13/12/2025

SATURDAY | DEC 13, 2025

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People-centric leadership of Selangor Sultan

US mulling extradition request for bank executive KUALA LUMPUR: The United States (US) government is considering an extradition request submitted by Malaysia on Aug 14, 2024 seeking the surrender of former Goldman Sachs executive Tim Leissner to face trial in connection with proceedings involving 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds. The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) said in a media statement yesterday that Malaysia has also taken follow-up action, including supplying additional information requested by the US. According to the AGC, the pursuit of justice in the 1MDB case demands continued resolve and perseverance. “Malaysians remain deeply concerned about the role played by Goldman Sachs in one of the largest fraud schemes in modern history, which targeted Malaysians as its primary victims. “Since 2023, when former Goldman Sachs banker Roger Ng was returned to Malaysian investigators after being tried and convicted in the US, new information has emerged. “Malaysia continues to work towards securing documents previously unavailable and bringing in individuals, including Tim Leissner, who have yet to be tried under Malaysia’s justice system.” The AGC added that Malaysia continues to suffer not only from the long-term financial impact of the scandal but also from irreversible losses until all recovery efforts are fully realised. “Therefore, Malaysia will not relent in seeking fair and just redress from the global banking giant and from all those complicit in this criminal act.” On May 29, it was reported that Leissner, who once served as Goldman Sachs’ Southeast Asia chairman, was sentenced to two years in prison by a New York court for his role in the 1MDB scandal. Judge Margo Brodie described Leissner’s actions as “brazen and unethical”, noting that although his cooperation with the prosecution was considered during sentencing, it could not undo the extensive damage caused by high-level corruption across several countries. In court, Leissner apologised to Malaysians and expressed regret for his actions. – Bernama Aid for flood-hit Indonesian students PUTRAJAYA: The Higher Education Ministry will coordinate the registration and disbursement of RM500 in aid to each Indonesian student in Malaysia affected by the recent floods in Aceh and North Sumatra. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the move aligns with the government announcement on Thursday. He expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the government decision to provide immediate aid to Indonesian students in Malaysia affected by the disaster. He said as a neighbouring country with close familial and historical ties, the ministry fully supports the initiative to ensure that student welfare is prioritised, especially for those facing hardship far from their families. Zambry said the ministry is monitoring Malaysian students in Aceh, including those enrolled in several educational institutions in the region. He added that targeted aid would also be extended to Malaysian students affected by the floods. He said he is praying for the safety of all Malaysian students and Indonesian citizens affected by the disaster. – Bernama

o Ruler consistently prioritises wellbeing of rakyat, stresses on importance of harmony and unity, says Bernama chairman

He said one poignant example was a letter from a woman who had been struggling with a seven-year-long divorce case, and the Ruler, moved by her plea, personally intervened to expedite the legal process, demonstrating his deep empathy and commitment to justice. “He pushed the buttons to ensure the case was resolved.” Wong said the Sultan, despite his strong sense of responsibility as a leader, refrains from overstepping his constitutional role. “He is fully aware of his duties as a constitutional Ruler and understands the limits of his power. He never meddles in the day-to-day running of the government, but uses his influence to highlight important issues when necessary.” As His Royal Highness celebrated his 80th birthday on Thursday and approaches 25 years on the throne, Wong praised the Ruler’s contributions, saying that his legacy is one of selfless leadership. “At 80, he is still active and engages with his people. His approach to leadership, which prioritises the rakyat and focuses on unity, remains a model for all leaders,” he added.

continue to shape Selangor for years to come. “What strikes me the most is his consistency. He has remained true to his principles for the past 20 years. His wish has always been to see the rakyat living in harmony and enjoying a better quality of life,” Wong said during Bernama TV’s The Nation programme titled “Through the Eyes of a Journalist: Sultan of Selangor”. Having known the Ruler for nearly two decades, Wong emphasised Sultan Sharafuddin’s down-to-earth nature and his rejection of unnecessary pomp and pageantry, preferring to keep things simple, often requesting no red carpets or formalities at public events. He added that the Sultan personally reads letters and emails sent by the public, a practice that sets him apart from many political leaders, Bernama reported. “He takes the time to read the complaints of his people. I don’t think even our elected representatives do that every day,” Wong said, highlighting the Ruler’s accessibility and direct engagement with issues affecting ordinary citizens.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s leadership is characterised by a unique blend of humility, directness and unwavering commitment to the people of the state, said Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai. Wong said Sultan Sharafuddin had consistently prioritised the wellbeing of the rakyat throughout his years of service, stressing the importance of harmony and unity. “He is a leader who truly understands the needs of his people, and his influence will

‘M’sia-US trade pact does not affect our sovereignty’ KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia-United States (US) Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) has been confirmed as not affecting the country’s sovereignty after a detailed examination of its contents showed that all national interests were protected. compromising these principles. “There is a perception that we need to get US approval to buy something (procurement), but the ‘shall consult’ clause in the agreement means that we negotiate, not that we must get approval from the US. Razarudin said the ministry’s explanation has dispelled concerns about the claim that the agreement would affect the country’s sovereignty, especially since the preamble to the agreement created a win-win situation for Malaysia and the US, as well as provided certainty to the business sector to penetrate the US market. (From left) Md Shah, Zulkifeli and Razarudin after the special briefing by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. – BERNAMAPIC

“If Malaysia or the US do not agree due to their respective national interests, then we have the right to cancel the agreement. So, where does it mean that our national sovereignty is at stake?” Zulkifeli said the agreement had gone through a strict due process involving scrutiny by the ministry, the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Cabinet to ensure that the country’s sovereignty was not compromised. “Therefore, I am of the view that due process has been fully complied with, and I am confident that the Attorney-General’s Chambers will never compromise the country’s sovereignty, let alone the ministry, which comprises experienced administrative and diplomatic officers.”

The conclusion was made by three national security figures, namely former Malaysian Armed Forces chief Jen (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, former IGP Tan Sri Razarudin Husain and the Malaysian Commando Veterans Club president Md Shah Yassin, after attending a special briefing by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry on Thursday. Zulkifeli said a study of the preamble to the agreement clearly shows that both countries have shared values and respect each other’s sovereignty and economic prosperity. He said the government, through the agreement, has ensured that national interests were always guaranteed. He added that there is no clause in the agreement that shows the government was

A similar tone was also voiced by Md Shah, who described the agreement as providing benefits to both parties without tarnishing the country’s dignity, Bernama reported. “As someone who served in command for 22 years, I do not see our country’s sovereignty being compromised.” Earlier, a detailed briefing on ART was given by the ministry’s deputy secretary-general (Trade) Datuk Mastura Ahmad Mustafa. Malaysia and the US signed the agreement on Oct 26 during the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur. It lowered Malaysia’s average tariff rate from 25% to 19% and provided wider market access for the country’s main exports.