Latest news with #DeputyPrimeMinister
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Zahid: Viral attacks can ‘destroy' Umno if left unanswered
ARAU, July 26 — Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged the party's leadership and members to respond swiftly to various issues raised by detractors. The deputy prime minister said that if such issues are not addressed in a timely manner, they could go viral and affect public perception, regardless of their validity. 'Even if these are repeated or fabricated issues without basis, if left unaddressed, they will become a severe cancer that could bring us down,' he said when officiating the Arau Umno division office here today. Ahmad Zahid acknowledged that Umno must accept the reality that it has been ineffective in managing issues, which has allowed other parties to win more seats in elections by manipulating public sentiment. 'There are parties that instil cult-like loyalty among their followers. Though their membership is smaller than ours, they secure more seats than we do,' he said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also rural and regional development minister, called on Umno leaders at all levels to deal with arising issues promptly and effectively. At the same time, he urged Umno's leadership and members to protect internal unity and party strength, even if faced with differing views and opinions. — Bernama
Bloomberg
17-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Australia's Relationship With China Is ‘Complex,' Deputy PM Says
Australia's relationship with China is 'complex' and 'has challenges,' Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles acknowledged, arguing that trust with his country's No.1 trading partner can only be built through continued engagement. 'The relationship has stabilized, but that doesn't mean there aren't challenges within the relationship, and we've been very upfront about them and very clear about them in the conversations that we've had with China,' Marles told Sky News on Thursday.
Daily Mail
16-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Angela Rayner 'backing local stealth taxes drive': Deputy PM and mayors push for powers to raise huge new revenues from struggling Brits
is reportedly helping regional mayors push for greater power to use taxes to fund their activities. The Deputy Prime Minister is said to be encouraging local elected political leaders to put pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to give them control over taxes collected locally. Ms Rayner recently said she wanted 'more push' towards fiscal devolution as part of the Government's pledge to transfer central decision making to local areas. The English Devolution White Paper published last year states that mayors could submit proposals for new powers, such as fiscal devolution, which the government is obliged to consider. Guidance recently published alongside the Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill earlier this month stipulates that new strategic authorities can pilot devolved powers to make it 'easier to deepen devolution over time'. The Times reported that one area being looked at is introducing widespread taxes on tourism, but a source told the paper that was 'the tip of the iceberg of what mayors want', with mayors looking at controlling income tax, stamp duty and business rates. The source added: 'There are far more fiscal levers to pull, and ministers understand this is the start and not the end.' Meanwhile councils are also straining at the bit to get more spending powers, with a new report claiming allowing them to administer and retain taxes generated locally would boost funding for services by more than £4 billion in many areas and 'supercharge' economic growth. The report argues that new fiscal arrangements which enable authorities to a proportion of revenue from income tax, stamp duty and the apprenticeship levy alongside a new tourist tax could prove transformational and support the delivery of the Government's priorities. The County Councils Network, which commissioned the report, stressed the proposals do not advocate tax rises and acknowledged that a process of redistributing tax revenue would need to be established to address regional variations in the amounts generated. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which had its first reading in the House of Commons last week, includes what is described as 'radical reset of local government' and protections for local businesses, as well as measures to enable strategic collaboration across wider areas on issues such as transport. As part of boosting the powers available to regional mayors, they will be responsible for developing local economic plans and gain control over licensing for e-bikes and planning decisions to 'set the direction of growth'. Mayors will also be able to impose 'development orders' to speed up developments, while new 'mayoral development corporations' are intended to streamline implementation and attract investment. The Government has also set out plans to scrap the first-past-the-post voting system for mayoral elections, reversing a change made by the previous Conservative government. The legislation reinstates the 'preferential' voting system, which enables voters to indicate multiple candidates in order of preference, with these choices weighted or used as contingency votes.
