Latest news with #Razman
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Police record statement from DAP youth chief over satirical social media post
IPOH: Police have recorded the statement of DAP Youth chief Woo Kah Leong to assist in investigations regarding a social media post featuring a caricature of Perak opposition leader Razman Zakaria. Acting Gerik district police chief Deputy Superintendent Muhammad Firdaus Abdullah confirmed the matter when contacted today. "Yes, a statement was recorded. It is part of the investigation process," he said briefly. Earlier today, Woo, who is also the Perak State Executive Councillor for Domestic Trade, Consumer Affairs and New Villages, in a press conference said he had given his statement to the police following a report lodged against him over a Facebook post from April featuring a clown-themed caricature of Razman. Lawyer Syahredzan Johan, who is representing Woo, said two investigating officers from the Gerik district police headquarters visited the Exco Office at the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building to record the statement, which lasted about 30 minutes, starting at 10.50am. "All the questions were answered. We fully cooperated," he said during a press conference at the Perak DAP headquarters today. Syahredzan said police also seized Woo's iPhone and SIM card for further investigation. Meanwhile, Woo described the police report lodged against him as an unhealthy political culture and an attempt to stifle freedom of expression. He claimed that political satire, including caricatures, does not constitute a personal attack but is instead a form of public oversight. "As a politician, I defend everyone's right to criticise me, and at the same time, I also have the right to respond rather than stay silent," he said. Previously, Razman had demanded that Woo issue a public apology during the Perak State Legislative Assembly session over the publication of provocative content targeting him, which was posted on social media on April 10. However, Woo stood by his action, arguing that the caricature was a form of satire based on facts — one of the cornerstones of democracy.
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Bank Negara has policy space as inflation remains contained: Economists
KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia may have room to ease interest rates in the coming months as inflationary pressures remain contained and external economic headwinds build, economists said. April's consumer price index (CPI) data showed that headline inflation held steady at 1.4 per cent year-on-year, unchanged from March, despite festive-season spending during Hari Raya. Core inflation, however, inched up to two per cent, the highest in 17 months, driven by firmer price pressures in services and durable goods. Putra Business School economic analyst Prof Dr Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff said the benign inflation backdrop, coupled with rising global risks, supports the case for a potential 25 basis-point reduction in the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) in the second half of the year. He pointed to geopolitical tensions and reciprocal tariff measures by the United States (US) as key threats to global trade, which could spill over into Malaysia's export-oriented economy. Still, Razman expects domestic growth to remain resilient. "Despite all the uncertainties caused by US tariffs, the economic outlook for the second half of the year remains positive, supported by stronger trade activity and expected higher foreign direct investments," he told Business Times. He added Malaysia's chairmanship of Asean this year is also expected to lift domestic demand through enhanced regional collaboration. According to the Department of Statistics' (DOSM) report on Wednesday, price increases in April were led by personal care and housing costs. Personal care saw the sharpest rise at 4.1 per cent, while education and housing expenses increased between 2.0 and 2.3 per cent. Food and beverage inflation eased slightly to 2.3 per cent from 2.5 per cent a month earlier, helped by lower vegetable and dairy prices despite festive demand. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said while inflation is largely under control, Bank Negara may soon need to pivot its policy stance if growth slows meaningfully. "The current economic environment is highly fluid, which necessitates a careful and well-calibrated monetary policy response," he said, adding that a rate cut of 25 basis points could be considered if signs of a slowdown persist. He said gross domestic product growth in the second half could dip below four per cent, warranting policy support. This outlook is consistent with Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) economist Felicia Ling's view that the inflation environment remains relatively benign. "Recent data suggests a benign domestic inflation with minimal inflationary pressures, leaving Bank Negara more room for monetary easing," she said in a research note. HLIB has maintained its full-year CPI forecast at 2.7 per cent but cautioned that global demand weakness and subdued commodity prices pose downside risks. Maybank Investment Bank chief economist Suhaimi Ilias said broader inflation trends have remained muted despite policy changes. "Inflation remains subdued at sub-two per cent year-to-date even with the 13.3 per cent minimum wage hike in February," he said. He added that the limited price pass-through may be attributed to the hike's initial application only to large employers. Meanwhile, DOSM said deflation persisted in certain segments, led by a 4.5 per cent fall in information and communication and a 0.1 per cent dip in clothing and footwear. Public Investment Bank economist Sabrina Edora said while inflation will likely stay below three per cent for the year, risks could emerge from domestic policy shifts. These include fuel subsidy reforms and a wider service tax net. Still, she believes any inflationary impact will be manageable if such reforms are introduced gradually and supported by offsetting measures. "Given the backdrop of lower global commodity prices, the near-term inflation trajectory is expected to remain benign, even in the event of subsidy rationalisation," she said. Bank Negara's latest monetary policy statement projected headline inflation to average between 2.0 and 3.5 per cent this year, with core inflation between 1.5 and 2.5 per cent. With three policy meetings left in 2025, in July, September and November, economists say the central bank has policy space if conditions deteriorate. A 25 basis-point cut in the third quarter is still on the table, Edora said, assuming stable macroeconomic conditions and continued electricity tariff subsidies.
