Harping on flag gaffes only brings more conflicts
Woo, who is also Pasir Bedamar assemblyperson, criticised the 'village champion' (jaguh kampung) mentality and hypocrisy of politicians who did not scrutinise or express similar outrage over previous incidents where the national flag had also been depicted inaccurately.
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The Star
17 minutes ago
- The Star
Govt mulls foreign investor rule shift to boost MSMEs
THE government is mulling the possibility of enhancing localisation requirements for foreign investors for the benefit of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong said this is part of efforts to create a resilient ecosystem that allows local companies to reap spillover benefits and develop into technology-based multinational corporations (MNCs). 'To ensure investments lead to meaningful gains such as quality jobs for Malaysians and the development of local technology ecosystems, Miti and the Finance Ministry will introduce the New Investment Incentive Framework (NIIF) in the third quarter of this year,' he said. Liew said the government is committed to transforming Malaysia's role in global supply chains by strengthening national resilience and nurturing homegrown tech firms in strategic sectors such as semiconductors. 'There must be a mindset shift. For too long, MSMEs have been seen only as support players for foreign MNCs. 'The new thinking emphasises the potential of Malaysian firms to become global technology-based MNCs,' he said. Liew added that the government is determined to lead the shift from being a hub for 'Made in Malaysia' outsourced production to 'Made by Malaysia' technological innovation. He pointed to the RM25bil GEAR-uP programme under the Finance Ministry, which aims to catalyse high-growth, high-value sectors such as semiconductors and energy transition, while also empowering marginalised communities and nurturing local talent. On the US trade policy, Liew described the reduced 19% retaliatory tariff rate on Malaysia as a success, saying Malaysia had engaged in 'complex and time-sensitive' negotiations to secure the agreed rate. Malaysia's exports to the United States accounted for 13.2% of the country's total exports in 2024, which amounted to RM1.508 trillion, he added. To mitigate the effects of the US tariffs, he said Miti and its agency Matrade are working to diversify Malaysia's export markets. This includes exploring non-traditional destinations and strengthening the export network to fast-growing emerging markets such as Central Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Asean.
The Star
40 minutes ago
- The Star
Bright locals must not be edged out
Dr Wee: 'Our education system should be a platform for social mobility, allowing children from underprivileged families to achieve higher education.' — SAMUEL ONG/The Star PETALING JAYA: The sharp rise in foreign student enrolment at Malaysia's public universities is outpacing that of local students, raising red flags about allocation of placements, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. The MCA president sounded the warning while highlighting statistics from a recent study by the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap), MCA's research think-tank, which revealed a worrying trend. He raised concerns that the growing preference for international admissions could be edging out deserving Malaysians from opportunities in taxpayer-funded institutions. 'I am not against the intake of international students. 'However, when their enrolment seems to be replacing spots meant for Malaysian students, it becomes an issue that needs addressing. 'We must ensure a balance that respects the educational needs of our own creme de la creme,' he told reporters here yesterday. According to Insap, the number of Malaysian students enrolling in public universities saw a modest increase from 2018 to 2024. Specifically, enrolment grew from 172,719 students in 2018 to 191,450 students in 2024. This represents a total increase of 10.8%, which corresponds to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of just 1.73% per year – a relatively slow rate of growth. In stark contrast, the enrolment of non-Malaysian students during the same period saw a significant rise, from 10,003 students in 2018 to 19,731 students in 2024. This considerable jump reflects a total increase of 97.3%, with a CAGR of 11.99% per year. 'This indicates that the rate at which non-Malaysian students are being admitted to public universities is accelerating at a much faster pace compared to their Malaysian counterparts,' said Dr Wee. He also expressed concern over the use of open channels by public universities for student admissions, mostly due to insufficient funding. 'Almost every public university has adopted this method under various names. While universities need adequate funds for development, we must not allow financial capability to become the primary criterion for entry,' he said. MCA has received hundreds of complaints about bright and deserving students being rejected from public university placement under Malaysia's centralised university admission system (UPUOnline) but offered via the open channel of their universities. Dr Wee emphasised the importance of maintaining the fundamental principles of public universities, which should focus on academic excellence and social mobility. 'Regardless of their background, students who demonstrate exceptional capabilities should be given the opportunity to succeed,' he said. 'We must not let financial incentives or international rankings overshadow the fundamental role of our universities – to nurture and develop our brightest minds for the future.' Dr Wee has also called for a Royal Commission of Inquiry to examine these practices and ensure that the admission policies remain true to their original objectives. 'Our public universities were built with taxpayers' money, and their fees should not be higher than those of private institutions. 'The government must ensure that universities are adequately funded so they don't have to resort to selling placements,' he added, highlighting the importance of prioritising Malaysian students while welcoming internationalisation. 'We must strike a balance that allows our universities to thrive globally while ensuring that Malaysian students are not left behind.' Calling for a holistic approach to address these issues, Dr Wee reiterated the need for strategic policy adjustments to ensure equitable access to higher education for all Malaysians. 'Our education system should be a platform for social mobility, allowing children from underprivileged families to achieve higher education. 'We must not forget it was the original objective of establishing public universities,' he said.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
RM1.54b allocation for waste management
PETALING JAYA: Housing and Local Government deputy minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday that through Budget 2025, the ministry has received an allocation of RM1.54 billion to finance solid waste management and public cleansing operations. This includes garbage collection, public cleaning, enforcement and the clearing of illegal dumpsites in seven states governed under the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007 (Act 672). The states covered under Act 672 include Perlis, Kedah, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, Johor and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. For other states not under Act 672, waste management remains under the purview of the respective state governments, local authorities and related agencies. Aiman Athirah said services, including cleaning up illegal dumps, are implemented based on referrals from local authorities regardless of whether the sites are within their jurisdiction. However, she clarified that no special allocations are provided to state governments or other agencies for managing illegal dumping outside of local council areas. Act 672 also empowers the federal government to enforce actions against illegal dumping in all local authority areas. The Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) carried out 3,036 operations in 2024 to eliminate illegal dump sites and an additional 2,030 operations up to June 2025, which included prosecution of offenders. 'These integrated actions are part of government efforts to ensure a clean environment for all Malaysians. 'But the responsibility of maintaining cleanliness should not fall on a single party. All stakeholders must come together to ensure a healthy and sustainable environment.' In response to a question from Merbok MP Tuan Mohd Nazri Abu Hassan on strategies to control illegal dumping by companies, she outlined several key initiatives. These include collaboration with the Malaysian Space Agency to detect illegal dumping using satellite imagery and geospatial data, the installation of CCTV cameras at illegal dumping hotspots and round-the-clock enforcement by SWCorp officers, involving surveillance and site raids. Tampin MP Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa raised concerns over waste management in Felda schemes, which are reportedly neglected due to unclear jurisdiction. He said when local authorities are approached, the common response is that Felda areas fall outside their responsibility. In response, Aiman Athirah confirmed that Felda areas are not under the jurisdiction of local councils and responsibility cannot be placed solely on one party. She also said Felda itself should initiate discussions to resolve waste management issues in its schemes. 'As of now, no formal discussions have taken place between the Ministry and Felda,' she said, adding that such engagement could move forward in line with the authority provided under Act 672.
