive image of Penang at the national and international levels," he said. Wong is confident that organizing HAWANA 2026 will leave a positive impact not only on the media industry, but also on the entire tourism ecosystem and creative economy of Penang. The HAWANA 2026 Summit, which will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on June 20 at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena, is expected to be attended by approximately 1,000 media practitioners from home and abroad. Taking up the theme "Media with Integrity, Core Credibility", HAWANA 2026, organised by the Ministry of Communications with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, is a platform to celebrate the contributions, perseverance and professionalism of media practitioners in this country. In conjunction with HAWANA 2026, the RIUH Pi HAWANA Carnival will also be held at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena which will last for three days starting tomorrow. The carnival is expected to attract approximately 30,000 visitors and bring together more than 24 local creative product brands and 20 food and beverage vendors, in addition to interactive workshops that give the public the opportunity to explore various creative activities. Apart from that, visitors will also be entertained by 16 stage performances featuring local artists such as Exists, Bunkface, Masdo, Sakura Band, Budak Nakal Hujung Simpang and Chelsea Ng with free admission. -- BERNAMA

HAWANA 2026 will be a catalyst for Penang’s tourism and creative economy – Exco

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 18 -- Malaysia supports Turkey's aspirations to become an ASEAN Dialogue Partner. In a statement, the Malaysian Embassy in Ankara announced that the matter was conveyed by the Malaysian Ambassador to Turkey, Adlan Mohd Shaffieq, when he officially presented his Letters of Credence to the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Complex on June 17. The Ambassador stressed that Turkey is emerging as an increasingly important partner for Southeast Asia through its growing economic involvement, strategic outlook and increasingly strong people-to-people ties with ASEAN member countries. He also conveyed greetings and congratulations from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim and Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Erdogan. The Ambassador also stressed Malaysia's commitment to continue strengthening the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership with Turkey, which continues to grow through regular high-level engagements and closer cooperation, particularly in the fields of education, defence and the halal industry. "Malaysia and Turkey share a special relationship built on trust, respect and shared aspirations for peace, prosperity and development. "Based on the strong personal relationship between President Erdogan and Prime Minister Anwar, we should leverage their shared vision to deepen cooperation in all sectors," he said. Erdogan, when welcoming the Ambassador, also expressed confidence that trade relations between the two countries would continue to grow and reach the target of US$10 billion.

Malaysia supports Turkey’s aspiration to become ASEAN Dialogue Partner

KUALA LUMPUR: The Chief Executive Officer of Stadium Malaysia Corporation (PSM) was charged in the Sessions Court here today with seven counts of corruption totaling RM1.45 million in relation to the RM8.7 million tender to upgrade the Bukit Jalil National Squash Centre. Iliyas Jamil, 42, pleaded not guilty after all charges were read out before Judge Suzana Hussin. According to the first charge, Iliyas is accused of soliciting a bribe of RM1 million for himself from Yap Yeow Kuen, 60, at the Stadium Malaysia Corporation Office, Level 2, Kuala Lumpur Sports Center (KLSC) National Stadium, Sri Petaling here, on Feb 24. The money was in return for the accused agreeing to choose Yap's company, Aerolux Power Constructions Sdn Bhd, to win the tender for the Upgrading of Sports Courts & Facilities Project at the National Squash Centre, Kuala Lumpur Sports City Bukit Jalil here, worth RM8,733,197. The charge was brought under Section 16(a)(B) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 which is punishable under Section 24(1) of the same act, which provides for a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount or value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher. For the second to seventh charges, Iliyas is charged with receiving a cash bribe of RM450,000 from Yap as a reward for choosing Aerolux Power Constructions to win the project tender. The accused is charged with committing the offence at the PSM office and a restaurant in Sri Petaling, between Feb 25 and April 13, under Section 16(a)(B) of the MACC Act 2009 which is punishable under Section 24 (1) which provides for the same punishment. In today's proceedings, the prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Noralis Mat while the accused was represented by lawyer Mohd Yusmadi Mohd Yusoff. Earlier, Noralis offered bail of RM200,000 with one Malaysian surety taking into account the status of the accused and the seriousness of the offence. "Our side is also requesting additional conditions, namely that the accused's travel documents be submitted to the court, report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission office once a month and not interfere with prosecution witnesses," he said. Mohd Yusmadi, on the other hand, applied for bail of between RM50,000 and RM80,000 as his client is still young and has a child who is still in school and is currently suspended from duty. Suzana allowed Iliyas to be bailed at RM100,000 with a Malaysian surety and allowed the additional conditions requested by the prosecution and not to interfere with the prosecution witnesses until the case is concluded. The court also set July 27 for mention of the case for the submission of documents. -- BERNAMA

CEO of Stadium Malaysia charged with corruption in Bukit Jalil National Squash Centre project

JOHOR BAHRU, JUNE 18 -- Being a poster boy or the main character representing a party's campaign in an election is not a guarantee of being appointed as Menteri Besar if a new government is successfully formed. Johor Menteri Besar, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, said that the approval of the palace, especially the Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim and the Regent Sultan of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail, was very important in determining who would lead the state government. "As Menteri Besar, I will be seen as the ' poster boy ', that's normal." "But we are clear that whatever the circumstances, the one who will determine who the menteri besar is is the Sultan of Johor or the Regent Sultan of Johor." "The approval of the Johor Palace is very important," he said in a special interview with print media practitioners and news portals at Saujana, his official residence, yesterday. The poster boy strategy , which is usually used in every election, is important to build and attract voter confidence to support candidates from the contesting party. He also shared advice from the Johor Palace for all parties to maintain good manners and discipline during the campaign period. He said that mutual respect is important to practice despite differences in political beliefs and ideologies. "There's no need to curse or insult. Maintain good manners, that's what your Majesty says," he said. In another development, Onn Hafiz said that feedback from the Johor Palace and the people was one of the yardsticks used to see their performance level over the past four years. "For me and all the Exco members, I always remind myself and them that feedback on the government's performance needs to come from two parties, not just from me." "When the people and the Palace say that we have carried out our duties well, that is when we can consider that the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) set have been successfully achieved. "But if one of them, whether it's the Royal Institution or the people, gives feedback that we're not doing our job well, in my opinion, we're not doing our responsibility well. We're always sensitive to the feedback given," he said. The Johor state election is set for July 11, while the nomination of candidates is on June 27. -- BERNAMA

Johor election: “Poster boy” is no guarantee of becoming MB – Onn Hafiz

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