Latest news with #Lim Guan Eng
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
In Dewan Rakyat today: Focus on water tariff audit, Gaza crisis, PWD transport access, and RMK13 debate
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 — The monitoring and audit mechanism for the additional revenue from water tariff adjustments, which was promised by state water operators for the purpose of repairing and developing water supply infrastructure, will be a key focus of today's Dewan Rakyat sitting. According to the Order Paper on the Parliament portal, the question is being raised by Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin) to the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation during Minister's Question Time. Mohd Isam also wants to know what action will be taken against operators who fail to meet key performance indicators (KPIs) after receiving the benefits of the tariff adjustment. During the same session, Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan) will ask the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry to state the steps the government has taken to achieve a 19 percent tariff negotiation result and the concessions Malaysia has offered to the United States. Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PN-Sik) will question the Foreign Minister regarding the steps the government is taking to urge the international community, particularly the United Nations (UN), to halt the continuous attacks by the Zionist regime on Gaza. During the oral question and answer session, Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PH-Bukit Bendera) will ask the Minister of Transport to state the efforts that have been and are being taken to facilitate access for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to public transportation, similar to Korea, which uses sign language and Braille in the announcement systems at stations and on mass transit vehicles. Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (PH-Gombak) will ask the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development about the number of informal workers in the care economy sector that have been registered by the ministry, as well as the policies and preparations for an aging society. After the session, Members of Parliament will take part in the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), which was presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last Thursday. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, presented the RMK13 under the theme 'Reshaping Development,' which outlines the country's strategic plans for the period from 2026 to 2030. This Dewan Rakyat session will commence for 24 days (until August 28). — Bernama
Malay Mail
01-08-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
In historic first, DAP MPs attend Zahid-led TVET briefing at Umno HQ
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 — More than 30 DAP MPs visited the Umno headquarters in a rare display of cross-party cooperation, in what Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin called a sign of growing maturity in Malaysia's political landscape. The group attended a briefing on technical and vocational education and training (TVET) earlier this week at Menara Dato Onn, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The visit marked the first time such a large number of DAP lawmakers had set foot in the headquarters of their one-time political adversary. Reflecting on the visit, Chan said on Facebook that the gesture reflected the unity government's commitment to working across party lines. 'We are working to overcome ideological and party differences for the sake of national progress. Nation-building requires unity, not uniformity — and that's the spirit we're committed to,' he wrote. Based on a group photo from the event, the DAP leaders who attended the briefing included party secretary-general Anthony Loke, adviser Lim Guan Eng and vice-chairman Chong Chieng Jen. Also seen were Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Ghani and secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. Chan also described the event as one of several key developments this week that signal the government's direction, including the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and a revised US tariff rate that could benefit Malaysian exporters. The unity government, he acknowledged, was 'not perfect' — but he stressed that its leaders were serious about fulfilling their responsibilities. 'PMX has proven that his strategy works — and it's time we continue to stand behind him,' Chan added, citing the tariff revision as a sign of the prime minister's steady diplomacy paying off. DAP and Umno, once fierce rivals, now share power under the Anwar-led unity government formed after the 2022 general election.
Malay Mail
11-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Guan Eng urges freeze on electricity rates, SST hike amid looming US trade tariffs
KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 — DAP's Lim Guan Eng today called for the government to freeze the 14.2 per cent electricity tariff hike for businesses and pause the RM10 billion in additional Sales and Services Tax (SST) collections that took effect on July 1. The Bagan MP and former finance minister cited the need to help Malaysian businesses prepare for the 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States, which are set to take effect on August 1. Lim asserted that Bank Negara Malaysia's decision to reduce the Overnight Policy Rate by 25 basis points from 3 per cent to 2.75 per cent was 'clearly' aimed at addressing the tariffs, despite these not being explicitly mentioned. 'During such unfavourable 'tariff war' environments, few countries have imposed utility price hikes or increased taxes,' Lim stated, arguing that Malaysia's approach runs counter to international best practices. The MP also highlighted that BNM's acknowledgment of downside risks to the growth outlook, particularly from slower global trade and weaker sentiment, supports the need for fiscal relief measures. He noted that despite positive economic indicators including inflation dropping to 1.2 per cent in May 2025 and record labour force participation of 70.8 per cent, many businesses and households continue to struggle with cost of living pressures. Lim then expressed hope that upcoming discussions with government leaders and MPs next week would result in a freeze on utility charges and SST increases. Earlier this week, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz said Malaysia would continue negotiations with the US for a fair and equitable solution, after President Donald Trump unexpectedly announced the new tariffs.
