Malaysian Bar leads lawyers' march to PM Anwar's office
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CNA
2 hours ago
- CNA
Singapore launches economic strategy review to stay competitive amid global, tech shifts
SINGAPORE: Singapore announced on Monday (Aug 4) that it will undertake a review of its economic strategy amid structural shifts, including geopolitical realignments and technological disruptions. The review will chart an economic blueprint aimed at keeping the country globally competitive in the long term, with good opportunities for businesses and workers, said Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong at a press conference. The new review will build on earlier efforts and incorporate fresh ideas to sharpen the country's economic competitiveness and resilience, said Mr Gan, who is also trade and industry minister and chair of the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce. The task force was formed in April to deal with the impact of tariffs imposed by the United States. It comprises three work streams – looking at assessing how businesses are being affected and sharing information on what schemes are available, short-term support and developing additional measures if needed, as well as long-term strategies to transform businesses and workers. The new economic strategy review will replace the third work stream on long-term planning. The government said the review process will involve wide engagement with businesses, workers and other stakeholders over the coming months. Mr Gan said the five committees hope to provide an update of their work and some key recommendations by 'early next year', and publish a final report by mid-2026. This announcement comes days after US President Donald Trump announced a slew of updated tariffs, including a 10 per cent global minimum and levies ranging from 10 to 41 per cent for 69 countries, ahead of an original deadline on Aug 1. US also said it will levy a 40 per cent tariff on so-called transshipments. The new US tariff directive will take effect on Aug 7. Singapore faces the baseline 10 per cent tariff. Mr Gan said the latest tariffs will 'raise the aggregate US tariff rates from above 2 per cent at the start of the year to about 15 per cent or higher'. 'Significant uncertainties' remain even with the latest announcement, he cautioned, citing how negotiations between the US and several major countries, including China and India, are still ongoing. There is also the possibility of further US tariffs aimed at specific sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and aerospace. Meanwhile, it remains unknown how supply chains will shift as companies factor the latest tariffs into their calculations. 'There will be long-term implications on the multilateral rules-based trading model that will inevitably affect Singapore and the rest of the world. We intend to continue to engage the US administration on these matters,' said Mr Gan. Singapore will also step up its engagements with businesses to find out the impact of the latest developments. The taskforce had thus far announced a new Business Adaptation Grant to help firms adapt to the new tariff environment, and it will continue to work closely with the Singapore Business Federation to study if additional measures are needed. The government is also keeping a close eye on how workers might be impacted, and will work with the Singapore National Employers Federation and National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) to step up support when needed. As these near-term measures are being rolled out, Singapore must also start planning for the long term to protect its economy, businesses and workers, which is why it is embarking on the economic strategy review, said Mr Gan. Asked how the latest review will build on similar economic reviews done previously, such as the Committee on the Future Economy's (CFE) report issued in 2017, Mr Gan said the challenges faced by Singapore have changed over the years. Currently, the country faces a 'significant long-term challenge' with the global environment set to face rapid changes and further uncertainties due to the US tariffs. 'There are a lot of unknowns going forward but at the same time, there are also opportunities and possibilities. That's why it is important for us to take a fresh look at our strategy,' said Mr Gan. That said, the country also has built up strong fundamentals, such as high-quality infrastructure and a highly-skilled workforce. 'All these are very important strengths that we have built up over the last few decades, and it is also important to see how we can leverage on that to continue to create new opportunities for Singapore and Singaporeans,' Mr Gan said. Echoing that, Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow, who is heading one of the five committees, said the country is 'definitely not abandoning' existing core strategies and is looking to build on the strong foundation that the country has built over the years. FIVE FOCUS AREAS The latest economic strategy review will be driven by five committees, each co-chaired by two political office holders and involving stakeholders from the private sector, unions and other organisations. The first committee will focus on strengthening Singapore's global competitiveness. Its remit includes improving the country's value proposition to international investors, building a strong base of globally active Singapore firms and securing its status as a hub for goods, capital, people, data and energy. It will be co-chaired by Mr Siow and Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, as well as Culture, Community and Youth Low Yen Ling. The second committee will explore ways to leverage technology and innovation to drive broad-based economic growth. These include catalysing opportunities through technologies such as artificial intelligence and accelerating AI adoption across the economy. This will be co-headed by Minister of State for Digital Development and Information and Education Jasmin Lau and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Environment and Culture, Community and Youth Goh Hanyan. A third committee will focus on strengthening Singapore's startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem. It is co-chaired by Minister of State for Trade and Industry and National Development Alvin Tan and Minister of State for Manpower, as well as Culture, Community and Youth, Dinesh Vasu Dash. The fourth committee, led by Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo and Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Health Koh Poh Koon, will focus on equipping workers with relevant skills. The fifth committee will address the impact of restructuring. It will propose ways to support business transformation, help affected workers transition into better roles, and strengthen system-wide enablers and safety nets to aid re-employment. This group will be co-led by Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development Goh Pei Ming and Minister of State for Defence and Deputy Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress Desmond Choo. The government said the review process will involve wide engagement with businesses, workers and other stakeholders over the coming months.
