PN lawmaker's 'May 13' remark sparks uproar during 13MP debate
The opposition lawmaker mentioned the communal clashes over what he claimed was a glaring omission in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) - the absence of targeted development plans for the bumiputera community.
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New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Charting Malaysia's course in the blue economy
WE are glad that the prime minister mentioned the development of the blue economy when tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan in the Dewan Rakyat on July 31. Despite the importance of the blue economy, which relates to maritime resources, we tend to overlook it in favour of other sectors such as manufacturing, construction and agriculture. With our reliance on trade, fisheries, ports and shipping, the recognition of the blue economy is a natural progression of efforts to seek new sources of economic growth for the nation. That fact that we are at the crossroads of sea trading routes between the East and West speaks volumes about the importance of maritime activities to our economy. Interestingly, our major trading partner, China, has been giving a lot of attention to maritime activities, such as shipping and port operations. Shipping lanes carry the lion's share of world trade as it is much cheaper than using air or rail to transport goods across continents. A host of industries support shipping, such as banking and insurance, bunkering, provisioning and container services. Shipping is also connected with the land transport system as part of the logistics chain. Malaysia has also other interests in the maritime domain, as much of its oil production is from offshore sources in Terengganu, Kelantan, Sabah and Sarawak. Additionally, there are beautiful tourism islands, such as Langkawi, Tioman, Sipadan and Perhentian. These must be promoted and their connections with mainland jetties or ports improved. The rising interest in cruise tourism is another sector that should be explored and developed. To protect these vital economic sectors, there must be adequate patrols by security forces. The assets of the Royal Malaysian Navy, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and marine police must be upgraded so that they are better able to curb incursions into our waters and keep pirates and smugglers at bay. Certainly, our blue economy must be developed with regional partners in mind, particularly Indonesia and Singapore. There may be complementarities to be studied and competition to be managed so that the whole region benefits. The three countries should also study how to extract further benefits from the Strait of Malacca, where over 94,000 ships pass through a year, making it one of the most crowded maritime lanes in the world. The strait is bounded by Sumatra to the west and Peninsular Malaysia to the east, with Singapore at its southern end. All three countries should collaborate to make the strait safe so that that trade can flourish. The strong bond of Asean can be an impetus for enhanced cooperation in this area. Hence, it is timely that the government and business groups work together to further develop economic and employment opportunities from our maritime resources. Perhaps a strategic long-term plan on the blue economy can be produced for the benefit of potential investors.
The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
PM Anwar open to new urgent projects in Kelantan despite RMK13 allocations
KOTA BHARU: The government remains open to reviewing new and urgent project proposals from Kelantan, even though major projects have already been allocated under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that project prioritisation was determined through direct engagement with the state government. 'We have presented RMK13, but new applications have been submitted, and if they are urgent, we will study them, especially flood mitigation, water supply, energy, and hardcore poverty eradication,' he said. He added that the national budget process would consider RMK13 while reviewing additional priorities. Anwar spoke at the closing ceremony of the Kelantan 2025 MADANI Rakyat Program at Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium. Present were Science Minister Chang Lih Kang, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Chief Secretary Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud. Anwar noted that engagement sessions have been streamlined to include state government input. 'Every state visit includes a session for feedback and monitoring of ongoing projects to ensure effective implementation,' he explained. On the MADANI Rakyat Program, Anwar said it strengthened government-community ties. 'Through this program, we aim to understand public concerns and elevate initiatives needing attention,' he said. The three-day event, led by MOSTI, featured over 100 public services and tech exhibitions. It was supported by ICU JPM and multiple government agencies. - Bernama
The Star
10 hours ago
- The Star
Govt open to new, urgent Kelantan projects, despite major projects listed in 13MP, says PM
KOTA BHARU: The government is open to accepting applications for new, urgent projects from Kelantan, despite allocation for major projects has been listed in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the new application will be studied by the government if there is a priority, especially if they have an urgency such as flood mitigation, water supply, energy supply, and eradication of hardcore poverty. "We have started engaging on the national budget, which will certainly take into account the 13MP, so we will review what can be added and prioritised," he said when officiating the closing ceremony of the Kelantan 2025 Madani Rakyat Program at the grounds of Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium here on Saturday (Aug 9). Also present were Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang; Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said compared to before, engagement sessions have been simplified by taking into account input from the state government. "Every time we visit a state, there is a special session that gives the state government an opportunity to provide input, in addition to monitoring ongoing projects. "Sometimes, projects we announce have a large budget, but their implementation is stalled, which is why we continue these discussions with the aim of more effective implementation," he said. On the Kelantan 2025 Madani Rakyat Program, Anwar said it was the best opportunity for the government to get closer and convey information directly to the people. "Hopefully, through this, the government close in on issues of the people and elevate programs that needed attention," he said. The Kelantan 2025 Madani Rakyat Program, led by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, was a three-day event that began last Thursday (Aug 7). The program offered over 100 direct services to the public, an exhibition of the latest technology, and various community-reaching initiatives through the comprehensive approach of the Madani Government. — Bernama
