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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Pahang Sultan, Tengku Ampuan convey condolences to Hamzah Zainudin, family
KUANTAN: Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, and Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, have extended their condolences to Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin and his family over the passing of his mother-in-law. In a message posted on Facebook today, Their Royal Highnesses prayed that the soul of the late Datin Hajah Salmiah Nyak Matt, 84, will be placed among the righteous and pious. "May Allah SWT also grant strength to the bereaved family and continue to bless them with His mercy and love," read the message. Yesterday, the media reported that Hamzah's mother-in-law died in a fire that broke out at a double-storey house in Kampung Sungai Rapat Tambahan, Ipoh, Perak, on Thursday. – Bernama Nation Mar 17, 2025 @ 1:30pm Pahang Sultan, Tengku Ampuan extend Nuzul Quran greetings Nation Jun 20, 2025 @ 7:31am Anwar offers condolences to Hamzah over mother-in-law's death Nation Feb 21, 2025 @ 2:36am Sultan, Tengku Ampuan of Pahang visit IIUM undergrads involved in crash Nation Jun 10, 2025 @ 2:04pm Pahang Sultan, Tengku Ampuan grace royal banquet in conjunction with AIPACODD 2025
Sinar Daily
6 days ago
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Next Economy Minister needs expertise and public trust, analysts warn
Political analyst Associate Prof Dr Syaza Shukri from International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) said that despite Tengku Zafrul's name being floated, he would need to contest and win a by-election first. Tenku Zafrul (left) and Anwar Ibrahim (right). - Photo by Bernama SHAH ALAM - The race to fill Cabinet's vacant Economy Minister post remains entangled in coalition politics and a shrinking pool of candidates, with much of the uncertainty centred on the next move of Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, political analysts say. Political analyst Associate Prof Dr Syaza Shukri from International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) said that despite Tengku Zafrul's name being floated, he would need to contest and win a by-election first. "The name that has been thrown is, of course, maybe Tengku Zafrul but then he needs to win a by-election. But at least it would be from within PKR," she told Sinar Daily. Syaza also stated that while other names such as Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari have been mentioned, any such move would trigger new political balancing acts. "Maybe Amirudin, but he may need to let go of the MB-ship, which is another thing altogether," she said. She stated that bringing in an Umno leader such as Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani could disrupt party equilibrium within the ruling coalition. 'If we consider an Umno leader like Johari, it would disrupt the party balance. The best, I think, is to consolidate the ministry with another ministry,' Syaza said. For now, Syaza said it remains a 'wait and see' situation. According to O2 Research Head Anis Anwar, the challenge lies in managing expertise, coalition harmony and the risk of factional battles so late in the government's term. "The fifteenth Parliament is already nearing its end. Bringing in a non-partisan technocrat can serve as a strategic buffer, preventing any risk of party infighting or coalition disputes during the caretaker phases ahead of GE16," he said. The soon-to-be-tabled 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) adds another layer of urgency, with continuity being vital to maintaining public confidence. "Markets and ordinary citizens alike expect the next minister to safeguard key policies already outlined in RMK-13, including subsidy rationalisation, EPF reform and labour-market modernisation," Anis said. Beyond expertise and policy continuity, Anis said the ability to communicate with the public effectively will be crucial. Following Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's high-profile departure, Anis said the importance of appointing a minister who can clearly articulate complex economic reforms. "Media-savvy communication skills are also crucial, as the public needs clear explanations of complex reforms to restore trust after Rafizi's high-profile departure," Anis said. Anis stressed the importance of securing cross-faction acceptability within PKR and the broader Pakatan Harapan coalition. "Failing to address internal tensions now could jeopardise the government's unity ahead of 16th General Election (GE16)," Anis added.
Free Malaysia Today
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Hadi must step aside for PAS to capture Putrajaya, say analysts
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang (third from left) has revitalised the party but seems to have reached a 'plateau' when it comes to attracting Malay voters, according to Azmi Hassan. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Political analysts say Abdul Hadi Awang should step down as PAS president, warning that his continued leadership risks stagnating the party. Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said Hadi, 77, can take credit for transforming the Islamic party over two decades of his leadership. Azmi Hassan. 'He has revitalised PAS, which has gone on to become the best performing party in the last general election,' Azmi told FMT. However, he said, Hadi has also 'hit the ceiling' when it comes to the party's ambitions at national level. PAS won 43 parliamentary seats at the 15th general election in 2022, and also controls the state governments of Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis. 'But now PAS seems to have reached a plateau when it comes to attracting Malay voters and has failed to woo non-Malays. Hadi's time is over,' he said. Party needs new leadership Azmi said that while PAS boasts a loyal following in the conservative Malay heartland, it has made little headway among non-Malay voters. To lead the federal government, he said PAS must install a new leadership comprising professionals, and project a broader national image. Like Azmi, Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) believes PAS is unlikely to make progress unless a new leadership takes over. Syaza Shukri. However, she does not think the party will name a professional as its next leader. 'Those who take over will still be from the ulama faction. Someone like Terengganu menteri besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar is not considered 'ulama enough'. 'So there's not going to be much change in terms of rhetoric towards non-Muslims,' she said. On June 7, PAS vice-president Amar Abdullah acknowledged that Malay-Muslim parties have struggled to gain the support of non-Malays. However, Amar said PH's core support has become increasingly critical of the government led by PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim. He said PAS was targeting this group of voters as the party prepares for the next general election. Kartini Aboo Talib. Kartini Aboo Talib of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia says PAS already has capable leaders in its ranks to take over the leadership mantle from Hadi. She named Samsuri, Jerantut MP Khairil Nizam Khirudin, and Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, as those capable of leading the party to new heights. Hadi, said Kartini, could be appointed as an eminent advisor to the party. James Chin of University of Tasmania said Hadi is unlikely to step down. James Chin. 'He knows he is the glue that holds PAS together,' Chin told FMT. 'The PAS we see today basically mirrors Hadi.' Chin said non-Malay voters will not back PAS even if Hadi is no longer at the helm as other leaders in the party also hold 'extreme views' on race and religion. 'Even if Hadi steps down, nothing much will change unless there is an overhaul,' he said.
