Muhyiddin denies defending subsidies for foreigners
PETALING JAYA : Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin has denied defending the distribution of government subsidies to foreigners, urging Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to furnish proof he had ever made such a statement.
In a video posted on Facebook, Muhyiddin said Anwar's claim that he had made such a remark was slanderous.
'I have never said such a thing. From the beginning, our fundamental policy on subsidies has been that they are meant for Malaysians, not foreigners.
'I want to ask where Anwar read or heard that (purported statement), because there's definitely none.
'What was the source, and was it genuine or fake?' asked the Bersatu president.
Earlier today, Sinar Harian quoted Anwar as saying that Muhyiddin had questioned the government for burdening foreigners when they had also made significant contributions to the country.
The prime minister said the government had decided on targeted subsidies for electricity and RON95 petrol so that they could continue helping Malaysians while reducing the nation's fiscal deficit.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
24 minutes ago
- The Star
Semiconductor industry unlikely to be severely affected by revised tariffs, says Anwar
PUTRAJAYA: The country's semiconductor industry is unlikely to be severely affected by the revised tariffs announced by the United States, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said that Malaysia was grateful to secure a 19% tariff rate in recent negotiations, a relatively favourable outcome compared to other neighbouring countries, adding that it could possibly be due to the country's success in helping resolve the Thailand-Cambodia conflict. "Tariff concerns, particularly in the semiconductor industry, have caused significant unease recently. "Previously, these were mostly exempted. "However, most of these companies are US-based or already have commitments to continue their investments and production in the US, so they won't be severely affected," he said in his speech during the 2026 Budget Consultation Council at the Finance Ministry here on Thursday (Aug 7). Anwar said, however, there are some exceptions such as Infineon, a German semiconductor manufacturer, that mainly caters to the needs of Germany and Europe, as well as others. "So, we're monitoring the situation," said Anwar. Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on countries worldwide, which have now come into effect, escalating his trade war. Trump plans to impose 100% tariffs on semiconductors imported from countries that do not produce, or do not plan to produce, chips within the US and only companies that have invested in or are building chip-manufacturing facilities in the US would reportedly be exempt.
Sinar Daily
24 minutes ago
- Sinar Daily
EPF monthly payout plan won't affect current withdrawals
The new mechanism aims to ensure members' savings last longer throughout retirement, in line with rising life expectancy. 07 Aug 2025 01:41pm Photo for illustrative purposes only. Bernama FILE PIX KUALA LUMPUR - The proposed implementation of monthly pension-style payments for Employees Provident Fund (EPF) members, announced during the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), will not affect the withdrawal rights of existing members, said Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying. She said the proposal, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, would apply only to new members registering after the new mechanism takes effect. However, she said, existing members may choose to opt in voluntarily. "The proposed restructuring of EPF accounts will introduce a new mechanism allowing part of members' savings to be allocated specifically for regular income during retirement,' she told the Dewan Rakyat during a question-and-answer session on Thursday. Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying during a question-and-answer session at Dewan Rakyat on Thursday. Photo by Bernama She was responding to a supplementary question from Mordi Bimol (PH-Mas Gading), on the rationale for introducing monthly pension-style payouts, as announced under 13MP. Lim said the new mechanism aims to ensure members' savings last longer throughout retirement, in line with rising life expectancy. "The new structure will take effect once members reach the minimum retirement age. Their savings will be split into two main components - flexible savings, which can be withdrawn at any time based on members' needs, and income savings, which will be disbursed regularly or monthly until fully utilised. "This proposal aims to strengthen retirement income security and support more sustainable financial management,' she added. - BERNAMA More Like This
Barnama
27 minutes ago
- Barnama
Government Mulls Raising Tobacco Tax — Anwar
BUSINESS PUTRAJAYA, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- The government is considering a proposal to raise the tobacco tax rate, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Thursday. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the proposal aligns with the government's commitment to public health and fiscal reform, particularly given the long-standing moratorium on tobacco tax hikes. Malaysia's tobacco tax currently accounts for 58.60 per cent of retail prices. The country has no formal mechanism for periodic adjustments or revaluation of the rate, which was last increased in September 2014. 'I'm enthusiastic. I don't smoke, and I'm anti-smoking,' he said in response to questions on whether the government may revise the tax in Budget 2026, to be tabled in October. Anwar was speaking after attending a Budget 2026 engagement session here today. An economist reportedly suggested raising the rate to between 60 and 75 per cent Last week, when announcing the 13th Malaysia Plan, Anwar said the government would broaden its 'pro-health' tax beyond sugary products to also cover tobacco, vapes and alcohol. He said the expanded tax framework aims not only to increase revenue, but more critically, to encourage behavioural change and curb the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs, commonly associated with unhealthy lifestyles, include heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.
