There's no need to entertain MCA, says Loke
PETALING JAYA : DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook has refused to be drawn into the latest spat with MCA following its accusations that his party betrayed the Chinese voters after the 2022 general election.
Loke said he 'couldn't be bothered' with MCA and that there was no need to entertain the party's views, Sinar Harian reported.
'We'll just do our work, and let the people judge us for it. MCA doesn't need to evaluate us – that's not their job. The ones who will evaluate us are the voters and the people. Come election time, we'll see,' Loke was quoted as saying.
A war of words broke out between MCA and DAP a few days ago after MCA Youth information chief Neow Choo Seong claimed that DAP had failed to defend the interests of the Chinese community.
DAP national vice-chairman Syahredzan Johan dismissed the claims as baseless and advised MCA to focus on regaining public support.
This prompted MCA vice-president Tan Teik Cheng to label Syahredzan as arrogant and said that the latter's party relied heavily on Chinese votes to win the elections but neglected the community after gaining power.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
35 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
US tariff cut, regional diplomacy signal Malaysia's return to global relevance under Anwar's leadership, says DAP sec-gen
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 — Malaysia is carving out a more influential role for the country and for Asean on the world stage, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said today. He said the recent reduction of United States tariffs on Malaysian goods from 25 per cent to 19 per cent reflects how the country – and by extension, Asean, which it currently chairs – is regaining its footing globally under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'We are working to position ourselves as a 'middle power' while opening new strategic space for Malaysia to rise and advance once again,' Loke said in a statement. He added that Malaysia remains competitive even though it maintains a higher trade surplus with the US compared to its regional peers. 'Our current tariff rate is now on par with other countries in the region,' he noted. The US lowered trade tariffs for Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia to 19 per cent on July 31, while Singapore retained its rate at 10 per cent, Brunei at 25 per cent, Laos and Myanmar at 40 per cent. The new rates come into force from August 7. Loke said Malaysia's leadership as this year's Asean chair has also helped the country regain international relevance. He said Putrajaya played a key role in facilitating peace talks between Thailand and Cambodia, and confirmed that Trump would attend the upcoming Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur. This, Loke said, reflects growing confidence in Malaysia's leadership and diplomatic credibility. He credited Prime Minister Anwar's 'pragmatic, patient and constructive' approach for elevating Malaysia's position in regional security. Under the Madani government, he added, Malaysia has helped steer Asean into becoming a stronger and more cohesive bloc. Loke said Malaysia's diplomatic performance may not always make headlines, but the benefits are real — from easing trade tensions to fostering regional peace. 'The Madani government has not only delivered tangible economic benefits, but also elevated Malaysia's global standing,' he said.
Malay Mail
35 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Made in Malaysia, taxed in America, sold back at triple the price: Here's how the US trade tariff could affect us
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 — A new tariff imposed by the United States on most Malaysian exports could soon pinch Malaysian consumers, not just exporters, as goods caught in global supply chains boomerang back home at inflated prices. From rubber gloves to furniture, palm oil and solar panels, Malaysian-made products that are shipped to the US and later re-exported under global brands, could return with nearly triple the original price tag, economists warn. How does it work anyway? A rubber glove made in Klang costs RM1 at the factory. Once it enters the US, it's hit with the 19 per cent tariff, bumping the landed price to RM1.19. By the time it goes through importers, distributors and retailers, it could retail for RM2.49 in the US. But the cost hike doesn't stop there. If that same glove is repackaged or sold as part of a medical kit by a multinational and shipped back to Malaysia, the price might climb to RM2.89 – nearly three times what it originally cost. 'Theoretically, these products could come in and out several times from various countries as global supply chains are very complex,' Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid tol The New Straits Times in an article published yesterday. He said many Malaysian-made goods re-enter the country as part of branded global products, with costs stacked on at every step. Afzanizam indicated that semiconductors are possibly due to be spared due to special exemptions. What products are affected? According to The New Straits Times, five key sectors are likely to be affected by the US tariff, despite being revised down to 19 per cent from an initial 25 per cent. Gloves: Used worldwide in healthcare; made by companies like Top Glove Corp Bhd Furniture: Major Malaysian export to US retailers Solar panels: Manufactured here, often re-exported Machinery components: Integral to multinational supply chains Palm oil-based products: Common in foods, cosmetics, and industrial goods State of Malaysia-US trade The US has been Malaysia's third largest trade partner since 2015, according to data from the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation. Last year, total trade went up almost 30 per cent to RM324.91 billion compared to 2023. Exports to the US also went up 23.2 per cent to a record RM198.65 billion in Electric and Electronic products (these include microchips, TVs, phones, refrigerators, air-conditioners, circuit boards, and switchboards), machinery, equipment, and parts as well as rubber products. Imports from the US went up by 42.1 per cent to RM126.26 billion last year. Three key imports of 2024 were E&E products; machinery, equipment, and parts; and chemicals and chemical products. Bottom line The 19 per cent US tariff isn't just a trade statistic; it's a global price hike in disguise as part of the global trade route that goes from Malaysia to the US and back to Malaysia at a cost you won't see coming.
