22/07/2025

TUESDAY | JULY 22, 2025

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‘M’sia expands global trade, firm on domestic interests’ PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is deepening its engagement with emerging economies while maintaining a firm stance in trade talks with the US, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday. but certain matters, such as affirmative action and local industry participation, are not up for debate.” contributed to a 34% increase in bilateral trade over the past year.

King grants royal assent to 20 Acts

manipulation and lacked transparency. Some companies that failed to meet initial evaluation criteria were nonetheless selected for subsequent evaluation and award. “The audit recommends discontinuing the Pre-Q method in favour of open tendering, which would enhance accountability and transparency,”she said. A total of five audits involving seven ministries were conducted, covering programmes and projects valued at RM48.873 billion. The National Audit Department issued 22 recommendations to various ministries, agencies and government-linked companies. – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim has granted royal assent to several Acts of Parliament, including key legislation related to media regulation, parliamentary reform and national governance. Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, who made the announcement in Parliament yesterday, said the newly approved Acts represent a significant step forward in strengthening democratic institutions and enhancing the delivery of public services. Among the Acts that received royal assent are: 0 Online Safety Act 2025 0 Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (Amendment) Act 2025 0 Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities (Amendment) Act 2025 0 Legal Profession (Amendment) Act 2025, 0 Constitution (Amendment) Act 2025, 0 Fire Services (Amendment) Act 2025, 0 Government Services Efficiency Commitment Act 2025, 0 Employees Provident Fund (Amendment) Act 2025, 0 Sabah Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Act 2025, 0 Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Act 2025, 0 Labuan Companies (Amendment) Act 2025, 0 Labuan Trusts (Amendment) Act 2025, 0 Labuan Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Partnerships (Amendment) Act 2025, 0 Tunku Abdul Rahman Foundation Fund (Amendment) Act 2025, 0 Supplementary Supply (2024) Act 2025; and, 0 Constitution (Amendment No. 2) Act 2025, Separately, during the proclamation at the opening of the Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament, Johari said the sitting will span 24 days, with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) as its main focus. Debates are expected to extend into the night to allow Members of Parliament sufficient time to deliberate on the core components of the 13MP, which is scheduled to be tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on July 31. Key matters during this sitting include: 0 The Auditor-General’s Report 2/2025; and, 0 The Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam). Johari also expressed appreciation to all MPs who supported the Parliamentary Services Act, saying that it restores Parliament’s autonomy, strengthens democracy and reinforces the principle of separation of powers. He reminded all MPs to undergo mandatory health screenings by Nov 7, in line with procedures from the previous sitting, to ensure early detection and timely treatment of any health concerns. The current parliamentary sitting is scheduled to run until Aug 28. – Bernama 0 Malaysian Media Council Act 2025, 0 Bernama (Amendment) Act 2025, 0 Parliamentary Services Act 2025, 0 The tabling and debate of Bills, 0 Motions related to the 13MP,

“These initiatives are part of our strategy to diversify trade and investment partnerships, and to strengthen economic resilience,” he added. Looking ahead, Anwar said the upcoming Asean Summit in October is expected to draw leaders from countries including Italy, Canada, South Africa, Brazil and possibly the US. He noted that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had indicated President Donald Trump might attend the regional gathering. He stressed that Malaysia will continue to play an active role on the global stage while safeguarding its core interests at home. – by Harith Kamal

Anwar said Malaysia is actively broadening its global trade footprint to reduce dependence on any single country, pointing to strengthening ties with BRICS nations, the Middle East and Africa. He noted that national oil and gas company Petronas has begun operations in Brazil following a personal invitation from President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who offered Malaysia a stake in one of the country’s major oil fields. On the automotive front, Anwar said national car maker Proton has successfully entered the Egyptian market with the backing of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, a development that

Speaking at the monthly assembly of the Prime Minister’s Department, Anwar reaffirmed that while Malaysia welcomes foreign investment – including from the US – it will not compromise on key domestic priorities such as the Bumiputera agenda and local procurement policies. “These are longstanding national policies that are non-negotiable, even if international partners view them differently,” he said. “Malaysia values its relationship with the US,

