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Free Malaysia Today
12 hours ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
No more imported food at official events, Anwar tells civil service
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged civil servants and officials to be more mindful of the need to support homegrown produce. PUTRAJAYA : Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has directed all government departments to cease using imported goods, particularly food, at official events, in a bid to promote local products. Speaking at the finance ministry's monthly assembly, Anwar said that using local produce would not only bolster the local economy but would also open wider opportunities for local farmers to market their goods. 'If every government department follows this directive, it will create more opportunities for our farmers to supply local food ingredients,' he said. The prime minister also cited the example of neighbouring countries whom he said were committed to using local food products at all official functions. 'In Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand, I've never been served imported food at any government-hosted official event. It's automatic for them to ensure that only local food is served,' he said. Anwar also criticised the preference by some parties for imported food products despite the government's clear stance. Calling the practice inconsistent with efforts to empower the local economy, he urged civil servants and officials to be more mindful of the need to support homegrown produce.
South China Morning Post
12-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong moves to strengthen domestic security law
More than a year after passing its own domestic security law, Hong Kong plans to augment it with subsidiary legislation to offer better support to the Beijing office overseeing national security in the city, including declaring its premises as a 'prohibited place'. Advertisement The move comes against the backdrop of renewed US-China tensions and is seen as a pre-emptive measure to close any potential loopholes in guarding national security. According to a paper submitted by the Security Bureau and Department of Justice to the legislature on Monday, the proposed subsidiary legislation for the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance will mandate that any government department or any civil servant must provide the Beijing office 'all necessary and reasonable assistance, facilitation, support, backing and protection in accordance with the law and in a timely manner'. The administration also proposes prohibiting anyone who knows or suspects that Beijing's national security office in Hong Kong is handling a case 'from disclosing to any other person any information relating to that investigation without reasonable excuse or lawful authority'. Under the plan, the city leader will also declare premises where the office performs its mandate as 'prohibited places' to minimise national security risks. Advertisement Any contravention of the subsidiary legislation may be subject to a fine not exceeding HK$500,000 and imprisonment not exceeding seven years.
Malay Mail
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Chief Secretary urges civil servants to lead with excellence on Asean stage
TAWAU, May 11 — Malaysia's civil servants must champion professionalism and play a strategic role as ambassadors of excellence, particularly as the nation takes centre stage as Asean Chair this year, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. He said Malaysia's leadership of Asean will highlight the capabilities and strong commitment of its civil service in delivering its responsibilities. 'Let us unite in elevating the nation's standing through efficient governance, effective communication, and public service delivery that reflects the values of Madani,' he said in his address at the Madani Rakyat: Bersama-sama Ketua Setiausaha Negara programme today. Shamsul Azri advised civil servants not to be merely reactive, but to take a proactive approach in formulating more resilient policies, strengthening trade strategies and accelerating efforts to diversify the economy. He stressed that this is crucial to ensuring Malaysia's long-term economic resilience and safeguarding the well-being of its people against the uncertainties of global policies. He emphasised that every civil servant must uphold integrity, exercise a high level of accountability and resist any form of abuse of power. 'According to the Corruption Perceptions Index published by Transparency International in 2024, Malaysia ranks second among Asean countries after Singapore, with a score of 50. 'Nevertheless, it is imperative for all Malaysians to work together to realise the national vision of being among the world's top 25 countries by 2033. This can only be achieved by continuously improving accountability and transparency in public sector governance,' he said. Shamsul Azri also reminded civil servants to protect the nation's image, particularly when dealing with matters of national sensitivity, such as the flag or any issue that touches on the 3Rs (race, religion and royalty). 'As civil servants, our role goes beyond implementing policies and directives. We are the backbone of the nation and the driving force behind the Malaysia Madani aspiration,' he said. He urged the more than 800 civil servants present at the event to uphold the value of loyalty, not merely in words, but in every action, decision and responsibility entrusted to them. — Bernama
