
Why can't subsidise gas if we're 5th largest exporter
Citing a report from the International Gas Union last year, he said Malaysia had exported approximately seven percent of the LNG in the world in 2023.
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The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Clarity on foreign student intake at local unis needed, says Dr Wee
PETALING JAYA: The government must clarify its policy on the intake of foreign students into local public universities, particularly at undergraduate level, says Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. He added the lack of a clear framework could risk limiting opportunities for Malaysian students, especially those from lower-income families. "What is our actual policy? Are foreign students only for postgraduate studies, or also at the undergraduate level? If it is for degrees, what percentage of places are allocated to them?" he asked during the Dewan Rakyat sitting held here on Tuesday (Aug 19). Dr Wee, who is also the MCA president, cited Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's electrical and electronic engineering programme as an example, noting that Malaysian student numbers had declined in recent years while intakes from mainland China had risen significantly. "I do not believe that Malaysian children do not want to learn about electrical and electronic engineering because Malaysia is a major player in the semiconductor industry." "Three years ago, out of 100 students, there were about 10 Malaysians of Chinese descent and 10 students from China. The following year, it was 15 Malaysians and 23 from China." "But last year, only 17 Malaysians were admitted, compared with almost 90 students from China," he said. Dr Wee also questioned whether local students were being edged out by foreign applicants due to commercial considerations. "I do not believe that Malaysian students are not interested in this field. If this trend has reached the undergraduate level, then we need a clear policy to protect opportunities for our own people," he said. He pointed out that some universities had introduced what was described as "inclusive channels" for enrolment, where non-bumiputra Malaysians could apply outside of the central university admission system. "However, these applicants are then required to pay commercial fees. Isn't this effectively a commercial channel, and doesn't it discriminate against Malaysians?" Dr Wee asked. He also raised concerns about special needs students being left out of the system, citing cases of high-achieving candidates, including one with autism, who were unable to secure placements. "We must ensure that our policies are inclusive, fair, and do not disadvantage Malaysians, whether they are from poor families, minority groups, or persons with disabilities," he stressed. Dr Wee said while foreign student enrolment can benefit Malaysia's education sector and international profile, the balance must not come at the expense of local students. "This is not about pointing fingers, but about reviewing policies that may need to be corrected. We must ensure fairness in access to higher education," he added. Responding, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said locals remain the overwhelming majority at public universities, with policies in place to safeguard their opportunities. "In 2024, there were 497,000 Malaysian students in universities, compared with just 13,000 international students at the undergraduate level. For first-degree courses alone, there were 365,000 Malaysians," he said. Zambry explained that university quotas for locals are set by the central university admission system and must be filled before any remaining places are opened to foreign students. "Priority is always given to Malaysians. Only after UPU's requirements are met can universities open the remaining capacity to others," he said. He added that while Malaysia has welcomed international students since the liberalisation of higher education in 1996, the policy has always been to prioritise postgraduate enrolment for foreigners. "This is part of the internationalisation process, but it is not done at the expense of our own children," he stressed. Earlier this month, Dr Wee reiterated his concerns about the sharp rise in the percentage of foreign student enrolment at Malaysia's public universities that is outpacing that of local students, raising red flags about the allocation of placements. Citing a recent study by the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research, he said the number of Malaysian students enrolling in public universities increased modestly from 172,719 in 2018 to 191,450 in 2024, reflecting a 10.8% rise and a compound annual growth rate of 1.73%. In stark contrast, non-Malaysian enrolment surged from 10,003 in 2018 to 19,731 in 2024, marking a 97.3% increase and a compound annual growth rate of 11.99%. Civil society group G25 also stated their concerns about the increasing commercialisation of public services under the guise of financial sustainability.


The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
PM: PETRONAS on strategic moves to adapt to global uncertainties
KUALA LUMPUR: PETRONAS' strategic decision to rationalise its asset portfolio is driven by the need to optimise investments, adapt to global market uncertainties and ensure the company remains competitive and sustainable in the long term, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said that being among the Top 10 in its field globally, PETRONAS must consider long-term perspectives, given the uncertainties in the world of the oil and gas market. 'PETRONAS is making calculated decisions to release older assets and reinvest in new ventures to ensure maximum resource utilisation,' he said during the Minister Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat. Anwar noted that PETRONAS makes these decisions with commercial prudence and without political interference to uphold its esteemed reputation. Anwar acknowledged that over 5,000 workers might be affected in streamlining operations but said that comprehensive support measures are in place to assist them. 'We are ensuring those affected receive training for new opportunities, with guarantees such as a year-long salary,' he said. Concerning PETRONAS' strategy on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) imports and how it would maintain its profit portfolio, the Prime Minister explained that PETRONAS imports only what is necessary. 'Our import strategy is aligned with maintaining a competitive and commercially viable portfolio. PETRONAS balances imports and exports to maintain profitability,' he said. The Prime Minister also informed the Dewan Rakyat that over 4.6 million members of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) have made withdrawals from the Flexible Account since May 2024, with total withdrawals amounting to RM14.79bil as of June 30. 'The remaining balance in the Flexible Balance Account stands at RM10.16bil,' he said when asked whether the government will allow a special EPF withdrawal in 2025 by moving 30% from Account 1 to Account 3.


Free Malaysia Today
6 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Petronas will only import LNG from US at competitive prices, says Anwar
Reports previously said Malaysia had agreed that Petronas would buy US$3.4 billion of US LNG annually as part of a deal with Washington to cut its tariff rate. (Reuters pic) KUALA LUMPUR : Petronas will only proceed with liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from the US if they are competitively priced and match Malaysia's actual needs, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today. Anwar said the country would import only what it needed, and that Malaysia already imports some LNG from the US. 'So Petronas's decision depends on our capacity and requirements. We will not import more than that, but we must also remember that we export as well,' he said during Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat. 'If the price is competitive and the project is considered conventionally viable, it makes sense to import more, including from the US… Our (LNG) products are still in demand in Japan, Korea, and especially China.' The prime minister was responding to Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muda-Muar), who asked how the national oil company could protect its profits if it made annual LNG purchases worth US$3.4 billion (RM14.39 billion), on top of current imports. The purchases are part of Malaysia's deal with Washington to cut its tariff rate, but come as Petronas faces various challenges including dwindling profits leading to a decision to cut about 10% of its workforce, as well as the handover of Sarawak's gas distribution role to state-owned Petros. Petronas president and group CEO Tengku Muhammad Taufik said in June that Malaysia was set to be increasingly dependent on LNG imports in the next five years. Analysts have warned that profits could be hit by the handover of Sarawak's gas distribution role to Petros, part of the state's push for greater control over its energy resources. CreditSights estimates that Petronas's earnings could fall by up to 11%, although LNG revenues are expected to hold steady. However, Emir Research warned of a revenue loss of up to 30% if the shift significantly reshaped Petronas's Sarawak operations, potentially forcing plans to downsize and limiting future capital spending.