Latest news with #Madani
Malaysiakini
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Beng Hock group cites Confucian saying, sits out 'Turun Anwar' rally
The family of Teoh Beng Hock will not be attending this Saturday's 'Himpunan Turun Anwar' protest in Kuala Lumpur, despite having recently been openly critical of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Madani government. When contacted, Beng Hock's sister, Lee Lan, confirmed that she would not be attending the rally organised by PAS and Perikatan Nasional. Ng Yap Hwa, chairperson of Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement (TBH-ADA), cited a saying from the Confucian Analects...
The Star
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
PM announcement signals policy shift towards more inclusive approach for M40, say experts
KUALA LUMPUR: The announcement of several key initiatives by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday, as a gesture of appreciation to the people, reflects a policy shift by the Madani government towards a more inclusive approach for the middle-income group (M40). Senior Political Science Lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA Mujibu Abd Muis said the one-off RM100 cash assistance under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme, the postponement of toll rate hikes for 10 highways and the targeted RON95 subsidy could be seen as part of the government's broader efforts to extend social safety nets for groups that had long viewed themselves as marginalised. "The attention given to the B40 was necessary due to pressing needs, but the reality is that the M40 group is also grappling with the post-pandemic economic burden, particularly the rising cost of living, inflation and loan commitments,' he told Bernama. Mujibu said while the RM100 cash aid and lower RON95 fuel price might not have completely changed the M40 group's perception, it was a clear indication that the government was not turning a blind eye to their plight. "In a climate where inflation, the prices of goods and the lack of affordable housing remain key concerns, any form of assistance, even if it is a one-off, can help boost confidence in the government's fiscal policies. "The M40 requires more than just cash aid; tax relief, education subsidies for their children, affordable housing and efficient public transport are also crucial,' he said, suggesting that aid be based on actual needs rather than gross income alone. Associate Professor Dr Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) opined that the Prime Minister's announcement signalled the government's move to give more attention to the middle-income earners who were often seen as self-reliant but were equally affected by the rising cost of living. "The M40 may not qualify for the same assistance as the B40, but they still have to deal with many expenses just to survive,' he said. Mazlan said the comprehensive initiative announced reflected the government's concern in addressing the grievances of the M40 group and could help change their negative perception of government policies. In addition, he said the initiative could stimulate the domestic economy by boosting household spending, thereby supporting local sectors, including tourism. Meanwhile, 38-year-old trader Mohd Syafiq Hazman said the move provided some relief for middle-income families, who he felt were often not given due attention by the government. "It may not be much, but RM100 can go a long way for a family of four or five in easing kitchen or fuel expenses. It shows the government is aware of our struggles,' he said.- Bernama
New Straits Times
9 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Customs Dept's new digital system to end practice of 'picking officers' to process documents
JOHOR BARU: The Customs Department has rolled out a fully digital import and export documentation system designed to eliminate revenue leakages, fast-track clearance, and end discretion by personnel in processing trade documents. The Malaysian Customs Import/ Export Document System (MyCIEDS) platform allows forwarding agents and importers to submit supporting documents online via any internet-enabled device — a shift from the previously manual, officer-specific process. Customs director-general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin said with MyCIEDS, logistics agents can no longer pick their preferred officers to process documents. "There is no more picking officers. The system assigns cases automatically. Officers must process whichever document appears on their screen," she said after the system's southern zone launch today. The new platform, developed by Edaran IT Services, integrates with the existing Customs Information System (SMK) and currently supports more than 1,350 registered companies involved in trade activities nationwide. The rollout began in stages from January. Among the system's key benefits are real-time transparency and submitted documents tracking, which allows Customs officers and forwarding agents to monitor the status instantly. The system also eliminates the need for physical visits or paperwork handovers, streamlining the process and reducing operational costs. With its automated and integrated features, the risk of human error and potential fraud is significantly reduced. Additionally, goods can be released faster, as the digital platform enables multiple officers to review documents simultaneously, speeding up clearance procedures, she said. Anis said MyCIEDS also fortifies Customs' gatekeeping role by standardising document review and removing discretion, thereby plugging a common loophole that allowed manipulation or selective processing. The system, she said, is also able to stop agents' attempts to conceal under-declared goods or facilitate preferential treatment. She said the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's Madani framework, particularly its focus on governance and service delivery agility. "This is not just a technical upgrade. It's a leap forward in public service governance," she said. . The system also benefits Malaysia's standing in global trade indices and is expected to enhance cross-border efficiency, reduce compliance costs, and improve trust in enforcement. Customs officers have been instructed to ensure full compliance with the new process and provide technical guidance to agents. Strict audits and enforcement action await non-compliant parties. "This is not a burden. It's a catalyst for efficiency," said Anis, urging both Customs staff and stakeholders to fully embrace the system. MyCIEDS is backed by the Technology Depository Agency (TDA) under the Finance Ministry through its Industry Collaboration Programme (ICP), marking a successful public-private synergy in digital reform.
Malaysiakini
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Beng Hock group cites Confucian saying, sits out 'Turun Anwar' rally
The family of Teoh Beng Hock will not be attending this Saturday's 'Himpunan Turun Anwar' protest in Kuala Lumpur, despite having recently been openly critical of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Madani government. When contacted, Beng Hock's sister, Teoh Lee Lan, confirmed that she would not be attending the rally organised by PAS and Perikatan Nasional. Ng Yap Hwa, chairperson of Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement (TBH-ADA), cited a saying from the Confucian Analects...
The Star
11 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
PM orders police to ensure Saturday rally proceeds smoothly
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed the police to provide the necessary cooperation to ensure public safety and facilitate the upcoming "Turun Anwar" rally spearheaded by PAS, says his senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, He said the Prime Minister is fully aware of the rally and has emphasised that it should be allowed to proceed without undue restrictions or intimidation, in accordance with democratic principles. "As someone who holds firmly to the Constitution and the spirit of reform, the Prime Minister has instructed the police to assist in maintaining public safety while ensuring the smooth conduct of the rally without any inappropriate obstruction," he said in a livestream posted on Anwar's facebook page on Thursday (July 24). He added that the Madani government's position is clear and consistent, which is to uphold and celebrate democracy. "The right to speak up, including from those who oppose the government, is a fundamental element of a free and just nation. "Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, this space is not only kept open but is respected," he said. Tunku Nashrul said that public dissent, even through street demonstrations, would not be arbitrarily suppressed. Instead, he said such expressions are recognised as part of a healthy and mature democracy, so long as they remain within the bounds of the law and do not threaten public safety. "Let us continue to uphold democracy with rationality, maturity and responsibility," he said. He added that the strength of the Madani government does not come from silencing critics but from fostering a culture of tolerance, guided by compassion and unwavering principles. The "Turun Anwar" rally, backed by PAS Youth, is scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur on July 26, with participants expected to assemble at several locations in the city before marching to Dataran Merdeka.
