News@9: Today's top headlines - July 18, 2025 [WATCH]
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is open to meeting Umno leaders over the royal addendum on Datuk Seri Najib Razak — but says the matter is up to the courts.
A Transport Ministry report reveals the UPSI tour bus that crashed in Gerik last month — killing 15 students — was going 117km/h, nearly twice the speed limit.
Following their cabinet exits, MPs Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad have been reassigned to the parliamentary backbenches. New seating starts Monday.
Pamela still missing
Three months since her disappearance, police say there are still no leads in the case of Datin Seri Pamela Ling Yueh.
That's all for News@9.
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Focus Malaysia
33 minutes ago
- Focus Malaysia
Unity is everyone's job all the time, not just during Unity Week
LAST Saturday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched National Unity Week in Penang. Held on July 17‒20 across the country, it also serves as a prelude to the Merdeka celebrations next month. Sadly, not many people pay attention to the National Unity Week, which was held to help strengthen the bonds between people of different races, religions and regions. It is a reminder of what holds us together as Malaysians. It gives us a moment to pause and reflect on what unity really means. But let us be honest with ourselves. Right now, our state of unity has much room to grow. There is a lot of noise out there. People are arguing more. Social media is filled with insults and antagonism. It feels like we are being pulled apart instead of being brought closer together. At times, it feels like we are losing the sense of mutual respect and trust that once defined Malaysia. We must pause and ask ourselves, why is this happening? One reason is that some quarters find it useful to play on our fears. They bring up race or religion to sow discord. They think this will win them support or votes but what they are really doing is tearing at the fabric of our nation. When leaders choose division over unity, everyone loses. As an elected representative, I believe politicians should stop using race and religion as tools to divide Malaysians. These tactics may bring short-term 'gains', but they cause long-term harm. Our people deserve better. True leadership means building bridges, not burning them. It means putting the country first, even when it is hard. It means having the courage to say no to those who benefit from chaos and fear. Unity cannot be built on slogans alone. It must be built on understanding, empathy, and shared responsibility. Each of us has a role to play in this. First, we must understand that Malaysia has a rich history and a complex social fabric. We come from many traditions and cultures. We speak different languages and practise different faiths. But this is not something to fear. It is something to be cherished. Having the understanding about our collective roots allows us to better navigate the complexity of living in a plural society. It provides context about our surroundings and our place in it. Second, we must learn to put ourselves in the shoes of others. This means listening without judgement. It means asking questions before jumping to conclusions. It means remembering that behind every label is a human being with hopes, fears and dreams. Third, we must stay alert to those who try to manipulate us. Whether through speeches, online comments or viral videos, some people try to provoke anger or hatred. They want to divide us for their own gain. We must not let them succeed. In my constituency in Jementah, I see real unity every day. When floods hit, neighbours of all races come together to help. During festive seasons, families of different backgrounds visit one another. In our neighbourhoods, children from diverse backgrounds play side by side, laugh together and grow up as friends. We look beyond race and religion. This is the Malaysia I know. This is the Malaysia I believe in. We must protect this spirit of togetherness. Not just during Unity Week, but all year round. It should live in how we talk to each other, how we solve problems, and how we teach our children. Let us also be clear. Unity does not mean we must all be the same. It means we must work together even when we are different. It means we must move forward as one, not in separate directions. Malaysia's strength lies in our diversity. But that strength will only show if we choose to stand together. Not just when it is easy, but especially when it is hard. Let Unity Week be more than an annual event. We ought to live the spirit of this event every day of the year—in good times and bad. True unity is not tested when everything is going well, but when we face challenges together. It is in those moments that our commitment to one another matters most. Because unity is not the job of the government alone. It is not just the work of schools or community groups. Unity is everyone's job, and it starts with us. ‒ July 21, 2025 Ng Kor Sim is the State Assemblywoman for Jementah. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: The Borneo Post
Malaysiakini
2 hours ago
- Malaysiakini
Govt succeeds in reducing new debt
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government has succeeded in reducing the annual debt to RM77 billion in 2024 from RM99 billion in 2022. This thus fulfils the commitment of more prudent fiscal management, and only the interest payments on old debts have not yet been reduced, he said.
Focus Malaysia
2 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
Ramasamy: What's PMX give-away as Bumi policy stands in the way of Malaysia's US tariff negotiation?
I AM not sure whether Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is as serious as he sounds in defending the preferential policies for the Bumiputera community in the country. The US imposition of 25% tariffs (from 24% previously) on Malaysian exports seems invariably related to the imposition of 30% Bumiputera equity on foreign firms, the nature of the halal industry – and not least – the prevention of foreign equity in the gas and petroleum industry. While Anwar talks tough about not diluting the Bumiputera stake in the country – calling it the 'red lines' – the government at the same time wants to engage the US amicably and diplomatically to reduce tariffs. I was informed by some Malaysian former diplomats that Anwar has the peculiar habit of talking tough and using non-compromising language when addressing the local audience, particularly the Malay segment of the population. To the Malays, he wants to be seen as a champion of their political and economic interests, especially through the manifestation of pro-Bumiputera policies. In other words, Anwar – despite his awareness of what is wrong with some of the Bumiputera policies – is not prepared to confront them or to come up with better national policies that will benefit all segments of the population. It doesn't take rocket science to know that the pro-Bumiputera policies have essentially benefitted the Malay elite as opposed to the man-0n-the-street Malays in the administrative and political sectors. Limited bargaining power By focusing on political expediency and survival, Anwar lacks the courage and wisdom to confront the political, social and economic realities in the country. He is so afraid that any attempt to critically examine the special privileges of the Bumiputera might be construed as a zero-sum game – the loss of the Bumiputera and the gain of the economically vibrant non-Malays in the country. Whether Anwar is going to tamper with the privileges of the Bumiputera must not be judged by his political rhetoric but rather by what Malaysia is going to give away in exchange for reduced tariffs. I would certainly think that there is a serious mismatch between what is said by Anwar and what Malaysia is going to concede to the US in the tariff talks. Anwar should not behave as though he is anti-US – he is far from it. He certainly lacks the courage and determination of twice former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Just remember how Dr Mahathir opposed the IMF (International Monetary Fund) policies during the country's financial crisis in the 1990s. While Anwar was prepared to go along with the dictates of the IMF, Dr Mahathir sought to confront them. It is the same Anwar who now wants to take a tough stand in protecting the rights of Bumiputera but in the on-going tariff negotiations with the US, he might be much more subdued with the potential to negatively affect the country's economy. – July 21, 2025 Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image credit: Anwar Ibrahim/Facebook
