
Despite rivalry, I approved RM486k for Dr M's Japan trip, Anwar says
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed that the government had allocated RM486,000 for former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's trip to Japan to attend the annual Nikkei conference last month.
He said the government decided to bear the cost after receiving a formal application from Mahathir, who is one of the Tambun MP's fiercest critics.
'There are...

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Free Malaysia Today
22 minutes ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Anwar says 13th Malaysia Plan must tackle economic gaps, fiscal limits
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim chairing the high-level discussion on the 13th Malaysia Plan's preparation with senior government officials today. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) must serve as a starting point for tackling the country's economic challenges. Anwar said these challenges include development and income disparities, limited fiscal space, and the slow pace of structural economic transformation. 'Malaysia must build greater resilience to face global economic risks and uncertainties, while accelerating structural reforms and narrowing socio-economic development gaps,' he said in a Facebook post. Earlier, Anwar chaired a high-level discussion on the 13MP's preparation with senior government officials. He said the preparation of the document, which began in mid-2024, is the result of a collaborative effort and comprehensive feedback on proposed strategies and initiatives from a wide range of stakeholders. These stakeholders include various ministries, state governments, local authorities, civil society organisations and the general public. Last month, a business group expressed concern about the 13MP following the resignation of economy minister Rafizi Ramli. The Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (Samenta) warned that the country risked missing out on yet another economic cycle (2026–2030) if key reforms outlined in the plan were not retained and fully implemented. Rafizi resigned as the economy minister on May 28 following his defeat to Nurul Izzah Anwar in the race for the PKR deputy president's post. The Pandan MP said his final responsibility as economy minister was to complete the 13MP, which will be tabled in Parliament in the upcoming meeting from July 21 to Aug 28.

Barnama
32 minutes ago
- Barnama
13MP Set To Address The Nation's Economic Challenges -- PM Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 (Bernama) -- The 13th Malaysia Plan 2026–2030 (13MP) will serve as the jumping-off point in the government's efforts to address the nation's economic challenges, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the challenges include developmental and income disparities, limited fiscal space, and slow economic structural transformation. 'The country needs to be more resilient in facing global economic risks and uncertainties, while accelerating structural transition and narrowing socio-economic development gaps,' he said in a post on his official Facebook page today.


Borneo Post
an hour ago
- Borneo Post
SSB Sibu appeals for public support to cover monthly operational cost
SSB Sibu Branch in urgent need of funds to support registered beneficiaries and cover operational costs of the care centre. SIBU (June 13): The Sarawak Society for the Blind (SSB) Sibu Branch is appealing for continued public support as it faces a monthly operational need of approximately RM13,000. The branch's vice-chairperson Datin Sri Judy Lau said the funds are essential to cover living allowances for its registered blind members and maintain the daily operations of its care centre. According to her, each registered blind individual currently receives a monthly living allowance of RM100 to help cover basic daily necessities. 'At present, there are about 80 registered recipients from the central region of Sarawak. At one point, the number had exceeded 100 individuals,' she told a press conference following a management meeting with the association on Thursday. The SSB care centre, which is operated by the branch, currently employs three full-time staff and houses one full-time resident. In the past, the centre also provided massage therapy training for the visually impaired. 'Today, many of them have become independent and are able to work on their own. 'Nevertheless, we continue to provide monthly living allowances,' Lau noted. She added that when the centre receives donated items such as rice or other essentials, these are distributed to eligible recipients. 'Every month, recipients will come to the centre to collect their allowances and any available aid,' she explained. Lau highlighted that anyone certified as blind by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) is eligible to register as a member of the society and receive the benefits provided. The Sarawak Society for the Blind (SSB) Sibu Division Branch will hold its 47th annual Open Day cum charity sale on October 12, from 7am to 12 noon, at the Sibu Blind Centre. According to organising committee chairperson Datin Sri Judy Lau, the fundraising target for this year remains at RM150,000 – the same as last year's benchmark. 'We hope the event will receive strong support and participation from the public, just as it has in previous years, so we can achieve our fundraising goal,' she said at a press conference, following a preparatory meeting on Thursday. Last year's event exceeded expectations by raising RM180,000, surpassing the original target, she revealed. Lau also expressed her gratitude to donors and supporters who have consistently contributed to the association's charitable efforts. This year's event will feature around 30 stalls, with the primary focus on food sales. In addition, a variety of items including daily necessities, ink paintings, decorative plants, and other goods will be available for purchase. To boost engagement, the organising committee is introducing two awards – 'Best Decorated Stall' and 'Top Fundraising Unit'. 'At the moment, charity sale tickets are being printed and will be distributed to confirmed participants and made available to the public soon,' Lau noted. Those interested in purchasing charity sale tickets may contact SSB Sibu Branch treasurer Lang Jai Lee on 016-8866886. operational cost public support Sarawak Society for the Blind Sibu SSB