CNA
3 hours ago
- CNA
Malaysia will ‘protect every inch of Sabah' in maritime dispute with Indonesia, says PM Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will defend Sabah's rights and sovereignty in its discussions with Indonesia over a disputed oil-rich area in the Sulawesi Sea, Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said during a visit to Kota Kinabalu. 'We will negotiate it properly, without surrendering. This was all in the meeting, not just under-the-table talk,' he said as quoted by the Malay Mail on Sunday (Aug 3), referring to discussions during the 13th annual consultation between both countries that was held on Jul 29. 'We will protect every inch of Sabah. I will defend this principle. I chose to answer this now because we are defending Sabah on behalf of the federal government,' Anwar added. Malaysia and Indonesia have overlapping claims over sea blocks ND6 and ND7, which Putrajaya calls the Sulawesi Sea and Jakarta calls Ambalat. When Anwar and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met in Jakarta on Jun 27 to prepare for the annual consultation, they agreed to jointly develop the area. Hopes were raised that the two countries would be able to find a way forward to resolve the long-standing bilateral issues, with more details of the joint development potentially emerging from the leaders' meeting a month later. However, when members of parliament from Sabah, the Malaysian state closest to the disputed area, questioned Anwar in parliament on Jul 22, the prime minister stressed that no final agreement had been reached, as discussions were still ongoing. Still, analysts told CNA that the prospect of a Malaysia-Indonesia joint development remains on the table pending further negotiations, despite Sabah's questions and how this option was not mentioned in the annual consultation joint statement that was released on Jul 29. In the statement, the leaders welcomed 'continued progress' in the negotiations on maritime boundary delimitation, and reiterated the importance of the relevant agencies 'maintaining constructive engagement and close coordination'. Speaking after the leaders met, Indonesia Foreign Minister Sugiono said the two countries are still at the stage of explanatory talks on Ambalat. "Technically, it's still a long way to go," he said, adding that technicalities will be discussed by the relevant ministries. Analyst Adib Zalkapli of the geopolitical consultancy Viewfinder Global Affairs said the two countries could have chosen not to mention developing Ambalat together in the joint statement due to ongoing discussions. 'One possibility is because both sides are still negotiating the technical aspects of the agreement that any public statement by the leaders would be counterproductive,' he told CNA. 'In negotiating border issues or joint development in disputed areas, the biggest challenges are the technical details and the commercial arrangements, not so much domestic politics.' Anwar said on Sunday that Malaysia's discussions with Indonesia on the Ambalat dispute are a sign of good friendship. 'This is a border issue between two countries, and Indonesia is an ally. President Prabowo is my personal friend, a family friend. I want it to be a good relationship,' he said. 'We talked about Sulawesi, and I wanted Hajiji to hear for himself, and give his view. We will discuss perimeters, following maritime laws, following history. It must be approved by the state government and subsequently the state legislative assembly.' SABAH'S INVOLVEMENT Anwar was referring to Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, who also attended the annual consultation in Indonesia alongside other Sabah government agencies. However, Hajiji said on Jul 30 that the Ambalat issue was not discussed in detail during the visit, as reported by Malaysiakini. 'We have already stated the state government's stance and that meeting's discussion was very positive,' he told reporters. 'So, the related matters are still being refined, and it's very good for the state of Sabah. That's all I can say for now.' Malaysia's Deputy Foreign Minister Mohamad Alamin told parliament on the same day that the Ambalat dispute was raised at the consultation in general terms, and that the federal government took Sabah's interests in the matter seriously. 'In this matter, the federal government constantly conducts detailed and comprehensive assessments on any resolution, including economic cooperation, in finding a decision that mutually benefits both sides,' he said. Geostrategist Azmi Hassan from the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research told CNA the countries are maintaining 'status quo' on Ambalat as they thrash out a deal. 