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No question of bowing to any foreign power, says Anwar

3 days ago

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by HIDAYATH HISHAM

THE government reaffirms that Malaysia will never yield to pressure or influence from any foreign power in matters of trade or foreign policy, with all decisions guided by national sovereignty and interest.

Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (picture) said all international trade negotiations, including the new Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART) with the US are conducted in full consideration of domestic laws and national security.

“Every government decision must be based on national interest. There is no question of bowing to any foreign power. If any condition threatens our security or sovereignty, Malaysia reserves the right to reject it,” he said during PM’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Replying to Datuk Dr Ku Abdul Rahman Ku Ismail (PN–Kubang Pasu), he said Section 5 of the ART which covers Economic and National Security clearly states that the implementation of the agreement must comply with each nation’s laws, including domestic security regulations.

Anwar said this provision emphasises Malaysia’s commitment to sovereignty and independent decision-making, free from subservience to any major power, including the US or China.

“Malaysia will continue to pursue a balanced free-trade policy. We do not side with any bloc, whether the US or China. Our approach is ASEAN centrality, ensuring every decision reflects regional and national interests,” he said.

Responding to opposition claims that the government had “bowed to foreign powers” in trade negotiations, Anwar dismissed the accusation as baseless.

He said such allegations were politically motivated, adding that all trade agreements are negotiated transparently and with Malaysia’s long-term economic interest in mind.

“Malaysia hosted key talks between the US and China in Kuala Lumpur (KL) before the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping — proof that the world recognises Malaysia’s credibility in diplomacy.

“This shows Malaysia is respected internationally. We are not a tool of any major power, but a bridge for dialogue and peace,” he said.

Anwar said it was time for the opposition to stop twisting facts and to understand the actual contents of international agreements.

“The problem is, some don’t understand the text of the agreement but are quick to make accusations. We do not follow the rules of outsiders. Malaysia stands by its own principles and dignity,” he said.

He added that the government will continue to strengthen international trade and investment relations through a targeted approach that protects the people’s interests, creates new job opportunities and advances Malaysia’s digital and high-technology sectors.

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News

Govt mulls raising e-hailing fuel subsidy limit to 800 litres under Budi95

3 days ago

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by HIDAYATH HISHAM

THE government is considering increasing the monthly subsidised petrol limit for e-hailing drivers under the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) programme from 600 litres to 800 litres.

Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the proposal was made following feedback from e-hailing drivers who found the current allocation insufficient to cover their daily operating costs.

“The government is reassessing the need to raise the ceiling for eligible e-hailing drivers as some have informed us that 600 litres is still not enough to meet their fuel expenses,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.

In reply to Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PH–Bukit Bendera) during PM’s Question Time, he said any decision would be based on data and actual consumption records to ensure assistance is channelled only to those who truly need it.

Anwar said the government had previously raised the fuel subsidy limit for active e-hailing drivers from 300 litres to 600 litres a month, benefiting about 58,000 eligible drivers nationwide.

“If there is genuine need and verified data showing higher usage, the government is ready to consider raising the ceiling to 800 litres for eligible e-hailing drivers,” he said.

He said the average RON95 petrol consumption under Budi95 among regular users was 98 litres in October, representing just 33% of the 300-litre monthly limit.

Anwar added that only 0.7% of users exceeded the 300-litre threshold, showing that most recipients do not fully utilise their subsidy quota.

“Is 300 litres enough? If we look at the October average, it’s 98 litres — just 33% of their entitlement. Those using more than 300 litres are only 0.7%,” he said.

He said Budi95 is part of the government’s targeted subsidy framework to ensure aid reaches eligible groups without leakages to higher-income users.

“These early data show that the government’s targeted approach is working. The subsidies are reaching their intended groups and moderate usage proves there is no wastage in the programme’s implementation,” he added.

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News Opinion

The ART of the no-deal

3 days ago

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We could have joined forces with ASEAN and negotiated as a bloc (pic: MEDIA MULIA)

Critics see the ART not as a trade agreement, but as a receipt for appeasement

WE PARTIED last week. The world came and admired the Maju Expressway (MEX). But now the euphoria is evaporating, and we’re looking at some fine print.

Over the summit weekend, Malaysia signed the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the US.