Malay Mail
2 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Anwar's defining week: Broker of peace and economic reprieve
COMMENTARY, Aug 2 — It has certainly been a defining week for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as he notched double wins at the diplomatic and economic fronts, which even his opponents would find difficult to fault. He has certainly been in top form as he brokered a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, orchestrating a diplomatic breakthrough, and then went on to make a call to United States President Donald Trump at 6.50 am. Anwar received plenty of messages from world leaders congratulating him on the handling of the potentially dangerous conflict between two neighbouring countries. It was a huge test for him as the Chair of Asean, but he pulled off magnificently as he brought the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia to Kuala Lumpur for a dialogue. He also made sure that officials from the US and China, the two important players in the region, were present to observe the talks. It is also evident that Malaysia's neutral posture of not taking sides has shown positive results, as that brought the two countries, locked in conflict, to the negotiating table. Trump himself reportedly intervened in the ceasefire negotiations by threatening both parties with heavy tariffs, but Malaysia's central role in mediating the agreement gave it diplomatic capital. At the same time, Malaysia scored a much-needed economic reprieve after the US agreed to scale back steep tariffs that had been threatening Malaysia's export-driven economy. At one point, Washington had threatened Malaysia with reciprocal tariffs of up to 25 per cent in retaliation for what it claimed were unfair trade practices and currency. This week, the White House agreed to lower the rate to 19 per cent, offering breathing room to Malaysia's key sectors, especially electronics and palm oil. The sound of relief could be heard across the nation. Without doubt, Anwar was properly prepared by officials for his telephone conversation with Trump. But as many world leaders would know, an element of uncertainty can also be expected when dealing with Trump, as some US allies have ended up with high tariffs. Both cases, which Anwar handled well, demonstrated strategic diplomacy which was carried out with precision and the personal charm offensive, which Anwar is good at. By now, world leaders would have watched how Anwar has the ability to lift up the phone to call his counterparts. The world will certainly now see that there is value in Malaysia as a stabilising force and an economic partner. The week has not just been a personal success for Anwar and his government, but as one analyst put it, they are a reminder that middle powers like Malaysia can shape outcomes when they choose engagement over posturing. Thai veteran journalist Kavi Chongkittavorn wrote that Anwar has now positioned himself as a peacemaker. 'Asean is doing a somersault. It just needs decisive leadership,' he said, pointing out that Anwar got the US and China to be present, which was another coup, as 'both superpowers rarely collaborate on anything these days. Yet both sent envoys to support the Asean Chair's initiative.' These successes are not just wins for Anwar's government; they are reminders that middle powers like Malaysia can shape outcomes when they choose engagement over posturing. Writing in the Thai PBS World, he described that on the regional stage, 'PMX just had his finest hours.'' On the economic front, Malaysia has ended up having the same 19 per cent tariff as Indonesia and the Philippines. However, in Jakarta and Manila, there has been reported unhappiness that they have given in too much to Trump. Malaysia stood its ground that it would not allow the red lines to be crossed, particularly on its Bumiputera policy during negotiations. To the protestors who turned up by the thousands calling on Anwar to step down, they may not understand headlines like tariffs or ceasefires, but this week's developments demonstrated the importance of leadership. — Bernama • Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai is a National Journalism Laureate and chairman of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama).
