Latest news with #Datuk
Barnama
23 minutes ago
- Science
- Barnama
ASM Set To Evolve Into ‘Think And Do Tank' To Advance National Progress
KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- The Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), which has served as a think tank for the past 30 years by bringing together experts from various fields to mainstream science, technology, innovation and the economy (STIE), is now set to evolve into a 'think and do tank' to help drive national progress. Its president, Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen, said this transformation aligns with ASM's role as both a thinker and changemaker. 'One of our key ongoing initiatives is the development of a mission-oriented national STIE system. This framework will unify STIE projects across sectors, involving researchers, public agencies, industry players and the community. 'It also provides a collaborative platform for stakeholders to work together, ultimately producing greater outcomes and impact for STIE initiatives,' he said in his speech at ASM's 30th Anniversary and the 2024/2025 Fellowship Conferment Ceremony held here last night. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang were also present at the event. Tengku Mohd Azzman also emphasised the importance of expanding the number of Senior Fellows and new Fellows to broaden the Academy's collective intelligence and network of expertise. 'I hope all existing and new Fellows will be inspired to become outstanding contributors within this intellectual community. Together, we must act as agents of change for the nation and its people,' he said. He added that although ASM is one of the youngest science academies in the world, it remains committed to identifying the best ways to serve the country. Meanwhile, Universiti Tenaga Nasional Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ir Dr Khairul Salleh Mohamed Sahari, expressed his vision for Malaysia to become a regional robotics hub by 2030. To achieve this, he stressed the need to train educators at all levels to ensure future talent meets industry needs.
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia's Q2 GDP projected to grow 4.5pct
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's economy is estimated to grow 4.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2025, slightly higher than the 4.4 per cent recorded in the previous quarter, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). The preliminary estimate signals that Malaysia's economic growth momentum remained steady in April and May, with expectations of stronger performance in June. For the first half of 2025 (1H25), the economy is projected to expand moderately by 4.4 per cent, staying close to the government's official target range of 4.5 to 5.5 per cent for the full year. Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the economy continued to expand in the second quarter of 2025, supported by firm consumer demand despite ongoing global challenges. He said domestic consumption remained the key growth driver, backed by public sector salary adjustments, school holidays and seasonal spending during Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidiladha. He added that a stable labour market with low unemployment and inflation further strengthened household spending. "On top of that, the continued implementation of cash assistance programmes such as Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) also contributed to sustained household spending throughout the quarter," he said in a statement. By sector, Mohd Uzir said manufacturing showed mixed performance, with growth of 5.6 per cent in April before moderating to 2.8 per cent in May. This was driven by sustained activity in the electrical and electronics subsector and strong demand from domestic-oriented industries, as reflected by the Industrial Production Index. Similarly, wholesale and retail trade sales, which indicate consumer and business activity, rose 4.4 per cent in May, easing from 4.7 per cent in April, mainly supported by steady wholesale and retail trade performance. However, the external sector posted mixed results, with trade activities growing at a slower pace in May due to weaker demand for exported goods. "While domestic spending remains the main pillar of the economy, the external sector faces challenges influenced by tariff-related developments and ongoing global political uncertainties," he said. Mohd Uzir said services remained the key growth driver in the second quarter of 2025 (2Q25), recording a 5.3 per cent increase compared with 5.0 per cent in the first quarter, mainly contributed by wholesale and retail trade, transport and storage as well as business services. The manufacturing sector grew 3.8 per cent, supported by the production of electrical, electronic and optical products, vegetable and animal oils and fats, and food processing. The construction sector registered double-digit growth for six straight quarters, rising 11 per cent, driven mainly by non-residential buildings and special trades activities. The agriculture sector increased 2.0 per cent, fuelled by the palm oil subsector.