Our negotiators called it “geostrategic wizardry” — a deft sidestep to avoid a full flying kick from American bullying tariffs. We are told we now have “economic certainty” in exchange for a few quibbling items.

Nonsense.

Critics see the ART not as a trade agreement, but as a receipt for appeasement. Malaysia has just dragged a Trojan Horse of trade inside the gates for a celebratory tariff cut, and now the commandos are ready to open our doors from within.

Now this has become a hot political potato and, as usual in these kinds of debates, the first casualty is truth. Before that haze sets in, let’s see what’s inside this ART.

A Regulatory Clearance Sale

This whole frantic, sweaty ART scramble is to trim US bullying tariffs from 25% down to 19%. The trade minister, bless his heart, called the agreement a “best-case scenario.”

Translation: The Americans waved a big stick of sanctions — and the “best case” was to flinch.

This isn’t a victory; it’s the US graciously agreeing to kick us in the legs instead of the face.

In exchange, Malaysia secured zero tariffs on 1,711 export lines — palm oil, rubber and other staples. Defenders of the deal use this like a trophy but forget to mention the jewels we have conceded.

FDA Fast-pass, Halal Streamline

In pharmaceuticals, we have outsourced our drug safety regime. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can now slap a seal on a pill or a scalpel and ship it in, while local regulators can do the ceremonial nodding.

It’s like outsourcing our immigration to some Bangladeshi “Datuk”.

Even the mandatory halal certification — the national consumer assurance bedrock — has been tossed aside for these imports. We traded a Malaysian global staple for a tariff trim. For food, the oversight is merely “streamlined” — ie even our halal assurance now needs an American fast-pass.

In automotive, Malaysia’s domestic champions must now suffer American détente. US-built vehicles, adhering only to US standards, get a simplified entry.

Digital Tax Haven Clause

Worse still, we’ve promised not to impose new Digital Services Taxes (DSTs) on US tech giants.

While Europe scrambles to tax Google LLC, we have promised to leave their pockets alone. It’s like promising a thief you won’t call the police.

This is not a balanced deal; it’s extraterritorial tax immunity. Malaysia becomes a digital tax haven for its largest trading partner. The US didn’t just win; they wrote the rule book and made us sign it in blood.

Article 5.1: The Geopolitical Handcuffs

Now we arrive at Article 5.1 — the diplomatic blackmail clause, where all the fuss is.

It binds Malaysia to coordinate economic actions against “third countries” (insert China) if the US deems it a “shared economic concern.”

Malaysia’s foreign policy — once a glorious, cynical dance of non-alignment — is now a circus tight-rope walk without a balance pole. We’ve handed that to Washington.

If the US decides to slap sanctions on Beijing for, say, using the wrong font on their official stationery, Malaysia has agreed to “coordinate its response.”

This is not a shared concern; it’s a shared ultimatum.

The moment Malaysia signed this clause, its cherished neutrality became a historical anecdote. It signals to Beijing that when the brown stuff flies, Kuala Lumpur will look for cues from the US Federal Reserve (Fed), not the People’s Bank of China (PBOC).

The Exit Clause Booby Trap

The ART has no expiry date. The only way out is the so-called “Exit Clause,” which the government touts as proof of sovereignty.

In reality, it’s a booby trap. Exiting would trigger the return of 40%, 50%, or even 100% US tariffs — crippling our export sector.

We have secured a slight trade advantage, yes, but we paid for it by signing up as an American reserve player in a practically permanent commitment.

The government is on the defensive about how we ended up with ART, but in reality, what could our negotiators have done?

We could have demanded a sunset clause that would force the US to renegotiate terms periodically. We could have joined forces with ASEAN and negotiated as a bloc. Or we could have included a buy back clause that forces technology transfers from the advanced American companies that make our drugs, automobiles and digital commerce platforms.

Our negotiators had a choice: Immediate trade pain or the slow, dignified erosion of policy control. They chose the latter, concluding that stability is worth more than the hassle of true independence.

A pragmatic choice, perhaps. But in the grand, dangerous game of superpower chess, Malaysia has just announced its team colours. And the Chinese are taking notes.

ZB Othman is an editor of The Malaysian Reserve.

