Latest news with #MohdFharkhanAbdulGhapar
Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Third Week Of Dewan Rakyat Session Dominated By Debate On RMK13
GENERAL By Mohd Fharkhan Abdul Ghapar KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 8 (Bernama) -- The third week of the Dewan Rakyat session has been dominated by debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) as government and opposition Members of Parliament discussed various aspects of national policy, implementation, and the country's development direction for the next five years. The debate was focused on the three main pillars of the RMK13: economic growth, public welfare, and effective governance. Cross-sectoral issues are also being addressed, including regional development, renewable energy, climate change, youth mobility, education, cybersecurity, and the inclusion of Sabah and Sarawak in the national development framework. As of yesterday, 78 MPs have participated in the debate, including Government Backbenchers Club Chairman Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar), Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut), and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (PH-Gombak). Among the topics raised by the MPs are a flexible, choice-based approach to the proposed monthly pension payments through the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), the drafting of a special act for preschool education, and a comprehensive and structured national creative economy or "orange economy" policy to drive growth in the sector. On July 31, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim presented the 13MP, themed "Reshaping Development." The government will need to provide an investment of RM611 billion to drive national development from 2026 to 2030. According to the Dewan Rakyat calendar, the RMK13 debate will last for eight days, from Aug 4 to 14, followed by a four-day winding-up session by ministers from Aug 18 to 21. Another key focus of this week's Dewan Rakyat session was the briefing by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz regarding reciprocal trade negotiations with the United States. This followed a new tariff rate for Malaysia of 19 percent, effective Aug 1, which is a six percent reduction from the rate announced by the US on July 7. Tengku Zafrul emphasised that Malaysia did not sacrifice national interests to get preferential treatment. Instead, the negotiations with the US maintained the uniqueness of national policies, and Malaysia did not agree to all of the US' requests concerning digital trade and technology. However, he noted that Malaysia must remain prepared for the possibility of additional tariffs being imposed by the US on the semiconductor industry.
Barnama
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Thai-Cambodian Peace Talks: M'sia Proves Credibility As ASEAN Chair In Handling Conflict
By Mohd Fharkhan Abdul Ghapar KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's success as a mediator in the peace negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia, which led to an agreement to implement a ceasefire in the disputed border area, demonstrates the country's ability and credibility as the 2025 ASEAN Chair, say experts. Malaysia's neutral yet constructive approach enabled both neighbouring nations to reach a point of mutual understanding through harmonious and respectful diplomatic channels, in line with ASEAN's principles of regional conflict resolution. The diplomatic and pragmatic approach driven by Malaysia under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has further strengthened the country's position as a trusted facilitator in addressing regional issues and conflicts. Assoc Prof Dr Khoo Ying Hooi of the University of Malaya's Department of International and Strategic Studies said neighbouring countries' trust in Malaysia reflected its reputation as a nation that adopts a moderate, non-confrontational, and pragmatic stance in international relations. She said that within ASEAN, Malaysia was often seen as a nation willing to play the role of facilitator rather than an aggressor, which made it more acceptable to conflicting parties. 'Malaysia's position as ASEAN Chair gives it moral and symbolic leverage. What is important here is that Malaysia utilises its chairmanship creatively, not just as a host for meetings, but by genuinely acting as a facilitator. 'That trust arises when Malaysia is seen as willing to take diplomatic risks to calm tensions,' she told Bernama. She explained that Anwar's approach was seen as breathing new life into foreign policy, with a boldness to speak up and greater responsiveness to crises. In the Thailand-Cambodia issue, Malaysia played an active role, responded swiftly, and did not merely issue empty statements.