The Star
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
MPs urge new CJ to continue defending judiciary's independence
PETALING JAYA: Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh's appointment as the new Chief Justice has somewhat eased public concerns over the independence of the judiciary, but it still received mixed reactions, say several PKR MPs. This was because of Wan Ahmad Farid's background as a former Umno leader, and he is also seen as more junior than some other judges, they said in a joint statement on Friday (July 18). It was issued by Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli (Pandan), Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Setiawangsa), Wong Chen (Subang), Rodziah Ismail (Ampang), Zahir Hassan (Wangsa Maju), Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik (Balik Pulau), Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (Ledang), S. Kesavan (Sungai Siput) and Onn Abu Bakar (Batu Pahat). ALSO READ: King appoints Wan Ahmad Farid as new Chief Justice The MPs said that Wan Ahmad Farid's appointment, together with those of Datuk Abu Bakar Jais as Court of Appeal president and Datuk Azizah Nawawi as Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak, completes the top leadership of the judiciary for the time being. They hoped that Wan Ahmad Farid would accept the different views of his appointment with an open mind. 'It should serve as a guide and encouragement to prove that his leadership will defend the independence of the judiciary, surpassing the excellent record of Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat. 'We hope Wan Ahmad Farid will continue efforts to strengthen the independence of the judiciary and resolve several issues, including finalising the appointment of 31 vacancies for judges as soon as possible, to avoid disruption to the flow of judicial administration. 'The appointment of judges should be based on merit and seniority, so that it is fair to judges who have served for a long time and are responsible for maintaining the quality and good reputation of the judiciary,' they said. ALSO READ: Seniority not a requirement for Chief Justice appointment, say experts They added that the appointment of judges must follow due process under the Federal Constitution and the Judicial Appointments Commission Act 2009 without any interference to manipulate, control, or influence the process that is contrary to the principles of the independence of the judiciary. They urged that issues that have been raised in previous JAC meetings, including follow-up action to investigate allegations of attempting to influence judicial decisions made against a Federal Court judge, be resolved. Additionally, they highlighted that the recent crisis in the appointment of judiciary leadership signals the need for reforms to further strengthen the process of appointing judges, so that this matter does not recur. They pointed out that the administration under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should not view the matter as completely resolved without improvements to the judicial appointment process. To this end, they proposed that the prime minister's power to reject the list of nominations from the JAC be improved and limited, with an official reason (either to the JAC or Parliament) required as to why a candidate screened by the JAC has been rejected. Other proposals include candidates from the legal bodies of the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak automatically appointed to the JAC, reducing the prime minister's power to appoint the majority of JAC members. 'We also propose that Parliament be involved in confirming the nominations from the JAC before they are brought to the prime minister, either in the form of a confirmation hearing as is the case in other countries, or the form of a parliamentary vote (according to a voting mechanism that can be determined later). 'We will continue to pay attention to these matters so that there is a voice from the backbenchers to ensure that this reform process can continue,' they said.
