KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 — The upcoming Kuala Kubu Baru by-election comes at a pivotal moment for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s administration, which has pledged significant reforms and progress but has yet to deliver substantial results. The seat fell vacant following the death of its three-term assemblyman, Lee Kee Hiong, on March 21 due to cancer. Marking the seventh by-election under the unity government, this electoral contest unfolds against a backdrop of pressing issues and contentious events. From the “Allah” socks controversy to the prospect of fuel subsidy reductions, publ ..read more

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 — Several political analysts have conceded that fielding a Malay candidate in Kuala Kubu Baru would be the preferred strategy to garner game-changing votes from the majority bloc that is currently split three-way. Following insistent calls from all political divides for a Malay candidate ahead of nomination day, the observers said the Malay bloc seems to be still undecided despite the seat in Selangor being traditionally won by DAP. “Malay votes in general are split right now, among Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN). Some Malays are ..read more

KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 — Malaysia and China today discussed various strategic initiatives to expand and strengthen cooperation in the higher education sector in conjunction with celebrating the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations. Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) said in a statement the discussion was held between China’s Education Minister Huai Jinpeng and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir in Putrajaya. “The counterparts exchanged views on their countries’ higher education landscape and direction as well as potential strategic cooperation, particularly ..read more

KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 — Malaysia has called on all involved parties to exercise restraint and cease provocative acts that could further heighten conflicts in the Middle East region. Malaysia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) in New York, Datuk Ahmad Faisal Muhamad said, “Malaysia is gravely concerned by the escalation of tensions in the Middle East. We urge all parties to cease all provocative and hostile acts.” In delivering Malaysia’s statement at the Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question held in New York, on Thursday (April ..read more

KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will ensure that the agenda of enhancing governance and institutionalising integrity as the foundation in its efforts to revive the country’s economy through asset recovery operations and the like. MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said this aligns with the direction of the game changer that it will implement in response to the emphasis that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim placed on the importance of governance. “These governance issues encompass various matters, not only integrity or misappropriation or ..read more

IPOH, April 26 — The Perak state government is expected to establish cooperation with Star Group Industries (SGI), a leading South Korean company with experience in the production of downstream products of rare earth elements (REE). Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the company will visit the state next month and further details regarding the collaboration will be discussed in a meeting involving both parties. “SGI, which is led by the founder and chief executive officer Kong Kun Seong, has shown interest in working together and expressed his desire to visit Perak next month ..read more

KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 — The National Unity Ministry has expressed hope that the Harmony Trail programme to reach out to religious leaders and followers at their places of worship in the country will not be politicised by certain parties. Its minister, Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the programme were visits in the spirit of muhibah to places of worship showcasing togetherness and unity of a Malaysian society made of diverse races, cultures, customs and religious beliefs and its organisation was agreed at a Harmony Committee meeting co-chaired by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Reli ..read more

GEORGE TOWN, April 26 — A total of RM40 million from the RM100 million allocated by the government this year to the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) has been used for various programmes aimed at ensuring the transformation and socioeconomic improvement of the Indian community. Mitra’s Special Task Force Committee chairman P. Prabakaran that the sum of RM40 million had been effectively and transparently spent through various strategic initiatives prioritising the B40 group. “We have a direction, and so far Mitra has implemented various programmes through the provided allocation, in ..read more

KOTA KINABALU, April 26 — The 2024 Kaamatan Festival celebrations will be launched on May 1 in Ranau, with the closing ceremony in Penampang on May 31. Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is scheduled to launch the harvest festival themed “Kaamaatan, Beyond Food Security” or “Kaamatan, Poingalib Kohimaganan Taakanon” in the Kadazandusun language. The chairman of the 2024 Kaamatan Festival main committee said various events will be held to liven up the celebrations, including Unduk Ngadau, a traditional beauty queen contest, Suga ..read more

HULU SELANGOR, April 26 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) stands by its decision to amend the Medical Act 1971 (Act 50) to bridge the gap between the parallel pathway programme (PPP) and the local medical degree programme, despite objections from some parties. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said after conducting a comprehensive engagement session with the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), it was found necessary to make amendments to the Act. He said the ministry has also received legal views from the Attorney General’s Chambers. “Anyone can express their opinion, but both MOH and ..read more