Anwar dares opposition to table no-confidence vote

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Says govt remains stable with two-thirds majority, warns against unconstitutional attempts to topple administration

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has challenged opposition MPs to table a vote of no confidence in Parliament if they believe the government no longer holds the majority. He noted that any attempt to topple the administration outside the democratic process would constitute a breach of the Federal Constitution. Addressing civil servants during the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly yesterday, Anwar acknowledged calls for his resignation and claims that the public no longer felt secure or able to cope with current economic pressures. “Yes, there are those saying Anwar must step down. I hear those things. “They want to hold an assembly – the police submitted a report and I said go ahead. There’s no intention to block it.” However, he criticised groups suggesting they would “force the government to fall” without waiting for the next general election, calling such rhetoric unconstitutional. “I told the Speaker, if there’s a motion today – the first day of Parliament – I’ll face a vote of no confidence. If there’s a majority, so be it. The Cabinet will dissolve. That’s our system. Use it,” he said. Anwar reaffirmed that the unity government remains stable with a two-thirds majority and is on course to serve its full term. “But instead, they want to pressure me to step down now. That already violates constitutional principles and the rule of law. We are open to criticism and dissent, but if the Constitution is challenged we will respond firmly.” Referring to anti-government remarks made at a recent rally in Kedah, Anwar cautioned that political agitation could undermine the country’s hard-won economic and political progress. “If they provoke unrest, no country can remain safe. All our achievements could be undone if we fail to maintain national and

Anwar addressing civil servants at the monthly assembly of the Prime Minister’s Department. – BERNAMAPIC

he said, without disclosing details. He added that the measures require careful consideration. “These concerns need to be addressed thoughtfully before I proceed with any major announcements or changes. I’ve said I’ll make the announcement – possibly in the form of additional measures – within a day or two. But I need a bit more time to ensure all aspects are properly handled.” Anwar had earlier indicated that the measures would aim to reduce the burden of rising living costs and provide relief to those affected by inflation and economic pressures. He said more time was needed to review the matter following the unity government retreat in Port Dickson on Sunday. The report also identified shortcomings in the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry’s management of the subsidised cooking oil programme. Wan Suraya said the absence of a targeted allocation system hindered effective distribution to eligible communities. She urged the continuation of efforts to gradually reduce the supply quota, as recommended since 2016, to help limit leakage and improve distribution accuracy. Further concerns were raised over the Finance Ministry’s use of the selective Pre-Q procurement method, which the report said allowed room for

political stability.” He stressed that criticism, including allegations of mismanagement, is valid in a democracy but changes in leadership must occur through legal and constitutional means. “If there is someone better to take over, I have no issue. But it must be done in accordance with the law.” During the same assembly, Anwar hinted at an upcoming announcement previously described as an “extraordinary tribute” to the people. The announcement is expected to be made today or tomorrow. “Before I make the announcement, a few new approaches are being finalised. If there isn’t enough time today, we’ll do it tomorrow,” three tenders worth RM58.45 million. “There were notable weaknesses in contract administration and procurement management for the army’s armoured vehicles between 2020 and 2023,” she said in a statement. Among the issues were RM162.75 million in uncollected penalties and RM1.42 million in penalties that were not imposed on the contractor for delayed maintenance services. In addition, procurement of maintenance services and spare parts for the vehicles – amounting to RM107.54 million – was found to have been carried out through contract splitting, which violates best practices.

Auditor-General report flags major lapses across key agencies KUALA LUMPUR: Serious governance lapses and procedural irregularities were highlighted in the 2025 Auditor-General’s Report Series 2, tabled in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

Auditor-General Datuk Seri Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi revealed governance weaknesses in the lease procurement process for four oil palm plantations by Felcra Berhad, with acquisitions totaling RM241.76 million between 2022 and 2024. She also flagged significant irregularities in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) procurement activities, citing flaws in tendering procedures and procurement governance involving