New Straits Times
25-04-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Perak MB: Razman failed to address pig farming when he was agriculture exco
TAPAH: Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad has criticised state opposition leader Razman Zakaria for failing to resolve the long-standing pig farming issue during his tenure as an executive councillor. Saarani said the issue, particularly involving illegal and polluting farms, is not new and had existed well before the current administration took over. "This pig farming issue didn't just arise yesterday or in the last 14 days. It has been ongoing for a long time, ever since unlicensed farms came into existence," he said. Saarani said that while previous administrations had made efforts to mitigate the impact, Razman, who was the exco in charge of agriculture under the Perikatan Nasional government, failed to take effective action. "At that time, the current opposition leader, who is from Pas (Razman), held the portfolio for livestock, fisheries, and agriculture. "One of the livestock sectors included pig farming. He was responsible for addressing this issue. "He was exco for two years. There's even a video of him saying, 'We must consider the government's responsibility to take into account everyone's interests'. "He admitted the farmers had invested heavily, which means, in the end, he failed," Saarani said during a special appearance on the Perak BN podcast last night. Saarani said that the current administration, under the unity government, has taken serious steps to address the matter. He said he appointed state executive councillor A. Sivanesan, who holds the human resources, health, Indian community affairs, and national integration portfolios, to spearhead the resolution of the pig farming issue. "Sivanesan lives in Sungkai, which borders Ayer Kuning. He volunteered to take on this responsibility. "I gave him special authority, even though it's not under the agriculture portfolio, to manage and resolve the issue," he said. He said the people of Ayer Kuning should not think the government is ignoring the matter. "We are addressing it seriously—it just takes time. PN, especially Pas, isn't satisfied. "No matter what, they want to use this issue. "They're trying to turn it into something that can provoke anger among voters. But this isn't a new issue," he said. If the PN candidate were elected, he would not be able to do anything, as the current government is not under the PN coalition, he said. "If we elect a PN candidate as assemblyman, what can he do? "He can't do anything because he's not part of the government. Only the government can act on these issues," he said.
![[UPDATED] Perak assembly suspends state opposition leader Razman for 6 months](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FRAZMAN_1744769699.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
New Straits Times
22-04-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Perak assembly suspends state opposition leader Razman for 6 months
IPOH: The Perak State Legislative Assembly today passed a motion to suspend opposition leader Razman Zakaria from attending assembly sessions for six months, effective immediately. The motion, tabled by Ong Boon Piow (PH–Bercham) and seconded by Datuk Shahrul Zaman Yahya (BN–Rungkup), was adopted during today's sitting of the State Assembly. Razman, who is also the Gunung Semanggol assemblyman, was referred to the State Assembly's Rights and Privileges Committee on Dec 4 last year, following allegations that he made a false statement during a previous sitting. During the Dec 4 sitting, Astaka assemblyman Jason Ng Thien Yeong told the assembly that Razman had made baseless accusations, linking Kepayang assemblyman Nga Kor Ming and Pasir Bedamar assemblyman Woo Kah Leong to an incident where a Chinese flag was flown in Teluk Intan. Razman was alleged to have made a false statement on Dec 2. The motion to endorse the committee's report was approved after the majority of assemblymen present voted in favour. The decision was announced by State Assembly Speaker Datuk Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid. Following the adoption of the suspension motion today, Speaker Mohammad Zahir ordered Razman to leave the House immediately. "Once a YB (Yang Berhormat) has been suspended and the decision is effective immediately, the Gunung Semanggol assemblyman is no longer part of this House. "Therefore, the Honourable Member has no rights in the House. I now request the Honourable Member to vacate the House," he said. However, before exiting the chamber, Razman stood and addressed the assembly, expressing his gratitude and delivering parting remarks despite being interrupted. "I would like to thank the Speaker, Kota Tampan (Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad), my colleagues in the government and the opposition. I wish to convey my utmost gratitude for His Majesty's royal address, and I take this opportunity to wish everyone Selamat Hari Raya. "I apologise for any mistakes and extend encouragement to my fellow lawmakers. Let us continue our struggle. As legislators, we must not defend any breaches of the law. "Thank you, Speaker, for allowing me this opportunity. Let us continue to uphold the spirit of serving the people and supporting the government," he said. Early last month, it was reported that Razman had been temporarily relieved of his duties as Perak Pas chairman. It is understood that the decision was made by the party's central leadership following several issues, including a recent controversy linking Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh to YTL Corporation Berhad.
Free Malaysia Today
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Razman demands apology from DAP man over social media post
Perak PAS chief Razman Zakaria said he will file a formal complaint and initiate legal action against Pasir Bedamar assemblyman Woo Kah Leong if he fails to apologise or remove the post. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : Perak opposition leader Razman Zakaria is demanding a public apology from DAP's Pasir Bedamar assemblyman Woo Kah Leong over an allegedly offensive social media post. In a statement, Razman said Woo displayed 'immaturity and irresponsibility' by using an image of him dressed as a clown in a media statement Woo issued. The Perak PAS chief said he would file a formal complaint and initiate legal action against Woo if he fails to apologise or remove the post. 'Using my image without permission in a provocative manner constitutes an offence under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998,' said Razman. He urged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to immediately investigate and take action against Woo. Razman also accused Perak DAP chairman Nga Kor Ming of hypocrisy for speaking out against similar actions in the past while allowing such conduct to go unchecked in his own party. 'I am also puzzled by the Perak DAP chairman, who is quick to lecture and chastise others for being immature and childish, yet seems to have forgotten to advise his own subordinates,' he said. DAP vice-chairman Nga previously slammed Perikatan Nasional for using caricatures that appeared to mock Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and transport minister Loke Siew Fook during nominations for the Ayer Kuning by-election on April 12. Calling the tactic 'inappropriate' and 'immature', Nga said the caricatures did nothing to contribute to nation-building.