'Similar to the South China Sea (maritime dispute between Malaysia and China), status quo is the key word here. And during the status quo, technical negotiations can continue,' he said. 'If it cannot be resolved in terms of boundary delineation, then at least, I think a joint venture will be accorded between Petronas and Pertamina in this case,' Azmi added, referring to the national oil companies of Malaysia and Indonesia. 'Because we know there is a huge abundance of oil reserves there, and not doing anything there will be a negative economic impact for Malaysia and Indonesia.' The Sulawesi Sea dispute has been difficult to resolve as it involves overlapping claims of both maritime boundaries and the sovereignty of two island features, Pulau Sipadan and Pulau Ligitan. In 2002, the International Court of Justice awarded the two islands to Malaysia, but did not settle the overlapping maritime boundaries. The area has experienced periodic flashpoints over the years as the two countries have attempted to resolve the dispute. In 2004, Petronas awarded a concession to Shell to explore the area, sparking protests from Indonesia, which had granted similar rights to Italian energy company Eni, according to Malaysian news outlet The Star. In 2009, Indonesia protested Malaysia's military presence in the area, and the following year, Indonesian navy vessels purportedly came close to opening fire on a Malaysian navy patrol ship for ignoring orders to leave. While Azmi noted that the dispute has been 'dragging' on for a long time with past leaders unable to resolve it, he believes Anwar's 'very close relationship' with Prabowo will 'make things easier'. 'When Anwar mentioned that there will be a joint development (of Ambalat) with Indonesia, I think it was not finalised. I think on the part of Malaysia, maybe it was premature or just to test the scenario first,' he said. Adib from Viewfinder Global Affairs acknowledged that when top leaders meet, the general expectation is that major issues have been resolved or their countries have reached a concrete agreement on such issues. 'However, it is not uncommon for such meetings to take place even with unresolved matters still in the background. If this was the case, then the recent meeting should help in getting Indonesia and Malaysia to the finishing line,' he added. 'When the financial gains for both countries are clear, negotiations are likely to conclude quickly.'
CNA
3 hours ago
- CNA
Anwar vows transparent probe into death of 13-year-old Sabah student amid bullying claims
KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged that no individual, regardless of rank or political ties, will be protected from investigations into the death of a 13-year-old student in Sabah. Zara Qairina Mahathir, a Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Tun Datu Mustapha student, was found unconscious at about 4am on Jul 16. She is believed to have fallen from the third floor of her school dormitory in Papar in the East Malaysian state, and was pronounced dead at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital the following day. Her death has sparked social media allegations of bullying by the child of an influential figure and garnered national attention for weeks through the hashtag #JusticeforZara. Though Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said last Saturday (Aug 2) the police had completed their probe, Zara's mother said she filed another police report on Sunday after recalling seeing bruises on her daughter's back while preparing her body for burial, Malaysian media reported. Her legal team said this warrants a fresh investigation into the case, despite Anwar confirming that the full investigation report had been submitted to the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC). Anwar said on Sunday investigations into Zara's death must be conducted swiftly and transparently, and urged the public not to speculate or make accusations against high-profile figures without evidence. 'This is a nation of law, not slander. Whoever is involved in a criminal act such as murder will not be protected,' Anwar was quoted as saying by state news agency Bernama. 'Regardless of whether they are Datuk Seri or Tan Sri, we will investigate if there is proof … Do not throw baseless accusations just because they are the child of a minister or a relative of a deputy prime minister or deputy chief minister,' he added during his speech at the closing ceremony of the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day 2025 in Sabah, as quoted by Malay Mail. Zara's mother, Noraidah Lamat, has denied making allegations linking her daughter's death to prominent individuals, according to a statement on Saturday by her lawyers. 