Barnama
20-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Rahmah MADANI Sales: Effective Approach To Ease Living Ciost Of The People
By Mohd Fharkhan Abdul Ghapar PORT DICKSON, July 20 (Bernama) -- The Rahmah MADANI Sales initiative has proven to be an effective intervention approach in the government's efforts to help ease the cost of living of the people, especially at the grassroots level. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the initiative continues to receive strong public support, especially with its expansion to all regions across the country, including suburban and rural areas. He said that apart from providing immediate relief, the programme also offers a valuable platform for the ministry to engage directly with the community to obtain feedback, including suggestions for improvements and additional stock-keeping units (SKUs) that people would like to see. "The community has acknowledged that this programme truly reaches the grassroots and fulfils their daily needs," he said. 'As we know, the allocation for the Rahmah Sales Programme has also been increased. So we hope that the 2026 Budget will further expand the programme's reach so that more people can benefit from it,' he told Bernama. He said this when visiting the MADANI Rahmah Sales and Kenduri Rakyat programmes in Kampung Pachitan, held in conjunction with the MADANI Ukhwah Programme and the MADANI Government Members of Parliament Retreat here. In addition to Kampung Pachitan, Armizan said the programme was also implemented at the Petanque Field, Batu 1, Port Dickson, offering 42 and 50 stock keeping units (SKUs) at discounted prices, respectively. He noted that efforts to gather public feedback were further strengthened by the involvement of MADANI Government MPs in the two-day retreat by engaging directly with residents to better understand the realities of their daily lives.
Barnama
19-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Dewan Rakyat Sitting Begins On Monday, With Focus On Tabling MP13
By Mohd Fharkhan Abdul Ghapar KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 (Bernama) -- The tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (MP13) is the main focus of the Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament which opens from Monday until Aug 28. Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said the tabling of MP13 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the Minister of Finance, is scheduled to take place in the second week of the Dewan Rakyat sitting on July 31. MP13, which sets the direction for the country's development for 2026 to 2030, is the first by the MADANI Government under Anwar's administration as the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia. Anwar previously said the MP13 was formulated with a focus on the economic empowerment of the people through increased income, inclusive and sustainable economic structural reforms, as well as strengthening governance and efficiency in public service delivery. Apart from that, it also emphasises regional justice, human capital development, and policy reforms to strengthen Malaysia's competitiveness at the global level in line with the principles of MADANI Malaysia. In this regard, Johari said this Dewan Rakyat session would provide adequate debate time for Members of Parliament to discuss the contents of the MP13 while calling on all elected representatives to be professional and use the debate space well. "We want the debate (session) to be more substantive and Members of Parliament should not politicise the situation so much that we drift too far. "Members of Parliament need to stay focused on what issues we are discussing... how (they) can help the government by suggesting things that the government may have overlooked, that is our role," he told Bernama in an exclusive interview recently.
Barnama
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
GCC: Myanmar Crisis Needs Concrete Solution
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Assistant Secretary General for Political and Negotiations Affairs, Dr. Abdel Aziz Abu Hamad Aluwaisheg, speaks to Bernama in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). By Mohd Fharkhan Abdul Ghapar KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has expressed concern over the humanitarian and political situation in Myanmar, noting that limited progress has been made in restoring peace since the military coup in 2021. While acknowledging the complexity and sensitivity of the issue, GCC Assistant Secretary General for Political and Negotiation Affairs, Dr Abdel Aziz Abu Hamad Aluwaisheg, nevertheless stressed that the international community must not remain silent and called for more concrete solutions. 'We are extremely concerned about what's happening in Myanmar,' he told Bernama in an exclusive interview on Saturday. He is currently in the capital to attend the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, which are set to take place alongside the 46th ASEAN Summit on May 26 and 27. ASEAN's response to the Myanmar crisis has centred around the Five-Point Consensus adopted in 2021, which includes a call for an immediate cessation of violence and dialogue among all parties. Aluwaisheg said the GCC had consistently raised the Myanmar issue in past meetings with ASEAN and reaffirmed its support for broader multilateral efforts. 'The UN (United Nations) is trying to play a role, but I think their efforts are being frustrated by the Myanmar government. The OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) has also been trying to play a role,' he said. He also emphasised the need for the safe and dignified return of displaced Rohingya refugees, many of whom remain in neighbouring countries, and encouraged stronger international support for the UN's ongoing efforts in Bangladesh.
