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KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today received a farewell courtesy visit from Chief Statistician of Malaysia Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin ahead of his mandatory retirement on July 8.

In a Facebook post, the Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for Mohd Uzir’s service and dedication in strengthening the national statistical system, which serves as a key foundation for policymaking and Malaysia’s development planning.

Anwar also shared photos of the visit, noting that Mohd Uzir was appointed Chief Statistician on Feb 14, 2017.

Mohd Uzir, who holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, joined the Department of Statistics in 1990. — BERNAMA

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KUALA LUMPUR — Tan Sri Azam Baki’s membership in the National Anti-Financial Crime Centre (NFCC) Advisory Board has nothing to do with his previous position as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (picture) said.

Anwar said Azam’s appointment to the board falls under the authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and remains valid until 2027.

“The appointment, if I am not mistaken, runs until 2027.

“It can only be revoked by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. His appointment is not tied to the MACC chief commissioner post,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at Masjid As-Sodiqin, Taman Kobena, here today.

Earlier, the National Financial Crime Prevention Centre (NFCC) clarified that Azam is still a member of its Advisory Board.

NFCC director-general Datuk Seri Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil said in a statement that Azam’s appointment is for a three-year term from Sept 20, 2024, to Sept 19, 2027. — BERNAMA

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KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia has designated Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu (picture) as its representative at the official funeral of the late Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, in Tehran on Friday.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said Mohamad will also meet with the Iranian leadership to convey Malaysia’s condolences and sympathies to the government and people of Iran.

“Malaysia is profoundly saddened by this loss and stands in solidarity with the leadership and people of Iran during this period of mourning,” read the statement.

Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israeli airstrike on Iran on Feb 28, 2026. — BERNAMA

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JOHOR BAHRU — Pakatan Harapan (PH) today launched its “Johor for All” manifesto as the coalition’s pledge to voters for the 16th Johor state election.

The manifesto was launched by PH Presidential Council member Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, who is also PKR’s co-election director, at a ceremony here.

Also present were Johor PH chairman Aminolhuda Hassan, Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching, Johor PKR chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa and the coalition’s candidates contesting the state election.

The proposal was presented jointly by three PH candidates in the state polls — Dr Mazlee Malik (Puteri Wangsa), Suhaizan Kayat (Larkin) and Andrew Chen (Stulang).

Among the key pillars of the manifesto is the Johor Health Scheme, which offers health coverage of up to RM100,000 a year for B40 and M40 groups as well as persons with disabilities (PWDs), in addition to reviving the Johor Health Card, targeting 500,000 beneficiaries.

For housing, 80,000 affordable housing units will be built over five years, with a target of 16,000 units annually, alongside the expansion of FELDA Second Generation Housing, prioritising young families and local workers.

In addition, a RM8,000 deposit assistance for first-time homebuyers through a rent-to-own scheme will be provided, with 50,000 young families expected to benefit.

PH also pledges to establish a RM500 million fund to strengthen youth development in the state.

Through the Johor Youth Fund, PH aims to benefit at least 50,000 young families across the state through various support programmes and economic development initiatives.

The fund, which will be Johor’s largest for youth development, includes the Johor Premium Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, a Youth Entrepreneurs Fund, training in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and digital skills, as well as free tuition for SPM and STPM candidates from B40 households.

In efforts to strengthen the education sector, the target is for 100 per cent of schools in Johor to have gigabit internet access and AI and robotics laboratories in all districts by 2030, with the involvement of 50,000 students annually.

In addition, digital libraries and modern learning centres will also be established in every district through strategic cooperation between schools, TVET institutions, higher education institutions (IPTs) and industry.

To support the local business ecosystem, a RM1 billion fund will be provided for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and Johor entrepreneurs to digitalise 20,000 businesses and create 10,000 new entrepreneurs in the ASEAN market.

In addition, PH also outlined its commitment to strengthening Johor as the country’s leading agri-food producer through the modernisation of the value chain and transformation of downstream industries.

The proposal focuses, among others, on enhancing the potential of high-value local commodities, particularly the durian and pineapple industries, while also committing to preserving and expanding permanent agricultural areas and increasing food production in Johor.

PH also pledges to drive Johor as a hub for high-value industries by ensuring comprehensive development across all districts as engines of the state’s economic growth.

Among the industries emphasised are furniture manufacturing, the creative economy ecosystem, high-technology industries, the oil and gas sector, tourism, modern agriculture, fisheries and food production.

PH also offers a commitment to reduce waiting times for Malaysia-Singapore cross-border clearance by 50 per cent through the Johor-Singapore Agenda outlined in its manifesto. — BERNAMA

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KUALA LUMPUR — The National Anti-Financial Crime Centre (NFCC) today clarified that former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki (picture) remains a member of its Advisory Board.

In a statement today, NFCC director-general Datuk Seri Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil said Azam’s appointment is for a three-year term from Sept 20, 2024, to Sept 19, 2027.

“The appointment was made in his personal capacity with the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. As such, his membership of the NFCC Advisory Board is not tied to the office of the MACC chief commissioner and remains valid until the expiry of his appointment, unless terminated earlier by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“Azam’s attendance at the NFCC Advisory Board meeting on June 30 was therefore fully in accordance with Act 822 (NFCC Act 2019), as he is a legally appointed board member,” he said.

Yesterday, media reports quoted Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin as questioning Azam’s appointment to the NFCC advisory board. — BERNAMA

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