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New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Arrest corrupt leaders, regardless of party or status
LUMUT: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated the government's firm stance in combating corruption and abuse of power, assuring that no one will be protected, whether from the ruling coalition, the opposition or former leaders. He said the government under his leadership would not obstruct any investigation or arrest by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), as long as the person involved had indeed committed an offence. "Arrest them every day, for all I care. I won't stop it... now some say there'll be more arrests in Sabah. "Arrest anyone, be it from the Unity Government, the opposition, or even those who are retired. "As long as it's true they stole, arrest them," he said. The Tambun member of parliament said this during his speech at the closing ceremony of the Madani Rakyat Programme at Lumut Waterfront here today. Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. Citing several cases involving former ministers linked to multi-billion ringgit financial scandals, Anwar said some are still trying to gain public sympathy by citing their age and status. "There are former ministers saying, 'Pity us, we're old'. "I do feel sorry, but if you stole the people's money, you must return it," he said. Anwar said that his Madani government will continue to uphold proper administrative governance and adhere to the principle of transparency without compromise. He said this includes putting an end to corrupt practices and the awarding of projects without open tender, which undermines administrative integrity and denies the people access to better services. "I want to recover what was stolen from the country, no matter who took it. That is our policy. "So I hope everyone cooperates so we can continue working properly," he said. Anwar stressed that he holds no personal grudge against individuals who wronged him in the past, but it is a different matter when it concerns the nation's assets. "You insulted me, imprisoned me, assaulted me… now I'm prime minister, and I've forgiven all of that.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
GST only when wages reach RM4,000 and above, says Anwar
LUMUT: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated that the government will not reintroduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for now, stressing that it would burden the poor and those in the lower-income group. Anwar said the government had deliberately chosen not to implement GST, as it is a broad-based tax that affects all levels of society, including fishermen, smallholders and low-income earners. "GST means a broad-based tax. Understand? It taxes everything, even if the rate is low, sugar, flour, food, everyone has to pay. That's GST. If you ask me, yes, it's a simple system, just tax everything. "But I ask you, should fishermen, smallholders, low-income workers and street cleaners also be taxed? That's why we're not ready for GST yet. "If, say, tomorrow the economy improves and the minimum wage rises to RM4,000 and above, then fine, implement GST. But right now? No. The opposition needs a bit of a crash course," he said during his speech at the closing ceremony of the Madani Rakyat Programme at Lumut Waterfront today. Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. Anwar acknowledged that while some economists and opposition politicians argue GST is a more efficient system, it should only be introduced when the economy is stronger and wages are significantly higher. "They think SST (Sales and Services Tax) is not as good, GST is better. Do you even understand GST? It touches everybody. If it's six per cent on everything, then everyone has to pay. "Why should the poor pay? Why should the unemployed have to pay when they eat? "So I ask you to understand, don't turn this into a political issue just because there's nothing else to attack. SST means we tax imported goods," he said. He said this includes the recent move to tax imported bananas, which drew public criticism. "Imported bananas are not the same as our pisang emas, pisang awak, or pisang berangan, those are not taxed. Please read properly before making noise. "The same goes for items like avocados. Avocados are expensive imported goods. If people with high incomes want to eat them, fine, but they should pay a bit more in tax. No issue," he said. Anwar added that tax revenue is crucial to funding public services and infrastructure development, including hospitals, schools, and national defence. "How do we build new hospitals in Manjung? How do we upgrade our schools, roads, and buy aircraft or ships for national defence? "It all comes from taxes. But we must ask, who should be taxed, the poor or the rich?" he said. He criticised certain quarters for opposing targeted subsidies and utility tariff reforms under the pretext of defending the rakyat. "Eighty-five per cent of electricity users are not affected by tariff increases. It's the wealthy, who consume more, that end up paying more. "But some still claim to be defending the rakyat, when in reality, they're protecting the interests of the rich," he said. Anwar also acknowledged that aspects of the taxation and subsidy system require fine-tuning, but urged for constructive engagement instead of politicisation. "We're not claiming to be perfect, but we're open to discussion and improvement. What's important is that people understand why taxes are necessary and who they are intended to support," he said.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar slams Muslim nations' silence over Israeli attacks on Iran