This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition

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Economy News

PM Anwar: Revival of RCEP to strengthen regional economic integration

3 days ago

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KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, has revived the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to strengthen its position as a major trading nation as well as to leverage cross-border trade opportunities in the region, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said it was part of Malaysia’s efforts to boost regional economic integration by playing an active role in both ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

“This programme of regional cooperation is important, with Malaysia being a trading nation. So, apart from ASEAN and APEC, we are also enhancing the RCEP, which we consider important,” he said during the Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a question from Datuk Dr Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail (PN–Kubang Pasu), who wanted to know what Malaysia achieved rom the recent APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) in South Korea.

The Prime Minister explained that the renewed implementation of the RCEP would open up greater opportunities for trade and investment among member countries, while also boosting Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global supply chain.

According to him, Malaysia’s active participation in major regional agreements such as RCEP and APEC allows it to gain greater market access and strengthen its export position.

“For Malaysia, 80 per cent of our total trade is with APEC countries. Therefore, we must place an emphasis on this. It is about our nation’s survival.

“RCEP provides a stable and mutually beneficial trade framework between ASEAN economies and external partners, reducing our dependence on a single market,” he added.

The 5th RCEP Summit convened in Kuala Lumpur last month was the first leaders’ meeting since the trade pact entered into force on Jan 1, 2022, and also the first since the signing ceremony at the 4th RCEP Summit in 2020.

Besides ASEAN member states, RCEP members include Australia, China, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand. — BERNAMA

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News

Mohamad: Myanmar civilian violence declining since Malaysia assumed ASEAN chairmanship

3 days ago

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KUALA LUMPUR — Incidents of violence against civilians in Myanmar have declined since Malaysia assumed the chairmanship of ASEAN, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

According to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (picture), the development reflects ASEAN’s ongoing efforts, including peace negotiations among conflicting parties, which are beginning to show results, despite persistent challenges in implementing the Five-Point Consensus (5PC).

“Since Malaysia took over as ASEAN Chair, acts of violence against civilians in Myanmar have dropped significantly. From 100 incidents, it’s now only about 20 per cent of that figure,” he said in reply to Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PN-Sik) on concrete measures to advance the 5PC during Question Time.

Mohamad said that during negotiations between ASEAN and Myanmar’s conflicting factions, Malaysia has served as a facilitator to encourage dialogue and convey the concerns and perspectives of all sides to the Myanmar government.

However, he acknowledged that the situation in Myanmar remains complex, as the conflict involves numerous ethnic groups with differing ideologies.

On the prospects of elections in Myanmar, Mohamad reaffirmed Malaysia’s stance that any election in the country must be conducted transparently, fairly, and inclusively, in line with ASEAN’s collective position.

“As long as the election does not meet ASEAN’s expectations of fairness, transparency, and inclusivity, it will be difficult for the bloc to recognise such a process,” he said.

On humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, Mohamad said Myanmar authorities are undertaking a verification process to facilitate the repatriation of refugees once conditions in the country improve. — BERNAMA

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Economy News

Government generates RM7.88b in green investments, creates over 2,000 jobs in 2024

3 days ago

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KUALA LUMPUR — A total of RM7.88 billion in green investments was generated in 2024 through various initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES).

These initiatives include the Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA), the Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS) 4.0, and the International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM).

Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who is also the acting Minister of NRES, said the initiatives also contributed to the creation of more than 2,000 green jobs in 2024, while cumulatively, the sector has created nearly 34,000 jobs to date.

He said the RM7.88 billion figure includes contributions from GITA, GTFS 4.0, and IGEM.

“This contribution includes investment commitments secured through the IGEM series since 2020, which has successfully generated over RM10 billion in potential green investments to date,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Johari was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar (PN–Kemaman), who asked about achievements related to green investment targets, the number of green job opportunities under the NRES Strategic Plan 2024–2030, and the main challenges in meeting these goals.

He said the achievement was in line with the targets outlined in the strategic plan, which emphasises green economic development, renewable energy, and the transition towards a low-carbon industry.

Responding to Ahmad Samsuri’s additional question on inter-ministerial collaboration to ensure the reported achievements are not merely based on impressive figures, Johari acknowledged that several major challenges remain.

