Latest news with #MadaniAidilfitri
Free Malaysia Today
27-04-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
US tariffs: Accept reality and act wisely, says PM
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim greeting guests at the Madani Aidilfitri open house in Kuala Perlis today. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Malaysia does not agree to the tariffs imposed by the US, 'but we have to accept the reality and deal with it wisely,' Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today. He said the government will explain to MPs at a special parliamentary meeting on May 5 what measures have been taken in response to the US tariffs, Bernama reported. He said the special session would allow all MPs to discuss the impact of the US action on Malaysia's economy and think about measures to overcome it. The prime minister said Malaysia does not agree to the tariffs imposed by the US earlier this month. 'No country should unilaterally set arbitrary rates,' he said. 'We are bound by the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. But we have to accept the reality and deal with it wisely,' he said in a speech at the Madani Aidilfitri celebration in Kuala Perlis today. 'This is the time for all parties to focus on the growth of the country. Uplift the dignity of this country. Malaysia is a great country, capable of being an exemplary country among the best countries in Asia, provided we are united and work hard to uplift our economic dignity,' he said. Anwar said the government had sent two ministers to the US to consult with trade officials 'so that America also understands what we are doing and so that there is a fairer action or decision'. He said relations with the US and other countries 'must remain moderate' so as not to affect the people's lives, their jobs and the country's economic growth. Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said 60% of Malaysia's semiconductor production was exported to the US, with a value of more than RM140 billion. The Donald Trump administration has since said semiconductors were exempted from the tariffs announced earlier. The US has imposed a general 10% tariff on imports from all countries, and extra tariffs ranging from 17% to 49% on about 60 countries. Malaysia was slapped with a 24% tariff. The tariffs have been suspended for 90 days.
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
GLC takes over construction of Perlis sports school, delayed for 11 years
KANGAR: The federal government has appointed a government-linked company (GLC) to expedite the construction of the sports school project, which was announced 11 years ago. The project involves the development of a school complex specifically for sports, originally slated for completion in 2014 after ground-breaking work began a year earlier. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this matter was raised by the Sultan of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, and the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, who both called for the project's construction to be expedited. Anwar also announced that he had decided to appoint a company, either under Khazanah Nasional or Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB), to develop a sports school for Perlis soon. "This project was announced over a decade ago, but until now, there is no school and no sports facilities. "As such, I have decided to appoint a company, either under Khazanah or PNB, that has the credibility to kickstart the project as soon as possible and complete a sports school in Perlis," he said in his speech at the state-level Madani Aidilfitri celebration in Kuala Perlis here.
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Malaysia must handle US tariff issue cautiously to safeguard economy
KANGAR: Malaysia has adopted a moderate approach in addressing the United States' reciprocal tariffs announced by President Donald Trump earlier this month. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the issue must be handled cautiously to avoid serious repercussions for the country and its people's livelihoods. "We are the second-largest semiconductor manufacturer in the world, with 60 per cent of our semiconductor exports going to the US. "Therefore, our bilateral relationship with the US and other nations must remain balanced to prevent adverse effects on people's livelihoods and the country. "We need to ensure our economy continues to grow, for the well-being of the people," Anwar said in his speech at the state-level Madani Aidilfitri celebration in Kuala Perlis. Raja Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail and Raja Perempuan of Perlis Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid graced the event. Also in attendance were the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail and Raja Puan Muda Perlis Tuanku Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil. Anwar stressed that no country, including the US, should be allowed to set tariffs on trade unilaterally, to the detriment of other nations' economies. "As we were implementing domestic reforms, we were taken by surprise by the tariffs imposed by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, through tariff hikes. "Tariffs mean that Malaysian goods exported to the US will become more expensive, which could pose a problem for Malaysia's economy. "For now, the tariff increase has been postponed for 90 days, giving us some breathing space, as neighbouring countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia are facing much higher tariffs," he said. Anwar added that Malaysia would continue to negotiate with the US to address the issue, with two Cabinet ministers assigned to handle the talks.
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Madani government ensures development for all states, despite political divide
KANGAR: Higher grants and development allocations for Perlis over the past two years prove that the Madani government takes care of all states, regardless of political divide. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this was demonstrated by the increased grants and development allocations for Perlis under his administration. "I would like to thank Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli for extending full cooperation to the federal government. "Certain quarters have criticised me for allegedly neglecting some states. That's untrue. We take care of all states," Anwar said in his speech at the state-level Madani Aidilfitri celebration in Kuala Perlis here.
The Star
26-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Border control agency will need time to settle into new role, says Saifuddin
KULIM: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency will need time to fully establish itself as the sole agency responsible for strengthening security at the country's entry points, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. "Agencies that previously operated independently are now under one roof and a single command. Naturally, some time is needed for them to adapt and carry out their operations under a unified structure," said the Home Minister. "However, we are confident of seeing significant improvements in border control and protection within a reasonable timeframe," he said at a Madani Aidilfitri open house here on Saturday (April 26). Saifuddin Nasution said that the agency is currently operating at 22 border entry points and will be progressively expanded to cover all 123 entry points nationwide. He said the agency was established with three main objectives: to streamline border control processes, improve the efficiency of service delivery, and uphold integrity in border management. It was officially established following the gazettement of the Border Control and Protection Agency Act on Oct 17, 2024. It commenced operations on Jan 1 at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex in Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, before being expanded to 21 other entry points covering Kedah, Sabah, Sarawak, Port Klang and Kuala Lumpur International Airport. – Bernama Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency, AKPS
