23/04/2025

WEDNESDAY | APR 23, 2025

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Call for contingency plans, bold policies amid tariff shock

Selangor Sultan, Tengku Permaisuri visit Pak Lah’s grave KUALA LUMPUR: Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin visited the grave of former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the Heroes Mausoleum yesterday. The Royal Couple arrived at the mausoleum at 9.30am and poured scented water and scattered flower petals on the grave. Sultan Sharafuddin and Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin also joined tahlil prayers led by the Mufti of Selangor Datuk Dr Anhar Opir. Also present were Tun Abdullah’s son, Tan Sri Kamaluddin, daughter Nori, and son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin. Before leaving, the Royal Highnesses also visited the graves of Malaysia’s second and third prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and Tun Hussein Onn, and second deputy prime minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman. KUALA LUMPUR: A national audit mechanism should be introduced to assess the level of understanding among individuals and institutions regarding the core values and national identity rooted in the Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara. Psychological Operations Fellow at the Centre for Media and Information Warfare Studies UiTM, Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin said the audit should be conducted regularly to reinforce national awareness and prevent incidents like the recent display of an incomplete illustration of the Jalur Gemilang . “The (national identity audit) algorithm must be actively promoted across all social media platforms by government agencies, private entities and all Malaysians to restore informal learning syllabi aimed at educating and cultivating a sense of national identity and responsibility. “The initiative is in line with the Yang diPertuan Agong’s call for serious attention to be given to such matters to avoid recurrence. The audit could help address the root causes of issues that threaten the nation’s harmony.” His comment comes in the wake of an incident last week involving a Chinese daily that published an incomplete image of the Malaysian flag. Noor Nirwandy suggested that special attention be given to the younger generation in the proposed audit, as their exposure to rapid technological developments and social media often left them disoriented and unable to distinguish between fact and misinformation. He said if such an audit is

o May 5th special Dewan sitting crucial moment to deliberate smart proactive strategies to chart way forward: Economists

deliver substance, not just sound bites. “I believe we’ll see at least two or three concrete strategies put forward to chart the way ahead.” Universiti Malaysia Kelantan’s Prof Datuk Dr Nik Maheran Nik Muhammad warned that the tariffs could hit key sectors hard – particularly the electronics and semiconductors, which underpin Malaysia’s exports and employment. She noted that even if Malaysia isn’t directly targeted, the ripple effects could be significant due to the nation’s critical role in the global supply chain. “Much of our exports go to countries like China, which are directly impacted by US tariffs. If their trade slows, we’re bound to feel the consequences. “This interconnectedness makes it vital for Malaysia to assess and respond to both the direct and wider implications of US trade policy.” As the current Asean Chair, she said Malaysia is in a unique position to spearhead a collective regional response. “We should rally neighbouring countries to act in concert and strengthen regional resilience.”

Nik Maheran also underscored the need for Malaysia to reinforce its image as a stable, business-friendly hub. “We must show the world that Malaysia is a reliable place to do business.” She also urged the government to raise the issue at global trade platforms such as the World Trade Organisation. “We must speak out at international trade summits. It might not yield instant results, but it signals our commitment to fair trade and helps build global support.” Nik Maheran also called for bold policy moves – not mere political posturing. She outlined several key priorities, among them – supporting impacted industries, helping businesses tap into new markets, attracting foreign investment, safeguarding jobs, upskilling the workforce and a national contingency plan for future global disruptions. She also said the special sitting must serve as a turning point. “MPs must use this opportunity to shield our economy, back industries and workers, and show real leadership.”