He said the challenges include limited access to financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and a shortage of skilled labour in the local green technology sector.

I admit that one of our concerns is access to financing. The government can fund small-scale projects, but for large-scale initiatives, they must demonstrate economic value.

“When there is economic value, local banks or banks capable of providing substantial financing will be involved. Therefore, what we are facing today is a situation where SMEs are unable to access this green financing,” he added. — BERNAMA

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Money News

Credit card numbers suggest tightening consumer discretionary

3 days ago

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SLOWER credit card financing growth in September, possible caution on discretionary spending

Credit card financing growth slowed in September, suggesting rising consumer caution toward discretionary spending.

The segment financing growth moderated in September, easing to 7.99% from 9.37% in August.

“This suggests that credit card demand is stabilising after a period of strong expansion, reflecting heightened consumer caution in discretionary spending,” according to a monthly economic report released by Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd.

The report said total banking sector financing growth edged up marginally to 5.5% in September (August: 5.4%), supported by higher financing in the non-household segment.

Financing for the non-household sector rose to 5.49% (August: 5.02%), offsetting the moderation in household financing (5.49%; August:5.67%).

By purpose, it noted that financing for the purchase of residential property moderated further to 6.08% in September (August: 6.19%), while passenger car financing growth inched down to 6.70% (August: 6.89%).

“The downtrend in both segments indicates slower demand amid a high cost-of-living environment and weaker consumer sentiment, despite a stable interest rate environment,” it said. — TMR

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Economy News

PM Anwar: Malaysia-US trade deal does not contradict the Federal Constitution

3 days ago

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KUALA LUMPUR — The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) between Malaysia and the United States contains no provisions that contradict the spirit or any articles of the Federal Constitution, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim asserted.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) plays a crucial role in reviewing all national agreements, including the ART, to ensure they comply with Malaysian laws.

“The Cabinet’s discussions and decisions are often refined after receiving input from the AGC. That’s how we operate. Even in the final stages, the AGC’s review remains necessary.

“Yes, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) leads the negotiations. But when the discussions involve halal matters, JAKIM (the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) steps in; when they concern imports, the Agriculture Ministry is involved. Overall, the AGC oversees the legal scope discussed in Cabinet meetings,” Anwar explained.

The Prime Minister said this during the Minister’s Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat today, in reply to Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu), who wanted to know whether the ART had been reviewed by the AGC prior to the signing.

Malaysia and the US signed the ART on Oct 26 during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

The agreement stemmed from a US proposal to renegotiate tariffs imposed on Malaysia, reducing them from 25 per cent to 19 per cent, under Executive Order 14257 issued by President Donald Trump on April 2.

Anwar gave assurance that the agreement not only safeguards Bumiputera interests but also ensures that any enforcement measures will never override Malaysia’s domestic laws.

“I want to highlight one key clause, Section 5 on Economic and National Security. Some have claimed it doesn’t mention sovereignty, but the emphasis on national security is not generic. The Attorney General has clarified that this clause is comprehensive and binds all other provisions.

“When national security concerns arise, Malaysia retains the right to act in its own interest. If any provision poses a threat to our national security, we are not obligated to accept it. The agreement is guided by principles of goodwill and a shared commitment to enhancing bilateral relations, and that is the spirit in which we engage,” he said. — BERNAMA

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Economy News

ASEAN on track to meet poverty reduction target by 2030

3 days ago

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MELAKA — The proportion of ASEAN’s population living below the national poverty line declined from 13.3 per cent in 2016 to 10.8 per cent in 2023, placing the region firmly on track to achieve its poverty reduction target by 2030.

Deputy Minister of Economy Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said although the statistics show a downward trend, ASEAN member states must acknowledge that challenges remain.

“Development gaps persist both across and within our member states. Rural poverty, limited access to quality education and digital exclusion continue to test our shared commitment to leaving no one behind.

“These disparities demand targeted policies, guided by robust data and inclusive engagement,” she said in her keynote address at the 15th Session of the ASEAN Community Statistical System Committee (ACSS15) here today.

The five-day programme, themed ‘Advancing ASEAN Through Inclusive Data and Innovation’, was also attended by Chief Statistician Datuk Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin and Director of the ASEAN Integration Monitoring Directorate, ASEAN Statistics Division (ASEANStats), ASEAN Secretariat Dr Ahmad Zafarullah Abdul Jalil.

