21/04/2026

TUESDAY | APR 21, 2026

2

Non-alignment boosts Malaysia’s supply chain role: PM

Ű HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Sultan Sharafuddin, accompanied by the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, arriving at the opening of the Fourth Session of the 15th Selangor State Legislative Assembly yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s active non alignment policy is emerging as a key commercial advantage in an increasingly fragmented global economy, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, as he urged global defence and aerospace firms to deepen engagement with local manufacturers. Speaking at the opening of the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security Asia (Natsec) 2026, yesterday, Anwar said shifting geopolitics and rising global tensions were reshaping supply chains just as significantly as advances in technology. He said Malaysia’s policy of non-alignment or Asean centrality allowed the country to engage constructively with all global partners despite geopolitical tensions such as ideological differences or shifting global alignments. “In today’s environment, that is a genuine commercial advantage, “ he said, adding that the neutrality provides firms with a stable and politically uncomplicated supply chain environment. Anwar also pointed to ongoing conflict in West Asia, which he said had “sent tremors through global markets”, driving up energy prices and triggering capital movements across economies. Despite global uncertainty, he said Malaysia continued to attract strong investor confidence. The ringgit, he said, had been the best-performing currency in Asia for two consecutive years, while Malaysia’s economy grew by 5.2% last year. “Malaysia has also attracted record levels of investment, particularly in manufacturing, semiconductors and aerospace, drawing interest from the United States, China, Germany, Europe and beyond.” He said investors had responded positively to Malaysia’s policy consistency and resilience amid global headwinds, as well as its growing role in producing critical industrial components. Turning to the defence and aerospace sector, Anwar urged international firms to take a closer look at Malaysian capabilities, saying the country’s manufacturers are already integrated into highly demanding global supply chains. “What has enabled Malaysian manufacturers to integrate into the most demanding commercial supply chains is precisely what is relevant to you,” he said, adding that the same culture of precision and accountability applies across both civil and defence aerospace sectors. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a reliable investment climate, including strong protection of intellectual property, enforcement of strategic trade controls and consistent contract enforcement. He stressed that the government’s role is to create the right environment for business, not to interfere in commercial decisions. “The role of the government is to create the conditions for serious work to take place. “Commercial decisions belong to companies and our responsibility is the quality of the environment in which those decisions are made.” Anwar also encouraged industry players to provide feedback on regulatory or operational bottlenecks, saying the government would act directly to improve efficiency where needed. “If something is not working, if processes create unnecessary friction or enforcement falls short, tell us directly, and we will act.” He added that the most important conversations during the exhibition would take place between people meeting for the first time, as they work through emerging problems that are not yet fully defined, at the early stages of projects that may only bear fruit years later.

Sultan Selangor scales down Jubilee celebrations

conflicts in the Middle East, His Royal Highness said these pressures were driving up fuel and essential goods prices in Malaysia. “All forms of waste must be avoided and every sen spent must benefit the people, especially those most affected. The welfare of the rakyat must always remain the top priority,” he said. Separately, the Sultan suggested that the Malaysia Games or Sukma, which Selangor is scheduled to host, be postponed until the crisis in West Asia subsides and the redevelopment of the Shah Alam Stadium is completed. “Given the high allocation required and the current economic situation, I feel it is more appropriate for the event to be postponed.” The Games, scheduled from Aug 15 to 24, had earlier been planned on a smaller scale to reduce costs without affecting the number of sports contested. Meanwhile, the Sultan also decreed that the annual Sultan of Selangor Cup football match between Selangor and Singapore be cancelled. However, His Royal Highness consented to the organisation of a Jubilee Cup football tournament involving under-15 students from across the state to nurture young talent and promote grassroots participation in the sport. “Football is the most popular sport among the people of Selangor,” he said. – Bernama Aminuddin added that the acceptance by the DKU of the dismissal of a Datuk Undang Luak in Negeri Sembilan has precedent, as in the case of the 14th Undang Luak Johol, Datuk Mohammad Jan Abdul Ghani, who was dismissed on March 27, 2016, for 13 offences related to the customs and traditions of Luak Johol. Last Friday, the DKU accepted the dismissal of Mubarak, following a special sitting held at the Istana Besar Seri Menanti, Kuala Pilah, which was presided over by Tuanku Muhriz. Aminuddin was reported to have said that during the special sitting, Tuanku Muhriz invoked Clause 24 of the state constitution by inviting the Ibu Soko Klana Hulu and the Waris Klana Hulu to be present at the sitting. - Bernama

o Ruler cites global economic uncertainty, rising cost pressures on rakyat , says savings to be channelled to public welfare

SHAH ALAM: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has decreed that celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of his reign be scaled down, citing global economic uncertainty and the rising burden on the rakyat. In his royal address at the opening of the Fourth Session of the 15th Selangor State Legislative Assembly, the Ruler said the decision was made after consulting the state assembly and taking into account current economic challenges. “Although allocations have been provided by the state government, I am mindful of the global economic situation and the hardships faced by the people. “Therefore, I have decided that the Silver Jubilee celebration will be carried out in moderation and not excessively,” he said yesterday. As part of the scaled-down celebration, the royal banquet at Istana Alam Shah in Klang, fireworks displays, as well as royal and public concerts will not be held.

Instead, only two or three tea receptions will be organised at Istana Alam Shah, involving about 8,000 guests, including members of the public, orphans, persons with disabilities, civil servants and retired personnel from the armed forces, police and fire services. A separate reception will also be held for representatives of foreign companies that have invested in Selangor, in recognition of their contributions to the state’s development. The official ceremony will be limited to an investiture ceremony in conjunction with the Silver Jubilee. Sultan Sharafuddin stressed that all expenditures must be managed prudently, with full transparency and integrity, and that savings from the scaled-down celebrations should be channelled to assist those in need. He also urged parties wishing to sponsor or contribute to instead channel donations to the Sultan Selangor Foundation or other charitable organisations. Expressing concern over rising global oil and gas prices and supply disruptions due to

Declaration to depose Ruler not recognised: MB SEREMBAN: The action of Datuk Mubarak Dohak in signing and reading a declaration to depose Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir at the Balai Undang Luak Sungai Ujong on Sunday (April 19), cannot be accepted and is not recognised. Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) Negeri Sembilan held on April 17 agreed to advise and accept the consensus of the Telaga Undang, Waris Klana Hulu, Luak Sungei Ujong, which dismissed Mubarak as the 10th Datuk Klana Petra Luak Sungei Ujong. customary title in accordance with the customs of his l uak (chiefdom or district), pursuant to Clause 14(3) of the UUTKNS,” he said.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, in a statement, said this is because Mubarak no longer holds any authority or function as the Undang Luak Sungei Ujong and such action is inconsistent with Articles 10 to 12 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution (UUTKNS) 1959. He added that Mubarak’s dismissal as the incumbent of Datuk Klana Petra Luak Sungei Ujong was effected on May 13, 2025, in accordance with the customs and traditions of the Telaga Undang, Waris Klana Hulu, Sungei Ujong. Aminuddin also said the Special Sitting of the

He added that this is in accordance with Clause 14(3) of the state constitution, based on 33 offences related to the customs and traditions of the Telaga Undang, Waris Klana Hulu, Luak Sungei Ujong. “I wish to clarify that the DKU Negeri Sembilan functions as an advisory body on matters relating to Malay customs and traditions, including issues concerning the appointment and removal of the four Undang Luak, as provided under Article 16 of the UUTKNS. “This includes matters pertaining to the dismissal of an Undang Luak from holding his