'Noraidah has never mentioned any high-profile individual in relation to Zara's death. Any such assumptions or allegations are baseless and did not come from her,' said her lawyers Hamid Ismail and Shahlan Jufri, as reported by Berita Harian. Noraidah's lawyers also denied their client made claims about what was said to a student on the day of the incident, and that three students had been transferred out of the school. The lawyers said Noraidah only learned of claims – including of a student being shouted at with the words 'you're a murderer' – after they began circulating on social media. Papar police chief superintendent Kamaruddin Ambo Sakka said last Saturday his team had found no evidence suggesting children of prominent individuals, including ministers' families or those associated with Borneo state's palace, were involved. The palace had denied the allegations last Thursday, refuting social media rumours linking the case to the family of Sabah Governor Musa Aman, Malay Mail reported. Anwar on Sunday said he had contacted Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohd Khalid Ismail and Home Minister Saifuddin to ensure the probe was carried out thoroughly and without interference, reported Malay Mail. 'The IGP informed me that 60 individuals have already been called to give their statements,' Anwar was quoted as saying. NO POST MORTEM CARRIED OUT BEFORE BURIAL, SAY LAWYERS But in another statement on Sunday, Noraidah's legal team claimed that the investigation papers submitted to the AGC on her death are 'incomplete' as the clothing and personal items that Zara wore when she was found unconscious on Jul 16 were never collected or requested. 'We are deeply shocked by this as in our experience handling criminal trials in court, it is standard procedure for police to seize all items worn by a victim suspected of having died as a result of any criminal act for the purpose of investigation,' said the lawyers Hamid and Shahlan, as quoted by media outlet New Straits Times. According to them, all of Zara's clothes and belongings were handed to Noraidah by the hospital staff on Jul 16 and are currently in the custody of a representative of a non-governmental organisation appointed to assist the family. 'These clothes and personal items are crucial pieces of evidence that should have been forensically examined and analysed to determine whether Zara's death involved any criminal elements,' the lawyers claimed. They added that the police's failure to do so raises serious concerns as to whether the investigation has been limited solely to the theories of sudden death or suicide despite multiple police reports lodged by Zara's mother requesting possible criminal elements be examined. 'We sincerely hope (PM Anwar) will advise the Attorney-General to return the investigation file to the police and support our call for a post-mortem and an inquest to be carried out as soon as possible in order to determine the actual cause of Zara's death, and whether any criminal elements were involved,' Hamid and Shahlan said. On Jul 30, Zara's family reportedly lodged another police report requesting for her body to be exhumed to determine whether there was any criminal element, following the mother's recorded telephone conversation with Zara in which she revealed that several senior students had repeatedly harassed or bullied her. 'One such student … had threatened Zara by saying, 'If I touch you, you'll bleed',' the lawyers previously said. In the same police report, her mother had expressed doubt over the alleged cause of Zara's death that she had fallen from the third floor of a building. 'Zara's body showed no signs of physical trauma, bruises, or injuries typically associated with a fall from such a height,' the lawyers earlier said on Jul 30, as quoted by the New Straits Times. 'No post-mortem was carried out before Zara was buried," they said. According to them, Noraidah believes Zara did not take her own life. According to Sabah police commissioner Jauteh Dikun, the police have received four reports related to the case, including the latest report lodged by Zara's mother on Sunday, Malay Mail reported. They reiterated their call on Sunday for her body to be exhumed immediately and a post-mortem to be conducted. On the bruises that Noraidah now recalls seeing on her daughter's body, they said: 'Our client did not include this important information in her earlier police reports because she had completely forgotten about it … she had been overcome with grief since Jul 16 following what happened to her daughter.'
