17/09/2026

THURSDAY | SEPT 17, 2026

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Anwar to invite Myanmar premier for talks on Rohingya

New M’sia agreement unnecessary: Minister

Ű BY THESUN TEAM

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia does not need a new agreement or “new deal” to address the rights and assurances under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). In a Malaysia Day message on Facebook yesterday, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the terms of MA63 remained relevant and binding, emphasising that the agreement did not cease to have effect following the formation of the Federal Constitution. He added that was expressly reflected in Article VIII of MA63, which requires the governments of the Federation of Malaya, North Borneo and Sarawak to take legislative, executive or other measures necessary to implement the assurances, undertakings and recommendations contained in the Inter-Governmental Committee Report and its annexes. “Moving forward, the country does not need a new agreement or what some parties refer to as a ‘new deal’. “This is because the terms of the agreement expressly show that MA63 did not end once the Federal Constitution was enacted, and that the commitments and responsibilities outlined remain relevant and binding, past, present and forever.” He also said this year’s Malaysia Day, marking the 63rd anniversary of the formation of Malaysia, should be an opportunity for Malaysians to develop a deeper understanding of the country’s history and the circumstances surrounding the formation of the federation. Armizan said understanding the country’s history should go beyond the Federation of Malaya Agreement 1948, the social contract among the three main communities and the independence of Malaya in 1957. He added that should also include full acceptance of MA63 as the “birth certificate” of the Federation of Malaysia. He also highlighted the historical significance of Sept 16, saying the date had not been formally recognised as a national occasion for more than 40 years after Malaysia was formed in 1963. He said the focus had previously been on Aug 31 as Independence Day. ‘Views on Najib pardon given honestly’ PUTRAJAYA: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said she had expressed her views on former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s pardon application during the Pardons Board meeting on Sept 11. Yeoh, who is a member of the Pardons Board, said she had expressed her views honestly, guided by her conscience and in the national interest, in addition to reviewing the written opinion of the attorney general. “As a member of the Pardons Board and having considered the written opinion of the attorney general, I have provided my views in my capacity as the minister responsible for the Federal Territories. “I have stated my views honestly, guided by my conscience and with the best interests of the nation in mind.” The statement was issued in response to remarks by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said regarding the deferment of Najib’s pardon application. At the same time, she said that under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution, the authority and final decision on the matter rest with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. On Tuesday, Azalina was reported as saying that any questions or clarifications regarding the deferment of Najib’s pardon application should be directed to Yeoh. – Bernama

He also emphasised that any return must be accompanied by safety guarantees. “If they bring them back and they are all killed, like before, that cannot happen either. “So our negotiation is not just negotiating to send them back. We ask, can you guarantee their safety? Can you make the area a safe area?” Anwar said Malaysia would continue to maintain a humanitarian approach while enforcing its laws against those who violate them. “Malaysia must maintain the image of our country as one that has humanity. “Arrest them, yes (if they do wrong). Detain them, yes. But don’t beat them, don’t abuse them and don’t insult them.” Malaysia has previously announced that the first phase of its voluntary repatriation programme will involve 1,476 Myanmar nationals, out of a total 5,000 agreed for repatriation in stages. The first batch is scheduled to return on Sept 29.

that direct engagement was necessary to resolve the Rohingya issue. He added that he had met Min, then head of Myanmar’s military junta, in Bangkok about two years ago and held another meeting with him in Beijing, where he pushed for Myanmar to create conditions for the safe return of its nationals. He also said Malaysia’s negotiations included seeking guarantees that returnees would not be killed or persecuted and that areas to which they returned would be made safe. He said Malaysia was also supporting efforts involving Thailand and Bangladesh to facilitate the return of Rohingya from Bangladesh, where about 1.5 million Rohingya are currently hosted. Anwar said Malaysia’s own effort was only part of a wider repatriation process, adding that Myanmar had agreed to take 50,000 from Bangladesh and 5,000 from Malaysia initially.

o Govt prepared to assist in repatriation process as part of negotiation efforts: PM

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will invite Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing to Malaysia for official talks aimed at finding a longer-term solution to the repatriation of Rohingya and other Myanmar nationals from the country. Anwar said the invitation was part of Malaysia’s efforts to negotiate directly with Myanmar over the return of those currently in Malaysia, emphasising that the issue could not be resolved simply by condemning the Myanmar government. “I will invite the president of Myanmar to visit Malaysia officially,” he said in a podcast interview on Sembang OhhYeahh. “Why am I inviting him? I want to tell him, we can be friends, we can trade, we can accept Myanmar, but Myanmar must accept (them). If they cannot take 200,000 at once, take them in stages.” Anwar said Malaysia was prepared to assist in the repatriation process, including covering logistical costs, as part of efforts to persuade Myanmar to accept its nationals. He added that Myanmar had already agreed to take back 5,000 individuals from Malaysia, with 1,500 expected to be returned within the next one to two weeks. “ Alhamdulillah , now they have agreed to 5,000. 1,500 will be brought back in the next one or two weeks.” He also said Malaysia’s approach was based on negotiation rather than confrontation, adding that Myanmar’s acceptance was necessary for any repatriation to take place. “People shout, get angry at Myanmar. Who is going to take them? Where do you want to send them? They are not recognised as Myanmar citizens. “When we want to send them back, they say, ‘No, it’s not my citizen.’ So that is why we have to negotiate.” Anwar said Malaysia had previously been reluctant to engage with Myanmar because of its position within Asean, but maintained

OUTSTANDING OUTFITS ... Commuters dance and pose while dressed in batik , songket and other traditional attire during the Keretapi Sarong event at the Tun Razak Exchange.. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Govt to address concerns over high electricity bills PETALING JAYA: Public concerns over unexpectedly high electricity bills has prompted the government to act, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim calling a special meeting today to consider immediate measures to ease the burden on affected households. consuming no more than 600 kilowatt-hours (kWh) a month remained protected and were not affected by higher tariff rates arising from increased fuel costs this year. However, he said haze conditions and warmer weather in recent weeks had contributed to increased electricity implemented fairly and reasonably, with the interests and wellbeing of the people remaining the priority.” TNB had previously clarified that AFA was a two-way mechanism that adjusts for changes in fuel costs and foreign exchange rates, rather than a sudden increase in electricity tariffs.

It added that consumers received AFA rebates for nine consecutive months, from August 2025 to April 2026, when global fuel costs were lower. However, it also said a surcharge had been imposed from May following higher global fuel costs amid the crisis in the Middle East. TNB said the AFA surcharge for September stood at 3.67 sen per kWh. It added that the mechanism worked in both directions, with savings passed on to consumers when fuel costs fell, while higher costs were reflected through a surcharge when fuel costs increased. – By Harith Kamal

consumption among some households, pushing their monthly usage beyond the 600kWh threshold. Such households would consequently be subject to the Automatic Fuel Cost Adjustment (AFA). The issue has also drawn complaints on social media from consumers who said their electricity bills had risen unusually sharply. Anwar said the meeting would examine immediate mitigation measures to reduce the impact of higher bills on affected households. “The Madani government will continue to ensure that every targeted subsidy measure is

The meeting will bring together the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry, Energy Commission, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) and Finance Ministry. Anwar said his attention was immediately focused on concerns raised by the public after his return from India and the Maldives. “I have heard the concerns raised, and this matter must be given due attention and addressed immediately.” He said the government would maintain its targeted subsidy approach to protect the majority of domestic consumers. He added that about 80% of domestic users