Hanifah Hajar also called for stronger emphasis on statistical literacy and public trust.

“When citizens understand and believe in the data, they become active participants in shaping the policies that affect their lives. This is the essence of inclusive governance,” she said.

She added that ASEAN continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and dynamism in the global economy, with total trade in goods reaching approximately USD3.56 trillion in 2023, accounting for eight per cent of global trade, despite representing only three per cent of the world’s population.

“This underscores ASEAN’s growing role as a hub for production networks, investment and supply chain integration.

“Our strength lies not only in scale but in openness and adaptability. Approximately 78 per cent of ASEAN’s trade occurs with partners outside the region, reflecting our deep connectivity with the global economy.

“Meanwhile, intra-ASEAN trade, which accounts for 22 per cent of total trade, continues to grow a promising sign of deepening regional integration,” she said.

Hanifah Hajar noted that the challenge ahead is to ensure ASEAN’s trade dynamism translates into inclusive and sustainable growth.

“This requires data-informed strategies that promote equitable access to markets, strengthen SME participation and support the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025.

“I also applaud the initiative to establish a one-stop reference centre for ASEAN-level data — a unified portal consolidating harmonised indicators, metadata, dashboards and open datasets across member states.

“This is more than a technical milestone; it is a bold step toward transparency, accessibility and regional solidarity,” she added. — BERNAMA

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News Technology

Selangor Techsphere Summit 2025 to drive next manufacturing leap

3 days ago

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by FAREZZA HANUM RASHID

MALAYSIA’S industrial landscape is entering a transformative phase, with automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability emerging as key competitiveness drivers.

Selangor will take the lead in this evolution through the Selangor Techsphere Summit 2025, to be held on Nov 11 and 12 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

The two-day event will bring together global and Malaysian industry leaders, technology experts, investors and policymakers to explore strategies that strengthen the nation’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Key focus areas include factory digitalisation, workforce transformation and green industry practices aimed at boosting productivity and regional competitiveness.

A highlight of the programme is a keynote address by Prof Henrik von Scheel (picture), internationally recognised as the Father of Industry 4.0. He will share insights into global manufacturing trends and the next decade’s challenges in productivity, skills and technology adoption.

Other speakers include John Broadbent from Australia’s Smart Manufacturing Group, Bob Gill of ARC Advisory Group Southeast Asia, and Dr Michael Tay from Siemens Malaysia. They will present real-world case studies on smart manufacturing, automation, data systems and talent development.

Participants will have access to sessions covering robotics, digital twins, AI, low-carbon manufacturing and future workforce training. The Summit targets business owners, senior executives, engineers and professionals seeking to upgrade industrial capabilities and explore innovation partnerships.

Co-organised with Hannover Fairs Asia-Pacific, part of Deutsche Messe, organiser of the world-renowned Hannover Messe, the collaboration brings international expertise and proven industrial practices to Malaysia.

Hannover Fairs Asia-Pacific and Australia MD Tim Bostridge (picture) said the partnership will support Malaysian firms in accelerating technology adoption.

“Techsphere gives decision-makers the chance to see where technology is heading, understand what is working globally and form partnerships that help businesses scale capabilities quickly,” he said in a statement.

For the Selangor state government, the Summit aligns with efforts to strengthen the state’s position as Malaysia’s industrial powerhouse. Selangor contributes nearly 26% of national GDP and hosts major industrial and logistics hubs including Shah Alam, Klang, Subang Jaya, Sepang and Cyberjaya.

Through initiatives under the First Selangor Plan (RS-1) and programmes such as Inisiatif Kemahiran Teknikal dan Ikthtisas SMART Selangor (IKTISASS), the state continues to focus on building a skilled and future-ready workforce.

Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (picture) said the Summit reflects the state’s long-term vision for a resilient and innovative industrial economy.

“Selangor is committed to developing an inclusive and competitive ecosystem driven by technology adoption, sustainability and skilled human capital,” he said.

Delegate seats are limited, with early-bird pricing currently available.

To register, more information, visit www.selangortechsphere.com.

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