RNZ News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
David Seymour agrees to withdraw scathing letter after critiques from coalition
The Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour has agreed to withdraw a scathing letter he wrote to the United Nations - after being hauled into line by his coalition partners and the Prime Minister. But he's refusing to accept he did anything wrong. Acting political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Growing Up' actor Andrew Seow's career pivot stuns fans; DPM Gan says US tariffs may stay beyond Trump: Singapore live news
Andrew Seow, the actor who played Gary Tay in the beloved 90s drama "Growing Up", is now an auxiliary police officer with Aetos Security Management. Inspired by his father's legacy, Seow made the career switch at 55, undergoing formal training and joining the force through Workforce Singapore's Career Conversion Programme. Fans were delighted by a viral video of Seow re-enacting a scene from the show, this time in uniform. While he says he misses acting, Seow hinted at a surprise for longtime supporters. Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong has warned that US tariffs may persist beyond Donald Trump's presidency, urging businesses to prepare for a more protectionist global trade environment. Speaking at the ASEAN Conference 2025, Gan said firms should stop banking on political transitions and instead adapt by segmenting supply chains, meeting US conditions, and diversifying markets. Gan emphasised that tariffs are now a bipartisan tool in Washington and a source of tax revenue. Singapore is responding by deepening ASEAN integration and advocating WTO reform. Gan says the global trade game has changed, and Singapore must evolve. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Andrew Seow, once Singapore's favourite on-screen bad boy, is now patrolling the streets as an auxiliary police officer. The 55-year-old actor, famed for his role as Gary Tay in "Growing Up", has joined Aetos Security Management. His decision was deeply personal. Seow credits his late father, an auxiliary officer during British rule, for inspiring the move. 'He asked me to do something meaningful,' Seow shared in a recent video. 'I said, 'Okay, let me try.'' The career switch wasn't just symbolic. Seow enrolled in Workforce Singapore's Career Conversion Programme, trained in firearms, and now serves with full police powers. Fans were stunned but supportive. A viral Instagram clip shows Seow re-enacting a scene from "Growing Up", this time in uniform, with content creator Zaki Hussain. Seow says he misses acting but not the spotlight. 'I miss my fans,' he smiled. 'And for those waiting – I've got a surprise coming.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zaki Hussain (@zakiv4) Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong has a message for businesses: stop waiting for US tariffs to vanish. Speaking at the ASEAN Conference 2025, Gan warned that bipartisan support for tariffs in Washington means they're likely to stick around, even if Trump doesn't. Gan urged firms to brace for higher export costs and stricter supply chain scrutiny, especially in sectors like steel, autos, and pharmaceuticals. He advised setting up separate production lines for US-bound goods and diversifying into new markets. The US is pushing for 'fair and balanced trade', which includes reshoring critical industries and demanding more imports from trading partners. Gan said this shift is structural, not political. Singapore, which faces a baseline 10 per cent tariff, has ruled out retaliation. Instead, it's doubling down on ASEAN integration and WTO reform to preserve open trade. Gan's bottom line: adapt now or risk being sidelined in a more fragmented global economy. Read on DPM Gan saying tariffs aren't going anywhere here. Singapore has been named one of the top countries in Asia-Pacific for life-work balance, placing third in Remote's 2025 global index. The ranking reflects improvements in statutory leave and overall well-being. The index scores countries on a 100-point scale, factoring in healthcare access, safety, inclusivity, and average working hours. Singapore's score of 57.85 places it 25th globally and third in APAC. New Zealand and Australia lead the region, with Singapore close behind thanks to policy enhancements and a strong social support system. Malaysia also made gains, jumping 20 spots year-on-year. Meanwhile, the US and several Asian economies continue to struggle, weighed down by long hours and limited worker protections. China ranks 52nd out of 60. The report underscores a growing global shift, where flexibility and well-being are becoming more valued than hustle culture. Singapore has rolled out new property rules to curb speculative flipping, raising