
Debt, deceit and delay: Malaysia's hidden fiscal crisis
BANK Negara Malaysia's (BNM) latest update reveals the Federal Government's direct debt has reached RM1.277 trillion, pushing the debt-to-GDP ratio to around 66% and breaching the 65% statutory ceiling.
Predictably, social media is lit up with politically charged claims. Many simplistically argue that 'Najib's debt was safer,' citing lower ratios then. But they miss the real question: how much of that debt was simply hidden?

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Daily Express
3 hours ago
- Daily Express
Yong slams DBKK over tax move
Published on: Monday, June 02, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 02, 2025 Text Size: Yong called on DBKK to adjust its mindset and stop aligning with Federal LHDN enforcement while the billions owed to this region remain unpaid. Kota Kinabalu: Former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee criticised City Hall (DBKK) for assisting Federal tax authorities in pursuing small traders while the State is denied billions in constitutional revenue. 'Why is DBKK playing Federal tax collector role?' Yong said in a statement, here, Sunday, condemning DBKK's collaboration with the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) in targeting hawkers labelled as 'inactive' taxpayers. He said LHDN collected RM5.7 billion from Sabah in 2024 and targets RM6.2 billion for 2025, averaging RM6 billion annually. 'This excludes other tax revenues collected by Customs and other Federal agencies in Sabah. Despite these substantial collections, Sabah has not received its rightful 40 per cent constitutional share amounting to RM2.4 billion from the RM6 billion in tax revenues. Instead, Sabah receives only an interim payment of RM600 million, a figure plucked from nowhere,' he said. Yong said there is absolutely no reason for the Federal Government to delay making annual payments of at least RM2 billion to the Sabah Government. He said the targeted hawkers and micro businesses are not major tax evaders but small, informal traders already battling rising costs, subsidy cuts and declining purchasing power. 'Enforcing tax compliance in this climate, while RM2 billion in Sabah's share remains unreturned, only worsens economic fragility and damages local economic resilience,' he said. He called on DBKK to adjust its mindset and stop aligning with Federal LHDN enforcement while the billions owed to this region remain unpaid. 'DBKK should not contradict its role as a local government agency in uplifting livelihoods in Kota Kinabalu city,' he said. Yong said until the Federal Government honours the 40 per cent entitlement without further delay, tax enforcement in this region should be re-evaluated, paused if necessary and guided by consultation with the Sabah Government and Sabah business organisations. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Royal guidance strengthens govt leadership, says PM
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim describes the wise and just reign of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, as a lasting symbol of the greatness and unity of the country. 'The decrees by His Majesty have consistently served as a noble guide for the Madani government in formulating policies and carrying out its responsibilities, upholding the aspirations of the people and ensuring that the wellbeing of all segments of society is preserved and uplifted,' he said. The Prime Minister said this in a speech at the investiture ceremony where Sultan Ibrahim presented federal awards, stars and medals in conjunction with His Majesty's official birthday celebration at Istana Negara yesterday, reported Bernama. In congratulating Sultan Ibrahim on the occasion of His Majesty's official birthday, Anwar said he and all the Malaysian people prayed for His Majesty, Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, as well as the entire Royal Family, to be blessed with long-lasting health and to always be under the protection and blessings of Allah. The Prime Minister stressed that national unity is no longer an option, but rather a key requirement to ensure the continuity of the country's development. He said unity is the foundation of a country's development and is a catalyst for Malaysia's progress. 'Malaysia will only remain strong if we stand together united. 'Stability and national unity are the basic conditions for all progress. In a world that is rapidly changing and full of challenges, unity is not an option, it is a necessity,' he said. Anwar said the Federal Government, under the auspices and guidance of His Majesty, will continue to be committed to implementing a comprehensive reform agenda based on the Madani principles. Anwar also said Malaysia will remain steadfast in facing various global challenges and continue to play a role as the catalyst and leader of regional diplomacy through its Asean 2025 chairmanship. He said although the world is facing various challenges, including geopolitical tensions and trade tariffs, Malaysia remains firmly anchored. 'Malaysia is among the earliest countries to act in protecting the interests of industry and businesses and the welfare of the people. 'Comprehensive and inclusive strategic measures have been taken, with the involvement of various parties to ensure the country remains economically stable and competitive,' he said. The Prime Minister also described this year's Asean Summit as the best in the history of Asean, when Malaysia as chairman brought together three giants – namely the Gulf States or Gulf Cooperation Council, China and Asean – to ensure the survival of civilisation while spurring the economy of the people and country.


The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
PingPong Expands Leading B2B
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