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Dr Wan Azizah Urges Youth To Embrace Digital Economy And AI

Dr Wan Azizah Urges Youth To Embrace Digital Economy And AI

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 — Young people are encouraged to be bold in exploring the digital economy and future technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to remain competitive in an increasingly .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, May 14 -- Former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli returned to the headquarters of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) here today to continue giving statements in connection with investigations into a government contract worth nearly RM1.1 billion. Arriving at about 9.50 am alongside his legal team, Rafizi said he would submit an additional 28 pages of documentary evidence to the investigators. “I am voluntarily giving an additional statement to assist the MACC investigation so it can be aligned with other evidence that was not covered during questioning last week. “This evidence includes reports from the media itself because the collaboration with Arm Holdings was not done quietly behind closed doors like the 1MDB scandal, but instead was widely reported by the media, with statements and explanations from senior national leaders, including three other senior government leaders who were involved,” he told reporters before entering the MACC headquarters. Rafizi said he hoped the additional statement and evidence would help MACC conduct a more comprehensive probe. “I think after my statement today, it will help the MACC determine who else needs to be called. “And with all the more comprehensive evidence, I am confident the MACC can conclude that, based on my questioning so far, there are no elements involving money or suspicious transactions,” he said. Rafizi had previously spent four days giving statements to assist in the investigation. Former MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki was previously reported as saying that investigations into the RM1.1 billion investment linked to a semiconductor industry strategic partnership agreement between the Economy Ministry and the UK-based Arm Holdings were now in the final stages. So far, 22 witnesses have been called, including political analyst Chai Jin Shern, better known as James Chai. Two more witnesses - one in Taiwan and another in Malaysia - are expected to be summoned. The MACC opened its investigation paper on Feb 16 following complaints by three non-governmental organisations alleging that the agreement had been rushed and skewed, potentially exposing the government to financial risks. -- BERNAMA

Rafizi Voluntarily Returns To MACC With Additional Evidence In RM1.1 Billion Probe

PUTRAJAYA, May 14 — Former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli returned to the headquarters of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) here today to continue giving statements in connection with .... read more

Sultan Ibrahim graciously received internationally renowned actress Fan Bingbing during an audience at Pasir Pelangi Palace in Johor Bahru on May 12. Fan Bingbing, who also serves as Melaka Tourism Ambassador, was recognised for her efforts in promoting Malaysia through the international film industry. During the session, discussions also touched on the achievements of Mother Bhumi, a Malaysian film directed by award-winning local filmmaker Chong Keat Aun. The film features an international cast including Fan Bingbing, Natalie Hsu from Hong Kong, Bai Run-yin from Taiwan, as well as Malaysian actors Pearlly Chua, Alvin Wong, Rithaudin and Pauline Tan. Mother Bhumi has brought international recognition to Malaysia through its success at prestigious film festivals and award platforms including the Golden Horse Awards, Tokyo International Film Festival and Far East Film Festival. Also present during the audience were film producer Wong Kew Soon and Fan Bingbing’s manager, Jersey Chong, who hails from Johor.

Sultan Ibrahim Receives Fan Bingbing at Pasir Pelangi Palace

JOHOR BAHRU, 14 MAY — Sultan Ibrahim graciously received internationally renowned actress Fan Bingbing during an audience at Pasir Pelangi Palace in Johor Bahru on May 12. Fan Bingbing, who .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, May 14 -- Local authorities (PBTs) nationwide have been urged to consider reducing rental rates for business premises, stalls and food courts under their jurisdiction until the end of 2026. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the move was a proactive effort by the MADANI Government to safeguard public welfare and assist hawkers and small traders currently coping with rising operating costs. “This strategic move aims to ease the burden of operating costs faced by local hawkers and small traders, thus stimulating economic growth at the grassroots level,” he said in a statement today. He said that the initiative could also help ensure the continuity of business operations, sustain job opportunities and strengthen the economic resilience of the local community. “By providing this rental reduction, we are not only assisting small traders to stay afloat, but also helping to ensure the stability of prices of goods and services for consumers,” he said. Nga said that the ministry would work closely with all PBTs to identify suitable implementation methods based on financial capabilities and local needs, to ensure public well-being and the urban economic ecosystem continued to be strengthened. “The welfare of the people has always been a priority for the MADANI Government. We want to ensure that no group is left behind in national development and continues to benefit from the country’s economic growth,” he said. Nga said that the move would also complement various ongoing efforts to assist the people and the small business community, including entrepreneurship assistance programmes, the provision of more conducive business facilities, the upgrading of food courts and public markets, and initiatives such as MyKiosk. Last Tuesday, the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) urged PBTs and state governments nationwide to reduce rental rates for premises or shops under their jurisdiction with immediate effect. Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the move was crucial in helping small traders, night market operators and micro-entrepreneurs cope with rising operating costs, which account for an average of between seven and 58 per cent of total business expenses. “They are exposed to weak cash flow and often rely on a single source of income. Without intervention, the risk of business closures could increase significantly,” he said during the online briefing on the global supply crisis. --BERNAMA

