05/06/2025

THURSDAY | JUNE 5, 2025

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Malaysia eyes 500,000 UK tourists for VM2026

Legal move to seek constitutional clarity, not to gain personal immunity: PM

process will continue, and I will continue to discharge my responsibilities without distraction or compromise.” Earlier yesterday, the High Court dismissed Anwar’s application, which was linked to a civil suit brought by his former research assistant Muhammed Yusoff Rawther over an alleged sexual assault that reportedly took place seven years ago. Judge Roz Mawar Rozain made the ruling after finding that none of the articles of the Constitution cited by Anwar’s legal team gives rise to any real, substantial or justiciable question of constitutional law requiring determination by the Federal Court under Article 128(2) of the Constitution or Section 84 of Courts of Judicature Act 1964. “From a judicial perspective, the proposed questions do not appear to meet the threshold of genuine constitutional controversy,” she was quoted as saying by Bernama. Anwar filed the application on May 23, seeking to have the High Court, which is hearing the suit, refer the eight legal questions to the Federal Court. The eight legal questions include whether, under Articles 39, 40 and 43 of the Constitution, a sitting prime minister enjoys limited immunity from lawsuits concerning allegations of personal conduct that occurred before his appointment.

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said his legal move to seek constitutional clarity was not an attempt to gain personal immunity or evade legal scrutiny but rather an effort to uphold the integrity of Malaysia’s constitutional system. “This matter has never been about seeking personal immunity or escaping legal scrutiny. “It concerns the integrity of our constitutional system and the need to ensure that high public office is protected from litigation that may be strategically timed, politically motivated or institutionally disruptive,“ he said in a post on his Facebook page and X. Anwar also acknowledged that the High Court had dismissed his application to refer eight constitutional questions to the Federal Court under Article 128(2) of the Federal Constitution, including whether a prime minister is immune to lawsuits. He also reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the law, and explained that his move was to seek legal clarity on matters affecting the role and stability of individuals holding high public office. “I remain fully committed to the rule of law, the independence of our courts and the dignity of democratic governance. The legal

Malaysia’s franchise ecosystem in the UK, he told a media conference on Tuesday after attending the Malaysia-UK Franchise Business Dialogue, held in conjunction with his four-day working visit to the UK. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development minister, said the initiative would serve as a support platform to help Malaysian franchise brands penetrate the UK market by 2026. “There are plenty of opportunities for Malaysian companies to expand their franchise businesses in the UK, especially in halal -related sectors such as food, traditional medicine and cosmetics. “I will chair the Cabinet committee on franchises. I will obtain reports on the progress and I will review the achievements every six months when I chair the Cabinet committee twice a year.” Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia is also committed to supporting the franchise ecosystem through financing policies by Mara and digital grants from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, with the aim of achieving RM100 billion in sales by 2030. He said closer cooperation would be pursued to encourage UK franchises to explore the Asean market.

o DPM optimistic of achieving target as efforts carried out by Tourism Malaysia in London satisfactory

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia and Guinea Bissau are poised to elevate diplomatic ties, with both nations reaffirming a shared commitment to expanding cooperation across a range of key sectors. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described the official visit by President Umaro Sissoco Embalo as a milestone in bilateral relations, opening the door to new opportunities in trade, investment, education, energy and Islamic finance. He said the visit also lays the groundwork for broader collaboration between Asean and the West African region. Embalo was accorded an official welcome at the Perdana Putra Complex yesterday, marking the start of his historic three-day official visit to Malaysia. This is Embalo’s first visit to the country since assuming office in February 2020. The visit marks a significant step towards enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations, which have maintained diplomatic ties for over five decades. “Of course, Guinea-Bissau and Malaysia have had very low-key engagements in the past. That’s why I think President Umaro’s visit is very significant. From our exchanges this LONDON: Malaysia is targeting 500,000 tourist arrivals from the United Kingdom (UK) during Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He expressed optimism that the target could be met, citing a significant increase in the number of tourists from the UK during the first four months of this year. “I am satisfied with the efforts carried out by Tourism Malaysia in London,” he said at a media conference following the launch of VM2026 on Tuesday. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid participated in a tourism roundtable session with key players from the UK tourism industry. During the session, he said there is a proposal to create a special package for tourists flying with Malaysian Airlines, offering stopover incentives to encourage them to spend time in Kuala Lumpur or other destinations in Peninsular Malaysia, Bernama reported. “I have agreed to bring this

morning (June 4), it is clear that our relationship is growing much closer and more friendly,” said Anwar. Embalo was also scheduled to meet representatives from Petronas and FGV Holdings yesterday to explore potential opportunities in both Malaysia and Guinea-Bissau. Discussions between both leaders also focused on potential collaboration in key areas, including halal products, Islamic finance, education and training as well as in sectors such as semiconductors, oil and gas and food technology. Anwar said Malaysia stands ready to provide capacity-building support through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme, which will be coordinated by Plantations and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Ghani. Anwar was speaking at a joint media conference held in conjunction with Embalo’s visit. “We, as a trading nation, and with Malaysia’s and Asean’s policy of centrality, engage with all countries, and this aligns closely with the position taken by the president. “I would say that this is going to be your second home, and we, my colleagues and the people of Malaysia, are extremely glad that you have now taken the initiative to forge this new, close relationship based on trust and affinity with Malaysia.” proposal to the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and present it to the Cabinet so that the package can be implemented by 2026. “Malaysia Airlines has previously offered a similar package with considerable success. So, we are optimistic that the suggestion from the Malaysia Airlines manager in London can be adopted and implemented.” Ahmad Zahid said 390,035 travellers from the UK visited Malaysia last year, contributing over RM2.5 billion in visitor receipts. He highlighted that Malaysia has approved 103 new international routes, 29 additional flight frequencies and five charter flights in preparation for VM2026. “I believe these routes represent more than just infrastructure, they are gateways to opportunities for travellers, operators and investors alike.” A joint committee between Malaysian and UK franchise business associations would be established to strengthen

Guinea-Bissau president visit milestone in bilateral relations Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Anwar and Embalo during their meeting at the Perdana Putra complex yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

development, expressing a strong desire for Guinea-Bissau to learn from Malaysia’s experience. In 2024, total trade between the two countries amounted to RM4.1 million, comprising RM4.04 million in exports and RM60,000 in imports.

He reaffirmed Guinea-Bissau’s commitment to implementing the initiatives discussed, and expressed hope that his country could become Malaysia’s key partner in Africa. Embalo also praised Malaysia’s achievements in education, healthcare and industrial

Embalo those sentiments, describing his visit as the beginning of a new era in Malaysia–Guinea-Bissau relations. He expressed confidence that both nations are now “practically connected” and poised to pursue meaningful, long-term cooperation. echoed