MCMC to probe Muhyiddin's RON95 subsidy denial after PM's directive
The Prime Minister's Office confirmed Anwar's instruction for appropriate action to address the matter.
'The Prime Minister's Office has noted the Pagoh MP's denial regarding defending foreign rights in RON95 subsidy targeting,' the PMO stated.
'As a government committed to transparency, the Prime Minister instructed MCMC to investigate and act accordingly,' the statement added.
Anwar previously told the Dewan Rakyat he received reports of an opposition MP defending foreigners' access to subsidy rationalisation.
Muhyiddin, a former prime minister, refuted the claim on social media, insisting he never supported foreign rights in RON95 subsidy allocation.
He stressed Perikatan Nasional's stance that subsidies must prioritise Malaysian citizens' welfare. – Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
28 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Budget 2026 to sharpen Malaysia's edge in high-value sectors
PUTRAJAYA: Budget 2026, to be tabled on Oct 10, will focus on enhancing Malaysia's competitive edge in high-value industries such as semiconductors, renewable energy, the Islamic economy, digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), while also raising the floor through inclusive and targeted measures. The budget – the fourth under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership – will be the first to support the development policy framework of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). At the start of the first engagement session this morning, which saw the participation of nearly 300 stakeholders from various sectors, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the upcoming budget aims to reflect the aspirations of all Malaysians. "Budget 2026 is the first to support the 13MP. The measures introduced will continue to raise both the ceiling and the floor, grounded in good governance," he said. Despite the ringgit emerging as one of Asia's best-performing currencies – strengthening to RM4.23 against the US dollar, a nearly five per cent gain as of Aug 5 – the government remains committed to taking Malaysia to greater heights. Amir Hamzah said Malaysia's regional competitiveness remained intact, following the United States' decision to lower tariffs to 19 per cent – rates now on par with those granted to regional peers such as Indonesia, Cambodia, and Thailand. To further build economic resilience, the government will prioritise empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to produce goods and services that are distinctly "Made by Malaysia." He added that Budget 2026 will also focus on raising the floor – through improved delivery of government services, reforms in education and healthcare, enhanced social protection, and targeted assistance for vulnerable groups. This morning's session also served as a platform to gather feedback on improving the ease of doing business in Malaysia. Budget 2026 is the first to be developed based on policies introduced during Anwar's administration – rather than those inherited from previous governments.
Focus Malaysia
an hour ago
- Focus Malaysia
'PMX's directing MCMC to probe Muhyiddin's denial of backing RON95 subsidies for foreigners blatant abuse of power'
PAS has cried foul over an open statement by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) instructing the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to investigate Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's denial regarding allegations that he defended foreigners to receive fuel subsidies. Its information chief Fadhli Shaari has described such action against the Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman as 'a serious abuse of executive power' that entails political interference in an enforcement body that is supposed to act independently and professionally. 'TS Muhyiddin's denial doesn't constitute any element of threat, insult or improper communication that can be imposed under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998,' countered the Pasir Mas MP in a Facebook post. 'This section only applies to the dissemination of obscene, false content that is offensive, threatening or harassing and doesn't cover denials of political statements raised in the Dewan Rakyat.' Moreover, Fadhli argued that instructing the MCMC to investigate a denial statement of a political nature could be interpreted as 'an abuse of office to obtain political advantage and suppress an opponent'. 'This could potentially fall under the scope of Section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 which provides for the offence of using public office or position to obtain a bribe or benefit.' The PAS lawmaker further contended that 'MCMC is not an executive tool', hence cannot be arbitrarily directed. 'According to Section 4(2) of the MCMC Act 1998, the MCMC shall exercise its functions independently and not be subject to instructions from any party except as expressly provided in law,' justified Fadhli. 'Therefore, oral or public instructions by the Prime Minister (PM) to the MCMC on matters that touch on personal political disputes are inappropriate and contrary to the spirit of institutional independence.' Above all else, the PM's latest action can be seen as violating Bersatu president's rights as a citizen guaranteed by Article 10(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution, namely the right to freedom of expression. 'In fact, Article 8(1) guarantees that all persons are equal before the law and are entitled to fair protection,' stressed Fadhli. 'When government agencies are used to investigate individuals for political statements that do not violate the law, then this principle of justice and equality has been violated.' At the end of the day, Fadhli proposed that the Parliamentary Select Committee (PAC) summons both the MCMC and PMO to provide an explanation on the basis and justification for such directive. 'In fact, if this is not an abuse of power, what other name is more appropriate to describe such action?' wandered the former PAS Youth chief. 'Malaysia is a country of law. Nobody, not even the PM, can arbitrarily use government agencies to silence his political enemies. This action must be questioned and be held accountable.' – Aug 7, 2025
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Malaysia's semiconductor exports still exempted from retaliatory tariffs, says Tengku Zafrul
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's semiconductor exports to the United States remain exempt from retaliatory tariffs for now, says Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. The Investment, Trade and Industry Minister said the exemption remains in place at present, but it is subject to review and may be affected by future shifts in US trade policy. 'Currently, Malaysia's semiconductor exports to the US are not subjected to the retaliatory tariffs. However, this exemption is conditional and may change depending on the US government's evolving policies,' Tengku Zafrul told the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Aug 7). He was responding to Lim Guan Eng (PH–Bagan), who asked about reports that US president Donald Trump had announced 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. 'This is a significant move that will undoubtedly affect major semiconductor-exporting countries like Malaysia,' Tengku Zafrul said. He said that in April, the US Department of Commerce launched an investigation under Section 232 of its Trade Expansion Act to determine whether imports of semiconductors, chip-making equipment and related products pose a threat to US national security. 'Although the report was initially expected by the end of December, we've learnt that the timeline has been expedited. 'Preliminary findings from this investigation may soon form the basis for future policy decisions — including the possibility of higher tariffs,' he said Tengku Zafrul stressed that the US government has yet to officially announce the mechanism for implementing the tariffs. 'Based on current information, the exemptions may not be based on countries, but on companies that invest directly in the US, regardless of where they are headquartered,' he said. As such, the impact on Malaysia would depend largely on the structure and investment strategies of multinational firms operating locally. Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia's electrical and electronics (E&E) exports to the US totalled RM119bil in 2024 — roughly 20% of the country's total E&E exports. Of that, semiconductors alone made up RM60.6bil, or about 20% of Malaysia's total semiconductor exports. He noted that 68% of Malaysia's semiconductor exports to the US came from American companies based in Malaysia. 'These companies employ around 72,000 skilled Malaysian workers and are supported by approximately 7,200 local suppliers, most of which are SMEs,' he said. He said the government is also ramping up outreach and engagement with key local exporters and players in the semiconductor supply chain, while encouraging companies to expand to alternative markets. 'Ultimately, we are committed to monitoring this development closely and negotiating proactively. 'We want a clear understanding of what the US defines as 'semiconductors' in this context, so our industry can prepare appropriately,' he said.