Barnama
08-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Halal Industry Among Key Growth Drivers In IMT-GT, BIMP-EAGA
By Engku Shariful Azni Engku Ab Latif and Nur Athirah Mohd Shaharuddin KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 (Bernama) – The rapidly-growing halal industry is among nine sectors that can trigger high economic growth in the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) and the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). The other key sectors include sustainable agriculture and agribusiness; tourism; green and renewable energy (RE); the digital economy; transport and logistics; palm oil and downstream industries; and Islamic finance, according to International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) associate professor of economics, Dr Muhammad Irwan Ariffin. The marine and fisheries industries are exclusive to the BIMP-EAGA sub-region, he noted. He said the halal industry in both IMT-GT and BIMP-EAGA sub-regions holds strong global demand for halal food, cosmetics, finance and tourism. "It shares Islamic values across Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, southern Thailand and Mindanao, making it a strategic goal to develop IMT-GT as a global halal hub," he told Bernama. Turning to the agricultural sector, Muhammad Irwan said the combination of vast arable land and a tropical climate drives strong demand for high-value crops, organic farming, agro-processing and agribusiness value chains, which are essential for supporting rural economies. As for the digital economy, he said increasing internet access in rural areas across the sub-regions has driven the growth of e-commerce, fintech and digital skills development, alongside plans for smart cities and cross-border digital corridors. "The sub-regions, which are known for their rich biodiversity, natural parks, and cultural heritage, are increasingly focusing on eco-tourism, halal tourism, and cross-border travel circuits, supported by strategic initiatives such as the Visit IMT-GT Year 2023–2025 campaign,' he continued. "In the Islamic finance sector, the large Muslim population and underserved rural communities present opportunities for inclusive growth through shariah-compliant financial services that support the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the regions."
New Straits Times
08-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Halal industry among key growth drivers in IMT-GT, BIMP-EAGA
KUALA LUMPUR: The rapidly-growing halal industry is among nine sectors that can trigger high economic growth in the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) and the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). The other key sectors include sustainable agriculture and agribusiness; tourism; green and renewable energy (RE); the digital economy; transport and logistics; palm oil and downstream industries; and Islamic finance, according to International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) associate professor of economics, Dr Muhammad Irwan Ariffin. The marine and fisheries industries are exclusive to the BIMP-EAGA sub-region, he noted. He said the halal industry in both IMT-GT and BIMP-EAGA sub-regions holds strong global demand for halal food, cosmetics, finance and tourism. "It shares Islamic values across Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, southern Thailand and Mindanao, making it a strategic goal to develop IMT-GT as a global halal hub," he told Bernama. Turning to the agricultural sector, Muhammad Irwan said the combination of vast arable land and a tropical climate drives strong demand for high-value crops, organic farming, agro-processing and agribusiness value chains, which are essential for supporting rural economies. As for the digital economy, he said increasing internet access in rural areas across the sub-regions has driven the growth of e-commerce, fintech and digital skills development, alongside plans for smart cities and cross-border digital corridors. "The sub-regions, which are known for their rich biodiversity, natural parks, and cultural heritage, are increasingly focusing on eco-tourism, halal tourism, and cross-border travel circuits, supported by strategic initiatives such as the Visit IMT-GT Year 2023–2025 campaign," he continued. "In the Islamic finance sector, the large Muslim population and underserved rural communities present opportunities for inclusive growth through shariah-compliant financial services that support the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the regions." IMT-GT, BIMP-EAGA align with broader ASEAN goals Muhammad Irwan said that while ASEAN's broader goals for economic integration and connectivity are guided by the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint 2025 and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025, the IMT-GT and BIMP-EAGA sub-regions can align with these objectives through five key areas. Firstly, he explained that the sub-regions can support ASEAN's goal to narrow development gaps across the region by focusing on peripheral areas by creating economic opportunities in places often overlooked by national strategies, helping ASEAN advance as a more cohesive and inclusive community. Secondly, he stated that IMT-GT and BIMP-EAGA can support ASEAN's goal of developing seamless transport, trade facilitation, and digital infrastructure, as outlined in MPAC 2025, by investing in cross-border infrastructure like roads, ports, and airports, and by coordinating efforts on border trade facilitation, customs harmonisation, and logistics. "For example, BIMP-EAGA has launched 210 priority infrastructure projects (PIPs) as of October 2024, including the expansion of border economic zones and connectivity corridors, directly supporting MPAC's aim to physically link ASEAN markets," he said. Muhammad Irwan said IMT-GT and BIMP-EAGA can support ASEAN's goal to increase intra-ASEAN trade and investment by focusing on regional supply chains in agriculture, halal products, tourism, and manufacturing. For example, IMT-GT's Halal Industry Development initiative supports ASEAN's bid to become a global halal hub. "IMT-GT and BIMP-EAGA also facilitate cross-border investments and SME partnerships, which deepen economic interdependence within ASEAN and integrate border regions into the broader ASEAN market," he added. He said sub-regions can reinforce ASEAN's mission to have resilience, climate action, and sustainable development through promoting green infrastructure and sustainable tourism, such as UNESCO Geoparks. Muhammad Irwan also emphasised that IMT-GT and BIMP-EAGA can support ASEAN's goal to foster cultural ties, mobility, and shared identity by encouraging cross-border travel and joint festivals such as the Visit IMT-GT Year 2023–2025.