seller's stamp duty (SSD) rates and extending the holding period for private homes. SSD now applies for up to four years, with rates climbing to 16 per cent for sales within the first year. The changes affect all purchases made from Friday (4 July). The move follows a spike in sub-sales, especially of uncompleted units. Authorities say the trend threatens market stability and affordability. The announcement jolted the market, with developer stocks sliding and analysts scrambling to reassess July's launch pipeline. The government says the changes aim to stabilise the market, not punish genuine buyers. But with mortgage rates falling, speculation may have been poised to rise again. Read on how the SSD changes reshape the property scene here. US President Donald Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill has officially cleared Congress, marking the first major legislative win of his second term. The US$4.5 trillion package, dubbed the 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' makes permanent his 2017 tax cuts, slashes Medicaid and food assistance, and boosts military and border security funding. It also raises the debt ceiling by US$5 trillion, prompting warnings from fiscal watchdogs. The bill's passage was anything but smooth. Vice President JD Vance broke a Senate tie, while House Speaker Mike Johnson wrangled dissenters in a marathon overnight session. Trump himself worked the phones, mixing charm and pressure to sway holdouts. The final vote came after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered a record-breaking 8-hour speech opposing the bill. Critics argue the legislation redistributes wealth upward, guts the social safety net, and risks long-term economic instability. Supporters hail it as a fulfilment of Trump's campaign promises and a reset of America's fiscal priorities. With midterms looming, both parties are gearing up to weaponise the bill's impact. Trump is expected to sign the bill on Friday (4 July) with a celebratory flyover. But the real fireworks may come in 2026, when voters weigh in on the consequences. Read on some of the key takeaways and impact of Trump's "big, beautiful bill" here. Singapore's opposition party the Workers' Party (WP) has dismissed People's Action Party's (PAP) criticism of Pritam Singh's podcast interview as baseless. WP insists the interview was candid, constructive and well-received by Singaporeans. The WP said on Thursday (3 July) that Singh's remarks were patriotic and did not denounce Singapore. They say the podcast showcased how opposition voices can engage respectfully on national issues. WP challenged the notion that foreign media engagement is taboo, citing PAP's own history of international interviews. They called out the double standard and demanded clarity on any supposed restrictions. The party also addressed past allegations of foreign influence, reiterating that no promises or deals were made with Malaysian figures. They say the PAP is recycling old controversies for political gain. WP says the podcast episode strengthened democratic discourse, not weakened it. The controversy stems from Pritam's 24 June interview on Keluar Sekejap, a Malaysian podcast, which PAP claims crossed a line in airing domestic issues abroad. Read on WP rebuffing PAP's 'water's edge' doctrine here. Andrew Seow, once Singapore's favourite on-screen bad boy, is now patrolling the streets as an auxiliary police officer. The 55-year-old actor, famed for his role as Gary Tay in "Growing Up", has joined Aetos Security Management. His decision was deeply personal. Seow credits his late father, an auxiliary officer during British rule, for inspiring the move. 'He asked me to do something meaningful,' Seow shared in a recent video. 'I said, 'Okay, let me try.'' The career switch wasn't just symbolic. Seow enrolled in Workforce Singapore's Career Conversion Programme, trained in firearms, and now serves with full police powers. Fans were stunned but supportive. A viral Instagram clip shows Seow re-enacting a scene from "Growing Up", this time in uniform, with content creator Zaki Hussain. Seow says he misses acting but not the spotlight. 'I miss my fans,' he smiled. 'And for those waiting – I've got a surprise coming.