Latest news with #UiTM
The Star
35 minutes ago
- Business
- The Star
Anwar to make special appreciation announcement for Malaysians tomorrow
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to make a special announcement of appreciation for all Malaysians on Wednesday (July 23). This was announced by Communication Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil on Facebook on Tuesday (July 22). The announcement comes after Anwar said in Penang on July 19 that he would be making an 'extraordinary tribute' announcement to Malaysians in the upcoming week. "I need a little more time to make the announcement, to allow my team under the Finance Ministry to prepare the 'surprise' in greater detail to ensure it is comprehensive. "The country is currently facing an increase in the cost of living, but it is not only happening in Malaysia but around the world. It is a worldwide problem. "We want to increase salaries and allowances for public servants by RM10bil this year, and next year by an additional RM18bil. We want to do the same with the STR (Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah) by RM13bil, making it RM23bil," he said during his speech at the Madani Bumiputera Tunas Master Plan and the JKPSB Housing Project at the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Campus in Permatang Pauh on Saturday (July 19). Anwar said he is seeking ways and efforts that can be implemented. "Every day at the Finance Ministry, we are working hard to find an approach that can be announced soon, especially to address the cost of living.
New Straits Times
19 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Home Ministry mulls AI training for Immigration personnel at local universities
PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail is considering sending Immigration Department personnel for training in artificial intelligence (AI) at local universities as part of efforts to embrace technological change. In his speech at Immigration Department Day 2025, he called on the department's human resources division to coordinate sessions with institutions such as Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) for such training. "Send personnel to local university faculties in batches, such as UKM and UiTM. "Give them the opportunity to attend one- to two-week sessions to gain knowledge of AI and develop the skills needed to use AI tools, which are evolving rapidly every day. "These skills are necessary to leverage technologies that are advancing quickly. If we embrace AI today, we can keep pace. If we ignore it, we risk falling 30 years behind," he said. Citing an example of technological advancement, Saifuddin said Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba manages a database of 800 million users and is capable of processing up to 230,000 transactions per second during special online sales. "They don't have oil or gas resources, but they have mastered human capital. Through online sales, they can record 230,000 transactions in just one second," he said. The minister also urged the Immigration Department to strengthen its commitment to integrity, describing it as the backbone of public service delivery under the Madani reform agenda. "With reforms anchored on efficient governance, strengthened integrity, and impactful service delivery, I hope Immigration will uphold a zero-tolerance policy against corruption," he said. He called for immediate and transparent action against any reported misconduct, supported by robust ethical practices within the department. "If continuous training is needed (on AI), implement it. If collaboration with enforcement agencies like the police or the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is necessary, pursue it. If an internal monitoring system is required, establish it," he said. He also assured full support for efforts to strengthen integrity within the Immigration Department, aligning with the national leadership's call for a people-centric administration. "If processes need improvement, simplify them. If systems need change, implement it. We remain the frontliners in delivering services to the people, and these efforts must move in tandem with ongoing developments," he said.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Pray for good news': Anwar says major announcement to tackle rising living costs coming Tuesday, if not Monday
PERMATANG PAUH, July 19 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hinted that an important announcement for the people regarding measures to address the cost of living will be made next week. He said the Finance Ministry is currently refining proposals that can be announced immediately to ease the burden on the people and address current issues. 'Now, every week the Finance Ministry team is examining measures that the Prime Minister can announce in a short time and can help address the people's problems. 'If not Monday, Tuesday… give me two, three more days to refine it. I will announce it later. Pray for the best, God willing,' he said when speaking at the Launching Ceremony of the Bumiputera Master Plan, Tunas MADANI and JKPSB Housing Project at Dewan Besar, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Penang Branch, here, today. According to the Prime Minister, the government is currently looking for the best approach to balance the rising cost of living with the country's fiscal capacity, given that existing expenditure on assistance such as the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR) and civil servant salary increases has reached billions of ringgit. On July 14, Anwar hinted at the matter through a post on Facebook with a poster reading 'Coming Soon', along with the message: 'An Extraordinary Appreciation for Malaysians. With Malaysiaku.' The post caught the attention of netizens who generally expressed excitement and anticipation for the announcement which is expected to provide comprehensive benefits to the people. — Bernama
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Malaysia still has time to negotiate US tariff
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia still has time to negotiate with the United States (US) over the recently imposed 25 per cent import tariff. In recent negotiations between the Indonesian government and the US, the tariff imposed on Indonesia was reportedly reduced from 30 per cent to 19 per cent, he said. Anwar is on a one-day visit to Penang. The prime minister said Malaysia would enter negotiations with several conditions to ensure positive outcomes. "At the moment, the global economy is in a fragile state, including challenges such as tariff hikes under US President Donald Trump. We (Malaysia) have until early August to make a decision (to begin negotiations) using a different approach. "Indonesia negotiated its rate down from 30 per cent to 19 per cent. Last week it was reported that Thailand's tariff remains at 30 per cent, and Cambodia's is still at 40 per cent. "We are still negotiating, but there are several conditions we have firmly stated," he said in his speech at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Penang branch here today. Also present were Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Penang Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid and Penang Bumiputera Development Council chairman Tan Sri Khalid Ramli. It was reported that Malaysia was ramping up discussions with the US on the 25 per cent tariff, as it sought to resolve key tariff and non-tariff issues ahead of a looming Aug 1 deadline. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the ministry had a productive engagement with the US Trade Representative and was now working to identify areas where both parties can reach an agreement. Meanwhile, Anwar said Malaysia had received international recognition during its chairmanship of the Asean Summit.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Do not incite hatred through protests, says Anwar
NIBONG TEBAL: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded Malaysians that while peaceful protests are a right in any democratic nation, actions that incite hatred and division undermine national unity and hinder progress. He said this is especially so if the incitement is along racial or religious lines. Speaking at the national-level Unity Week 2025 celebration at Batu Kawan Stadium, Anwar addressed ongoing demonstrations calling for his resignation, acknowledging that public dissent is a legitimate part of democracy. "This is a democratic country. If people want to express dissatisfaction through protests, that is their right. I will not stop them," he said on Saturday (July 19). However, Anwar drew a firm line between peaceful protest and attempts to sow discord. "Acts of protest, defamation, and inciting hatred will not solve problems. Instead, they will only provoke anger among the people and prevent us from moving forward," he said. Anwar said that political discourse must remain civil and constructive and warned that divisive rhetoric could fracture the country's social fabric. He stated that those in positions of power should prioritise the needs and welfare of the people by addressing pressing issues and ensuring that no community, regardless of race, is left behind. Earlier, at the launching ceremony of the Tunas Madani and JKPSB Housing Project at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Penang Branch in Permatang Pauh, Anwar revealed that an announcement aimed at addressing the rising cost of living is expected next week. He said the Finance Ministry is in the final stages of refining several proposals that could be implemented immediately to help ease the burden on the people and tackle pressing economic concerns.