PBTs Urged To Consider Rental Cuts Until Year-End

PUTRAJAYA, May 14 — Local authorities (PBTs) nationwide have been urged to consider reducing rental rates for business premises, stalls and food courts under their jurisdiction until the end of .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 -- Police arrested a man and seized various protected wildlife parts worth more than RM5.3 million during a raid at an antique shop on Jalan Gaya in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, yesterday. Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department's Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Intelligence Investigation (WCB/PSK) commander Datuk Mohd Zaki Ashar said the 53-year-old suspect, who is also the owner of the shop, was arrested during the raid at 9.45 am. Inspections uncovered 16 tusks believed to be from wild boars, nine teeth believed to be from tigers, 10 teeth believed to be from bears, 13 bezoar stones, and 394 swiftlet nests weighing 2,243 grammes. “Initial investigations found that the man admitted purchasing swiftlet nests and bezoar stones from a supplier in Lintas, Sabah, without a valid licence or permit. “The protected wildlife parts are believed to have been obtained from villagers in Tawau at low prices before being sold in the local market around Kota Kinabalu,” he said in a statement today. Mohd Zaki said all the items were kept without permits from the authorities, with the total value of the seizure estimated at RM5.32 million. The suspect and seized items were taken to the Kota Kinabalu district police headquarters before being handed over to the Sabah Wildlife Department for further action. The case is being investigated under Sections 41(1) and 41(2) of the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. -- BERNAMA

Over RM5.3 Million Worth Of Wildlife Parts Seized In Kota Kinabalu – Bukit Aman

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 — Police arrested a man and seized various protected wildlife parts worth more than RM5.3 million during a raid at an antique shop on Jalan Gaya .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 MAY -- Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday has praised local film Konspirasi for delivering strong positive messages and addressing challenges relevant to today’s modern world. He made the remarks after attending a special screening of the film at TGV Alamanda, Putrajaya, last night alongside members of the production crew and cast, including director Ghaz Abu Bakar and lead actor Adi Putra. According to Zahid, the film successfully highlights the values of courage in defending the truth, while also emphasizing integrity, teamwork, trust and the spirit of perseverance within a team. He also described the incorporation of modern technology and communication elements in the film as a major strength, making it more relatable to younger audiences and relevant to contemporary global challenges. “Congratulations to the entire production team, the cast and everyone involved in making this film a success. I hope local productions like this will continue to win the hearts of the people and eventually penetrate international markets,” he said. Konspirasi is expected to emerge as one of the notable local films capable of attracting audiences through its combination of action, positive messaging and modern cinematic storytelling. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ZAHID HAMIDI

Datuk Seri Dr. Zahid Hamidi Praises ‘Konspirasi’ for Promoting Courage and Integrity

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 MAY — Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday has praised local film Konspirasi for delivering strong positive messages and addressing challenges relevant to today’s modern world. .... read more

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

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, .... read more

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

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 .... read more

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

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 .... read more

Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi Urges Public to Stay Vigilant as Southwest Monsoon Begins Today

Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi Urges Public to Stay Vigilant as Southwest Monsoon Begins Today

KUALA LUMPUR 14 MAY — Starting today Malaysia is expected to enter the Southwest Monsoon phase, which typically brings lower rainfall along with warmer and drier weather conditions across most .... read more

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