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zaki Hussain (@zakiv4) Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong has a message for businesses: stop waiting for US tariffs to vanish. Speaking at the ASEAN Conference 2025, Gan warned that bipartisan support for tariffs in Washington means they're likely to stick around, even if Trump doesn't. Gan urged firms to brace for higher export costs and stricter supply chain scrutiny, especially in sectors like steel, autos, and pharmaceuticals. He advised setting up separate production lines for US-bound goods and diversifying into new markets. The US is pushing for 'fair and balanced trade', which includes reshoring critical industries and demanding more imports from trading partners. Gan said this shift is structural, not political. Singapore, which faces a baseline 10 per cent tariff, has ruled out retaliation. Instead, it's doubling down on ASEAN integration and WTO reform to preserve open trade. Gan's bottom line: adapt now or risk being sidelined in a more fragmented global economy. Read on DPM Gan saying tariffs aren't going anywhere here. Singapore has been named one of the top countries in Asia-Pacific for life-work balance, placing third in Remote's 2025 global index. The ranking reflects improvements in statutory leave and overall well-being. The index scores countries on a 100-point scale, factoring in healthcare access, safety, inclusivity, and average working hours. Singapore's score of 57.85 places it 25th globally and third in APAC. New Zealand and Australia lead the region, with Singapore close behind thanks to policy enhancements and a strong social support system. Malaysia also made gains, jumping 20 spots year-on-year. Meanwhile, the US and several Asian economies continue to struggle, weighed down by long hours and limited worker protections. China ranks 52nd out of 60. The report underscores a growing global shift, where flexibility and well-being are becoming more valued than hustle culture. Singapore has rolled out new property rules to curb speculative flipping, raising seller's stamp duty (SSD) rates and extending the holding period for private homes. SSD now applies for up to four years, with rates climbing to 16 per cent for sales within the first year. The changes affect all purchases made from Friday (4 July). The move follows a spike in sub-sales, especially of uncompleted units. Authorities say the trend threatens market stability and affordability. The announcement jolted the market, with developer stocks sliding and analysts scrambling to reassess July's launch pipeline. The government says the changes aim to stabilise the market, not punish genuine buyers. But with mortgage rates falling, speculation may have been poised to rise again. Read on how the SSD changes reshape the property scene here. US President Donald Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill has officially cleared Congress, marking the first major legislative win of his second term. The US$4.5 trillion package, dubbed the 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' makes permanent his 2017 tax cuts, slashes Medicaid and food assistance, and boosts military and border security funding. It also raises the debt ceiling by US$5 trillion, prompting warnings from fiscal watchdogs. The bill's passage was anything but smooth. Vice President JD Vance broke a Senate tie, while House Speaker Mike Johnson wrangled dissenters in a marathon overnight session. Trump himself worked the phones, mixing charm and pressure to sway holdouts. The final vote came after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered a record-breaking 8-hour speech opposing the bill. Critics argue the legislation redistributes wealth upward, guts the social safety net, and risks long-term economic instability. Supporters hail it as a fulfilment of Trump's campaign promises and a reset of America's fiscal priorities. With midterms looming, both parties are gearing up to weaponise the bill's impact. Trump is expected to sign the bill on Friday (4 July) with a celebratory flyover. But the real fireworks may come in 2026, when voters weigh in on the consequences. Read on some of the key takeaways and impact of Trump's "big, beautiful bill" here. Singapore's opposition party the Workers' Party (WP) has dismissed People's Action Party's (PAP) criticism of Pritam Singh's podcast interview as baseless. WP insists the interview was candid, constructive and well-received by Singaporeans. The WP said on Thursday (3 July) that Singh's remarks were patriotic and did not denounce Singapore. They say the podcast showcased how opposition voices can engage respectfully on national issues. WP challenged the notion that foreign media engagement is taboo, citing PAP's own history of international interviews. They called out the double standard and demanded clarity on any supposed restrictions. The party also addressed past allegations of foreign influence, reiterating that no promises or deals were made with Malaysian figures. They say the PAP is recycling old controversies for political gain. WP says the podcast episode strengthened democratic discourse, not weakened it. The controversy stems from Pritam's 24 June interview on Keluar Sekejap, a Malaysian podcast, which PAP claims crossed a line in airing domestic issues abroad. Read on WP rebuffing PAP's 'water's edge' doctrine here.