Focus Malaysia
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
TunM to PMX: No harm stepping down due to pubic pressure; both Boris Johnson, Sheikh Hasina did so
TWICE former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has urged his once disciple-turned-nemesis Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to resign immediately because he is clearly clueless on running the country, thus only creating a wide array of hardships for Malaysians at large. Speaking at the Periktan Nasional (PN)-fuelled Himpunan Mandat Negarawan rally in Alor Setar last night (July 17), the centenarian said various gatherings have been and will be held are to persuade PMX to step down from his position of Prime Minister (PM). Last night's gathering also featured PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, PAS president Tan Sri Hadi Awang and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhamad Sanusi Md Nor. Although it is customary for PMs to step down from office through elections, this is not necessarily so as evident from what has been done by PMs of several countries, according to Dr Mahathir. 'In the UK, Boris Johnson who was embroiled in the Partygate scandal which entailed gatherings of government and Conservative Party staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 (when public health restrictions prohibited most gatherings) reigned half-way following a mass revolt by ministers. 'In Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign as mass protest was held to demand her resignation till she eventually fled to India,' Dr Mahathir told a crowd of more than 30,000 who attended the gathering at the Suka Menanti Stadium in Alor Setar. 'In Japan, even if he makes the slightest mistake, the PM has to quit. Many Japanese ministers, too, have resigned in this manner. Don't wait for the election. When the people already dislike the PM, he should step down.' Speaking from experience, Dr Mahathir recalled that he himself had resigned as PM because some quarters disliked him in stark contrast to PMX who is facing mounting pressure to step down. On this note, the elderly stateman who helmed Malaysia for a total 22 years and 22 months quantified that there were so many mistakes made by Anwar, including 'failure to utilise the nation's wealth properly till many subsidies meant for the rakyat were withdrawn.' In essence, Dr Mahathir who is now the PN adviser is confident that Malaysia would be better off with a change of government given this would overcome the various hardships, including poverty which Malaysians should not be subject to. – July 18, 2025
Focus Malaysia
3 hours ago
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Final railway scheme for MRT3 approved, paving way for next phase
MALAYSIA Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) announced yesterday that the Final Railway Scheme for the MRT3 Circle Line has been formally approved by Transport Minister Anthony Loke. 'This came about eight months after the three-month public inspection exercise ended on 2nd December 2024. Over 45,000 of written feedback were received, with 93.3% expressing support for the mega rail project,' said MBSB. Among the main changes following the exercise was a -31.8% reduction in the number of lands lots required for acquisition, down from 1,012 to 690. This is slightly behind the initial schedule, where the Final Railway Scheme was expected to be approved by quarter four of calendar year 2024 (4QCY24), nevertheless, it is still a positive as this marks a step forward for the mega rail project. MRT Corp expects the land acquisition process to be completed by end-CY26, which will then pave way for construction to begin. We also do not discount the possibility that the land acquisition process may take slightly longer than expected. Notices for landowners to vacate the acquired lands should be issued starting 1QCY26, where they will be given up to six months to vacate. Recall that MRT Corp had previously sought for four extensions for the tender validity of MRT3. No extensions were sought after the fourth extension ended in Mar-24, which would mean that the tenders have naturally lapsed. We believe there would also be some changes to the original alignment of the project and the placement of stations, considering the reduction in plots of land for acquisition. We expect a re-tender exercise to be called by mid-CY26, and contracts to be awarded towards the end of the land acquisition exercise, which will likely be by end-CY26 to mid-CY27. The MRT3 Circle Line is a 51km orbital alignment that will serve the perimeter of Kuala Lumpur. It is designed for full integration with the existing MRT, LRT, KTM, and Monorail lines and will feature 10 interchange stations. The alignment is expected to be 39km elevated and 12km underground, with 22 elevated stations, seven underground stations, and three future stations. Back in 2023, the Government sought for a 10% reduction in the price tag for MRT3. When Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim retabled Budget 2023 in Feb-23, he expressed the Government's confident in cutting the MRT cost to under RM45b from RM50b previously. Construction cost will make up the bulk of the amount, expected to be around RM31.0 bil. Land acquisition cost may come up to RM6.0 to RM7.0 bil, with the remainder for project management and financing costs. The initial funding mechanism for MRT3 was planned to be a hybrid financing model where successful bidders of the contracts fund the initial two years of construction works worth at least 10% of the contract value and a minimum moratorium period of two years and will be reimbursed by the Government through deferred payments. Following that, news reports have also surfaced that the funding model would revert to debt issuances by DanaInfra Nasional in order to reduce the Government's financing cost. We are positive on the latest developments, which now provides more clarity that the MRT3 mega project is starting to take a step forward. This strengthens our optimism for the Construction sector; hence we maintain our positive recommendation. Construction of MRT3 may begin in CY27, which will keep contractors busy possibly up to 2033. This will be a timely continuation of projects following the expected completion of the Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) and the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) by end-CY26. —July 18, 2025 Main image:
