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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Zafrul: US tariff talks reflected responsible crisis management
KUALA LUMPUR: Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz has denied former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's claim that the government appeared pleased with the outcome of negotiations on United States tariffs. He said the achievement was not a matter of "happiness", but of responsible crisis management to protect the interests of the nation and its people. He said the government had negotiated to avoid the 25 per cent US tariff that threatened more than RM198 billion in exports and 100,000 jobs in the Electrical and Electronics (E&E) sector alone. "We secured a 19 per cent rate, the same as other Asean partners, prioritising the nation's interests and economic stability. "This is not about being 'happy', Tun, but about taking responsibility to safeguard the livelihoods of Malaysians," he said in a post on his social media account. He was responding to Dr Mahathir's claim that the government seemed pleased with the deal negotiated with US President Donald Trump. On Dr Mahathir's allegation that Malaysia had removed all taxes on 11,000 US products entering Malaysia in exchange for a tariff reduction to 19 per cent from 25 per cent, Tengku Zafrul said the claim was false. He said that only 60.4 per cent of tariff lines were subject to zero duty, not 100 per cent. "There is a big difference between 100 per cent and 60 per cent, Tun. Sixty per cent is only slightly more than half, nowhere near the whole (100 per cent). So, Tun's allegation is false," he said. On Dr Mahathir's claim regarding rare earth supply, Tengku Zafrul said there was no agreement to supply rare earth exclusively. He added that there was also no statement suggesting that Malaysia would supply unprocessed raw rare earth. "The existing policy requires that rare earth be processed domestically before being exported. "Could Tun share the source of this allegation? It is not wrong to criticise, but when the criticism is based on false claims, that is wrong," he said.
New Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
‘Your good show fills me with pride': Nara Lokesh tells SSC toppers
VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh's education system is undergoing a transformative overhaul, drawing nationwide attention, declared HRD, IT and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh on Tuesday. Speaking at the 'Shining Stars' event at his Undavalli residence, he felicitated 47 government school students who secured top ranks in the recent Class X examinations. Each student received a shawl, a medal, and a hamper containing nine inspirational books, including 'Wings of Fire' by APJ Abdul Kalam, 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear, and 'Ratan Tata: A Life' by Thomas Mathew, aimed at fuelling their ambition. 'Your achievements fill me with pride,' Lokesh told the students. 'Despite economic hardships, you've brought honour to your parents. Emulate Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's relentless dedication to public service and pursue your goals with unwavering resolve.' He vowed to position AP's education model as a national benchmark, ensuring government schools rival private institutions. Starting next year, top government school results will be showcased in newspaper advertisements, a practice typically reserved for private schools, he announced. He shared a personal anecdote to inspire resilience, saying, 'I chose Mangalagiri, a constituency Telugu Desam hadn't won since 1984, for my political debut. After losing in 2019, I worked tirelessly for five years, securing one of the State's top three majorities in 2024.' He emphasised, 'There's no substitute for hard work—students must remember this.' Despite formidable challenges, educational reforms are progressing, Lokesh said. Reforms include full fee reimbursement for higher education, postgraduate fee support, and strengthened government junior colleges, which have already yielded stellar Class 10 results. He prioritised girls' education during his Yuvagalam Padayatra, a commitment reflected in new gender-balanced textbook illustrations. 'By June, we'll complete these reforms, making public schools a source of pride,' he said. He hailed the students as 'brand ambassadors' for boosting public trust in government education. Education Secretary Kona Sas hidhar called education 'a powerful weapon to escape poverty,' urging students to aim for greatness like Sundar Pichai or Sunita Williams. 'Your victories, especially from remote areas, will inspire future batches,' he said.
New Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Andhra HRD Minister Lokesh approves ‘Kalalaku Rekkalu' scheme for girls' education
VIJAYAWADA: Human Resource Development, IT, and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh on Monday approved the launch of the 'Kalalaku Rekkalu' scheme to support girls' higher education starting this year. He also suggested steps to improve academic outcomes and proposed honouring top performers of Class X as 'Shining Stars'. Furthermore, he directed officials to ensure smooth and transparent conduct of the mega District Selection Committee (DSC) examination, scheduled to begin on June 6. Chairing a high-level review meeting with officials from the School, Intermediate, and Higher Education Departments at his Undavalli residence, the HRD minister emphasised the need for strong technical arrangements, including well-equipped TCS iON centres and functioning DSC call centres. Lokesh clarified that TET qualifications would remain valid for DSC eligibility. Candidates can upload certificates online, with physical submission required only during verification. Lokesh directed officials to ensure a seamless process and responsive support systems.
