04/05/2026

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Policy ensures fair Bumiputera economic empowerment KUALA LUMPUR: The Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35) is a national policy that ensures fairness in strengthening Bumiputera economic participation, enabling the group to compete on a level playing field in the national economy, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He described PuTERA35 as a comprehensive government commitment to implement the Bumiputera empowerment agenda effectively at all levels. “The Bumiputera agenda is an important national agenda that must be upheld. To me, PuTERA35 ensures fairness,” he said in his keynote address at Mara’s 60th anniversary celebration yesterday. Launched on Aug 19, 2024, PuTERA35 encompasses three core areas, 12 growth drivers and 132 comprehensive initiatives to empower and advance Bumiputera development, in line with the Madani economy. The prime minister said the government is always open to feedback and criticism, particularly in identifying policy gaps such as those in the housing sector that require immediate attention. He emphasised that the Bumiputera agenda must remain a national priority to ensure more balanced and inclusive prosperity for all Malaysians, noting that economic discussions often overlook lower-income groups, including Bumiputera and Orang Asli communities that continue to lag behind. Anwar said government-linked investment institutions – including Khazanah Nasional Bhd, the Employees Provident Fund, Permodalan Nasional Bhd, Retirement Fund Inc, the Armed Forces Fund Board and Tabung Haji – have been mandated to drive Bumiputera empowerment, including through talent development and entrepreneurship initiatives. – Bernama Socso expansion to be tabled at next sitting: Minister KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed amendment to the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017 will be tabled at the next Parliamentary sitting after Cabinet approval, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said. The amendment aims to expand Socso coverage to Malaysians working overseas, with enforcement expected within the year once passed. “The safety and health of workers cannot be left unattended,” he said after officiating the National-Level World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026 celebration. Ramanan said the move is crucial to protect Malaysians abroad, particularly the estimated 480,000 who commute daily to Singapore. He noted that 54 fatal accidents involving this group were recorded last year, underscoring the need for equal protection. He added that the scheme has been carefully designed to prevent abuse, with clear implementation mechanisms in place. Meanwhile, Human Resources Deputy Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said updated guidelines for occupational safety and health in the construction sector now place greater emphasis on mental health. – Bernama

Experts urge oversight in public prosecutor appointment

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Coalition: Parliamentary scrutiny vital for constitutional safeguards, public confidence

rule of law. “If the appointment of the PP is placed beyond both parliamentary and judicial scrutiny, it risks weakening the Constitution’s basic structure,” they said. The group added that while the Bill reduces prime ministerial influence, executive involvement remains since the process still lies within the broader executive framework. “This is precisely why parliamentary oversight is necessary. It ensures that no single institution exercises such significant power without accountability,” they said. Calling the reform a “historic constitutional moment”, the signatories urged MPs across party lines to amend the Bill to include parliamentary review. “A transparent, multi-layered appointment process with parliamentary scrutiny is not a threat. It is an essential step towards restoring public trust and safeguarding the integrity of our justice system,” they added. education and entrepreneurship; strengthening Bumiputera participation, ownership and control; talent development in sectors such as oil and gas and artificial intelligence; capital expansion for MSMEs including halal industries; positioning Mara as a one-stop centre; expanding into international markets; and reinforcing governance, integrity and transparency. Meanwhile, Zahid added that the amendments will serve as a safeguard to ensure Mara’s empowerment agenda remains intact regardless of leadership changes. “We do not want Mara’s agenda to shift with every change in leadership. Strengthening the Act is crucial to closing loopholes and preventing fund leakages.” Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development minister, noted Mara’s significant mandate, with assets amounting to RM23 billion. He said the goal is for Mara to become self-sustaining by its 100th anniversary, generating internal funds through strategic investments rather than relying solely on government allocations. Asyraf said the agency is in the final phase of reviewing the Act, which has been in place for six decades. He stressed that amendments will lay a stronger foundation for governance and management, ensuring integrity and preventing misconduct, wastage and leakages. The proposed amendments and transformation plan will be presented to the prime minister soon. – Bernama

PETALING JAYA: A coalition of legal experts, former judges and civil society leaders has called on Parliament to introduce formal oversight in the appointment of the public prosecutor (PP), warning that the absence of scrutiny could weaken constitutional safeguards and erode public confidence in the justice system. In a joint statement signed by 21 individuals, the group welcomed the government’s proposal to separate the roles of attorney-general and public prosecutor under the Constitution (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2026, describing it as a long overdue reform. However, they cautioned that the current draft falls short by excluding parliamentary checks and balances. “The public prosecutor wields extraordinary powers, including the sole authority to initiate, conduct and discontinue criminal prosecutions. Given this immense responsibility, the appointment

The group rejected claims that scrutiny would be unconstitutional, noting that the Federal Court’s landmark Semenyih Jaya ruling has been misinterpreted. “That decision concerns judicial independence. It does not prohibit Parliament from scrutinising executive appointments,” they explained. They emphasised that they are not proposing for Parliament to appoint the PP, but rather to play a structured oversight role – vetting candidates, assessing qualifications and ensuring adherence to standards. Such practices, they noted, are common in jurisdictions like Canada, Germany and Kenya, where legislative scrutiny helps distribute accountability and reduce risks of undue influence. Failure to introduce oversight, they warned, could undermine the

process must be transparent, merit based and insulated from undue influence,” the statement said. Under the Bill, the Yang di Pertuan Agong would appoint the PP on the recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC), after consulting the Conference of Rulers. While this marks a shift away from prime ministerial control, the group argued that the process remains largely insulated from meaningful parliamentary scrutiny. They stressed that parliamentary involvement would reinforce, not undermine, the doctrine of separation of powers. “In a Westminster system, Parliament’s role is not confined to lawmaking. Oversight of executive action is a core function that strengthens democratic accountability,” they said.

Anwar sets deadline for Mara Act amendments KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed that draft amendments to the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) Act be completed within three months, stressing the need to streamline Mara’s role and strengthen governance. Speaking at Mara’s 60th position Mara as a central umbrella for Bumiputera economic development and a one-stop centre for education, entrepreneurship and investment. the draft within three months,” he said. Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and director general Datuk Zulfikri Osman.

“In its 60 years, Mara has seen ups and downs, with governance sometimes weak. I thank the chairman for giving due attention to governance. I expect the new Act to be ready before year-end. Do not take seven or eight months – submit

Anwar said the amendments align with Mara’s 40-year vision, which includes seven thrusts: transforming Mara into a conglomerate anchored in

anniversary celebration yesterday, Anwar, who is also Finance minister, said the amendments should

Anwar visiting an exhibition booth yesterday during the 60th anniversary celebration of Mara at Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. – BERNAMAPIC