20/10/2026

TUESDAY | OCT 20, 2026

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N. Sembilan DKU files contempt bid against MB, 16 others SEREMBAN: The Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) Negeri Sembilan has applied to the High Court here for leave to commence contempt proceedings against Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim and 16 others over alleged breaches of an injunction concerning the administration and affairs of the DKU. The applications, filed on Oct 15 by the DKU and its secretary Raja Norazli Raja Nordin, named Ismail, 10 former State Executive Council members and six plaintiffs in a separate originating summons seeking the minutes of a special DKU sitting held on April 17, Bernama reported. The six plaintiffs are Datuk Mubarak Thahak, Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad, Datuk Abd Rahim Yasin, Datuk Muhammed Abdullah, Tunku Besar Tampin Tunku Syed Razman Tunku Syed Idrus Al-Qadri and Datuk Seri Badarudin Abdul Khalid. The applicants alleged that the 17 individuals breached or acted in a manner that undermined the purpose of an ad interim injunction granted by the High Court on June 5. The injunction restrains the six plaintiffs from making or implementing decisions concerning the DKU’s affairs and from taking steps to alter or interfere with the status quo as at May 21. The applicants alleged that the six continued to give effect to a purported proclamation dated April 19 and a purported change in the office of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar through public statements between Sept 5 and Oct 11. They further allege that Ismail and the 10 took steps to implement the purported proclamation.

ROYAL CONSENT ... His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, receiving the diplomatic credentials of Namibia’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Christine Hoebes during a ceremony at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

‘Nation still strapped with RM8.9b in 1MDB liabilities’ o Although overall debt increased partly because of existing repayment obligations, new borrowings declining despite current economic conditions, says Anwar

“As we can generally see, they are declining despite the current economic conditions and the substantial debt repayments that still have to be made.” Finance Ministry figures released on Sept 13 showed that the government’s total 1MDB related obligations stood at RM51.4 billion, of which RM42.5 billion had been paid, leaving RM8.9 billion outstanding. The remaining liabilities comprise RM5 billion in principal and RM3.9 billion in interest under government-guaranteed Islamic medium term notes, with payments extending to 2039. In a written parliamentary reply on Oct 7, the ministry said RM42.5 billion had been paid as of Aug 31, covering principal repayments, interest, legal fees and operational costs. The government had also recovered RM31.3 billion through asset recovery efforts. Based on the total obligations and funds recovered, the government would still face an estimated net financial burden of RM20.1 billion if no further assets were recovered. The ministry said efforts to recover additional assets would continue through legal action and international cooperation.

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

assembly yesterday. Anwar, who is also Finance minister, acknowledged that Malaysia’s overall debt had increased partly because of existing repayment obligations but stressed that new borrowings are declining. “The overall debt has increased. That’s true because old debts have to be paid. But new borrowings, that is what matters.

scandal had been settled. He said the government continues to shoulder the financial obligations arising from 1MDB while making efforts to strengthen fiscal management and rein in new borrowings. “Some say all the 1MDB debts have been paid. I don’t know where they got that from, or what kitab (book) they read. That is not true,” he said at the Finance Ministry’s monthly

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia still faces RM8.9 billion in outstanding 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) liabilities, with interest payments continuing to weigh on public finances, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, dismissing claims that all debts linked to the

Public service delays, leakages can thwart efforts to cut living costs: PM PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has warned that delays and leakages in the public service could undermine Budget 2027’s efforts to ease the cost of living as its success depends on effective implementation. should not happen. When economic conditions are affected, the deficit should not fall. But we can do it because of (sound) economic management.” Under Budget 2027, the government projects the fiscal deficit to narrow from 3.6% of GDP this year to 3.3% next year, with economic growth forecast at between 4.2% and 5.2% in 2027. living costs. Anwar criticised those questioning Budget 2027 without examining its figures, using the haze affecting the country to make his point. must be matched by stronger accountability. “I want them to work hard. I want them to avoid leakages. I want them to stop corrupt practices. “So I must be fair to them.” He said economic growth, investment and technological advancement must translate into better living standards.

“The haze is in the air but Budget 2027 is not shrouded in haze. The problem is that people do not read. “If they read it, the figures and data are clear. They were prepared very carefully.” Turning to public service delivery, he criticised slow administrative processes. “Work is still sluggish, still slow. A letter that can be answered in one day takes two weeks. That is a disease for the country.” He said the responsibility for improving efficiency rests with the entire public service, from the Treasury secretary-general to directors-general and department heads who must ensure that their duties are carried out with integrity. He added that the government had committed an additional RM18 billion for public sector salary adjustments, stressing that better remuneration

With fuel subsidies estimated to cost RM40 billion annually and allocations for cash and basic needs assistance rising to RM15 billion, Anwar said ministries and government agencies must ensure that public funds reach those who need them. “The test is not in the policies nor in how impressive the framework looks but in our ability to implement them sincerely. That is the test,” he said at the Finance Ministry’s monthly assembly yesterday. He said that due to sound economic management, Malaysia could sustain economic growth in 2027 while narrowing fiscal deficit despite external pressures. “Look, we can still expand the economy from 2026 to 2027 while the fiscal deficit declines. “Normally, according to economic theory, that

He added that efforts to address low wages, high housing rents and rising prices of essential goods should prioritise low-income earners and gig workers. Anwar called for a more balanced distribution of development funds among states, particularly those with lower revenue but greater needs in poverty eradication, flood mitigation and basic infrastructure. He expressed confidence that Malaysia could strengthen its economy and improve public wellbeing beyond current projections over the next two to three years, provided that the government machinery focused on effective implementation. – BY FAIZ RUZMAN

Anwar said fuel subsidies are estimated to cost RM40 billion annually to keep RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre. “Is this necessary? In my view, it is necessary to ease the people’s burden.” However, he stressed the need to target subsidies well to reduce leakages and wastage, acknowledging that subsidy rationalisation is politically challenging and requires courage. He also cited the increase in allocations for Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah from RM8 billion to RM15 billion, alongside RM1,000 in assistance for each taxi driver funded through proceeds from new vehicle registration numbers, as part of efforts to ease