Latest news with #AwangHashim
Malaysiakini
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Focus on problems in 13MP, not lawmaker's May 13 remark
An Urimai leader has berated DAP lawmakers for trying to divert public attention from the weaknesses in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) by harping on a PAS MP's May 13 remark. Urimai secretary Satees Muniandy said whether Pendang MP Awang Hashim is guilty of any offence for his remark would be up to the Dewan Rakyat speaker or the Committee of Rights and Privileges to decide.
Malaysiakini
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Focus on problems in 13MP, not lawmaker's May 13 remark
An Urimai leader has berated DAP lawmakers for trying to divert public attention from the weaknesses in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) by harping on a PAS MP's May 13 remark. Urimai secretary Satees Muniandy said whether Pendang MP Awang Hashim is guilty of any offence for his remark would be up to the Dewan Rakyat speaker or the Committee of Rights and Privileges to decide.
Free Malaysia Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Opposition MP, govt backbencher clash over May 13 remark
Awang Hashim denied making any provocative statement, after RSN Rayer asked for a ruling from the deputy speaker. KUALA LUMPUR : A war of words broke out between a government backbencher and an opposition MP after the latter mentioned the May 13 racial riots while criticising the 13th Malaysia Plan on grounds that it lacked initiatives for the Bumiputera community. Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) questioned the government's emphasis on New Villages, when debating the 13MP, tabled last Thursday. He said while Perikatan Nasional had no issue with funds for New Villages, there was no specific development for the Bumiputera community. 'When we look back at the May 13 incident, one of the elements was economic pressure on the Bumiputeras. That's why the 1MP to 13MP exist, to balance income and the economy among the races. But the 13MP has nothing specific for the Bumiputera community. 'Is the government trying to bring back another May 13 incident?' This prompted RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) to cite Standing Order 36(9)(c), which prohibits statements that can provoke hostility or hurt the feelings of any race. 'Pendang is suggesting May 13 can happen again,' Rayer said, urging deputy speaker Alice Lau to make a ruling. Awang denied making any provocative statement, saying such accusations were slanderous. 'I didn't say what you claimed I did. That's why even DAP people don't accept you anymore – you lost the (party's) central executive committee election,' he said. Rayer replied: 'We accept your point about Chinese New Villages, but why repeat that May 13 can happen again?' Defending his comments, Awang said: 'I quoted the point made by the prime minister, that the socio-economic level of New Villages will be strengthened through a development master plan. So, is it racist to mention that? If I say 'Bumiputera', is it racist? If I say 'Chinese', is it racist?' Rayer continued to press for a ruling, but Lau said she 'will let the minister respond', likely alluding to the economy minister. She said Rayer could submit a motion to the Speaker for further action.
Malaysiakini
4 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
PN lawmaker's 'May 13' remark sparks uproar during 13MP debate
PARLIAMENT | Tensions flared in the Dewan Rakyat today after Pendang MP Awang Hashim issued a stark warning to the government, invoking the spectre of the deadly May 13 riots. 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.
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia's ‘Buy Now, Pay Later' loans hit RM3.8b but risks ‘under control' ahead of new rules, says Amir Hamzah
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 — Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) facilities remain under control, but regulatory measures are being strengthened to protect consumers through the Consumer Credit Act 2025 (CCA). Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the latest statistics revealed that 102.6 million BNPL transactions worth RM9.3 billion were recorded in the first half of this year, an increase of 3.1 per cent compared to RM7.1 billion in the second half of last year. He said that the total BNPL loans as of June 30, 2025, amounted to RM3.8 billion, which is only 0.2 per cent of the total household debt in the country. 'The current amount of unpaid or overdue BNPL loans is under control, standing at RM121.8 million or 3.2 per cent of the total BNPL loans. 'BNPL is still under control, and with the new (CCA 2025) act approved, we will further enhance regulation in this sector to ensure better control in the future. 'So, in my view, at present, we have sufficient oversight regarding BNPL schemes,' he told the Dewan Rakyat during today's question-and-answer session. He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang), who inquired whether the government is prepared to classify certain BNPL schemes as credit risks for society and impose usage limits on specific products such as staple foods or household necessities to prevent debts from multiplying. Meanwhile, Amir Hamzah said the newly established Consumer Credit Commission (CCC), which will regulate the current developments in the credit industry sector, including BNPL, is currently studying interest rate caps imposed by providers of these facilities on credit users, while also considering Shariah-compliant mechanisms. 'In this matter, the CCC will take a regulatory approach that is balanced and proportionate,' he said in response to a supplementary question from Young Syefura Othman (PH-Bentong), who asked whether the CCC plans to impose interest rate caps and the ministry's steps to ensure BNPL providers comply with Shariah principles. Amir Hamzah said currently, some BNPL providers charge interest rates generally at 1.5 per cent per month or about 18 per cent per annum. 'Generally, BNPL industry players charge interest rates ranging from 15 to 30 per cent per annum. Meanwhile, there are also BNPL providers who do not charge any interest fees. 'The CCC will gather comprehensive information and analyse the best way to regulate this matter,' he said. Under the CCA, companies offering BNPL schemes will be required to comply with responsible credit conduct and lending practices to protect credit consumers. 'Regarding this, assessing debt repayment ability is an essential requirement that BNPL companies must adhere to before offering credit. 'This is necessary so that borrowers, including the younger generation, can repay their debts without facing serious financial stress and eventually falling into a debt trap,' he said. Amir Hamzah added that the government also emphasised the importance of financial literacy so that citizens can manage their finances wisely and understand the risks of excessive BNPL usage to avoid the burden of uncontrolled debt. — Bernama
