BTH: Abduction, Pamela Ling, witness protection and Trump's US tariff [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, we tackle two urgent national concerns gripping Malaysia.
First, we delve into the shocking disappearance of Datin Seri Pamela Ling Yueh, a key witness in a high-profile corruption case, who was abducted in broad daylight outside the MACC headquarters.
How secure are our whistleblowers and witnesses? Are abductions on the rise? How should the public respond?
Criminologist and Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) exco member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Geshina Ayu Mat Saat shares her insights on crime prevention.
Then, we shift focus to the economic front: the United States has imposed sweeping tariffs on nearly all Malaysian exports — except semiconductors.
With pressure mounting on Putrajaya to meet US demands on trade barriers, halal certification, and Asean's role, we speak with Prof. Dr. Azmi Hassan, geostrategist and senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research, to break down what's at stake for SMEs, bilateral relations, and Malaysia's role as a regional economic leader.
From public safety to economic sovereignty, this episode tackles how prepared is Malaysia to protect its people and its interests?
Watch Beyond the Headlines on NST Online's YouTube channel.
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Focus Malaysia
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Traditionally focused on honouring corporate leadership and achievements in public-private partnerships, IBRAA has expanded its scope this year to include state governments that have demonstrated exceptional performance and commitment to the people. The selection of award recipients was based on information collated from states that submitted the necessary documentation. Case studies were developed by Expert Advisors, a consultancy firm appointed to conduct this survey, which then compiled detailed reports on state-level initiatives. The final decisions were made by an adjudication panel consisting of experienced professionals and regional figures. Award with merit Sabah was selected as the 'Most Outstanding State' based on its achievements in economic growth, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, public welfare and good governance guided by the structured and far-reaching Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan. Sabah is now firmly positioning itself as an industrial state by 2040 with available data backing that ambition. The state recorded the highest manufacturing sector growth rate in Malaysia at 4.4% in 2023, recovering from a contraction the previous year. Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Sabah saw exponential growth by soaring from RM132.7 mil in 2023 to over RM1.078 bil in 2024. A key industrial hub, the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park is now operating at 90% occupancy, housing 288 investors and creating over 14,600 jobs for Sabahans. Major players such as South Korea's SK Nexilis (M) Sdn Bhd and China's SBH Kibing Solar New Energy (M) Sdn Bhd have invested more than RM7 bil in Sabah, drawn by the state's industrial potential and streamlined processes. 'These investors were able to obtain all the necessary approvals and begin construction within about seven months. 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The Sun
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