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

plans if negotiations fail. “We can’t rely on a single track. If Plan A doesn’t succeed, there must be a Plan B, and even a Plan C. “At the end of the day, we don’t control the policy decisions of another nation.” She also stressed the importance of diversifying Malaysia’s trade portfolio beyond the US, which currently ranks as the country’s third or fourth largest trading partner by value. “If the US is retreating, that signals hesitation in continuing trade. But there are over 200 countries out there – if one door closes, we knock on the other 199 (doors). “This is the time to build a long-term strategy that curbs over-dependence on any single partner.” Ida expressed confidence that the upcoming parliamentary sitting would

PETALING JAYA: As Malaysia prepares for a special Dewan Rakyat sitting on May 5 to address the US imposed 24% tariffs, economists are calling for a robust, multi-pronged strategy. Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Putra Business School Assoc Prof Dr Ida Md Yasin emphasised the need for layered contingency planning. “Diplomacy should be our first line of defence. According to the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, Malaysia’s Plan A involves direct engagement with the US – seeking either a reduction or exemption from the tariffs.” However, Ida cautioned that the country must be ready with fallback conducted regularly across all levels of society, including education on the symbolism of every element of Jalur Gemilang , it could foster a new culture of national pride and patriotism, Bernama reported. “The Jalur Gemilang is not just a symbol of our country’s sovereignty. It represents the dignity, honour and identity of the people and the nation under the umbrella of protection of the Yang diPertuan Agong.” Nor Nirwandy said a gaffe involving the national flag should not have occurred under any circumstance, as the flag reflects the identity of the people and commands respect from all institutions and individuals in the country. “That’s why it is vital for all Malaysians, as well as foreign entities doing business in the country, to understand and respect the meaning and significance of the national flag.” He further proposed the enactment of a specific law aimed at protecting the country’s identity from any act that could tarnish or undermine it. On April 15, Sin Chew Daily published an illustration of the Jalur Gemilang on its front page but the image of the flag was without the yellow crescent moon, a key element symbolising Islam, the official religion of Malaysia. Following backlash, the local daily issued an apology, attributing the mistake to a “technical error” and expressing regret over the incident. On April 16, another media outlet, Kwong Wah Yit Poh , was asked by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to explain a post on its official Facebook page that also depicted an incomplete Jalur Gemilang.

Tun Abdullah, the country’s fifth prime minister and fondly known as Pak Lah, passed away at the National Heart Institute on April 14, aged 85. – Bernama Audit proposed to enhance understanding of national identity

Saifuddin (right) getting acquainted with those present at the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly. He had told reporters earlier that any form of negligence, carelessness or oversight that could cause public unease must be avoided. – BERNAMAPIC

Probe into another faulty Jalur Gemilang

PUTRAJAYA: The Home Ministry is investigating a video clip that was widely shared recently, showing an incomplete version of the Jalur Gemilang displayed at a baby expo in the capital. Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said it would be conducted in the same manner as the probe into a previous incident involving the publication of the faulty flag on the front page of a daily. “I take this opportunity to remind all parties that the national flag is a symbol of our national identity, carrying deep meaning and significance. “Any form of negligence, carelessness or oversight that could cause public unease must be avoided.” Saifuddin said this during a press

deputy chief sub-editor of Sin Chew Daily had been detained to assist police investigation into the publication of an incomplete Jalur Gemilang on the daily’s front page. IGP Tan Sri Razarudin Husain confirmed the two individuals had been detained, but were released a few hours later. The Chinese daily had published the flag on its front page as part of its coverage of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent state visit to Malaysia. The missing crescent moon drew criticism from various quarters, including His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim. Sultan Ibrahim had urged the newspaper’s management and editorial team to be more sensitive and to thoroughly review all content prior to publication.

conference after the ministry’s monthly assembly yesterday, Bernama reported. The controversy arose after a display of the flag at the Singapore Lactation Bakes’booth during the TCE Baby Expo was circulated on social media. The Jalur Gemilang shown behind the stage was reportedly without the crescent moon, prompting widespread public criticism. Regarding the investigation into Sin Chew Daily , Saifuddin said it would be conducted responsibly and with wisdom, in accordance with existing laws. “We received a response from the daily yesterday. We will review it first before taking further action.” On April 17, media outlets reported that the editor-in-chief and