LUMUT: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today condemned the silence of the international community, particularly Muslim-majority nations, over the recent Israeli attacks on Iran. "A few days ago, Iran was attacked by Israel. They casually targeted and killed scientists and military officials. "What kind of country behaves in such a barbaric, treacherous, and insane manner as Israel? "There are over a billion Muslims, and many Islamic countries are wealthy, yet very few speak up to defend Iran," he said in his speech at the closing ceremony of the Madani Rakyat Programme at Lumut Waterfront here today. Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. Anwar said that Malaysia, as a sovereign and independent nation, must have the courage to stand up for justice, not only within its borders, but also in solidarity with oppressed nations around the world. "That is why I told my colleagues in the Cabinet, Malaysia must build its own capacity. "We are a sovereign country, and we must defend the rights of our friends, including Iran, which has long been oppressed. "We support Iran's right to respond and to defend its national dignity," he said. Highlighting Iran's resilience under prolonged economic sanctions, Anwar praised the country's commitment to education and technological advancement, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), despite being shut out by major global tech companies. "While companies like Google and Microsoft are present in our country, they are not allowed into Iran. " Yet Iran still manages to educate its youth, develop its AI sector, and sustain its economy under immense pressure," he said. He also pointed out the hypocrisy of global powers and European nations who remain silent when Israel strikes, but react strongly when Iran retaliates. "When Israel attacks, you remain silent. But when Iran responds, suddenly there's outrage. That's not our position," he said. Anwar affirmed that the Madani government will continue to uphold its principles of justice and solidarity. "Alhamdulillah, the leadership of this Madani government holds firmly to the principle of defending justice and the rights of all nations," he concluded. It was reported that Iran struck Israel early Saturday with barrages of missiles after a massive onslaught targeted the Islamic republic's nuclear and military facilities, and killed several top generals. Air raid sirens and explosions rang out across Israel overnight, with its military calling on residents to take refuge in bomb shelters Saturday morning.
Daily Express
04-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
More Tamu Desa to be built in Sabah, Sarawak this year
Published on: Wednesday, June 04, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 04, 2025 Text Size: Ewon said 14 tamu desa were built in the Kota Belud area, part of the 98 premises completed across Sabah and Sarawak last year. Kota Kinabalu: The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (Kuskop) will construct more 'tamu desa' (rural traditional markets) in Sabah and Sarawak this year, to enhance rural market facilities and empower entrepreneurs in both states. Its Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the Madani Government, through Kuskop, had allocated RM20 million to implement the Tamu Desa Development Project this year. He added that this included an additional RM10 million announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Madani Rakyat Programme in Tawau last month. 'Last year, we successfully built and upgraded 98 tamu desa across Sabah and Sarawak. This year, with an allocation of RM20 million, I hope the same number or more can be built,' he said in a statement. He was speaking after officiating the Kampung Pinasang Tamu Darat Kaamatan Festival in Kota Belud and subsequently launching the village's tamu desa, which was completed this year at a cost of RM250,000. Ewon said 14 tamu desa were built in the Kota Belud area, part of the 98 premises completed across Sabah and Sarawak last year. 'I have been informed by the village leaders that these premises greatly benefit the residents, especially mothers and small entrepreneurs who conduct business weekly. They not only provide a more comfortable space for selling but can also be used for various community activities on other days,' he said. According to him, the requirements for tamu desa development vary depending on the location and scope of work determined by the District Office, whether for new construction or upgrading, involving costs ranging from RM100,000 to RM300,000. As of May this year, he said, applications for new construction or upgrading of tamu desa premises in Sabah had reached RM40 million, including applications carried over from last year that could not be implemented, and this amount did not yet include applications from Sarawak 'Although our budget is limited, what is important is the continuity of what was implemented last year. What we started last year will be continued and expanded this year. I am confident that this programme will be among the key inputs of the ministry in the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030),' he said. The tamu desa initiative was also part of the government's commitment to pay special attention to the needs of rural Sabah and Sarawak, in line with the nation's inclusive development agenda, he added. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
More 'tamu desa' to built in Sabah, S'wak this year, says Ewon
KOTA KINABALU: The Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry will construct more "tamu desa" (rural traditional markets) in Sabah and Sarawak this year, to enhance rural market facilities and empower entrepreneurs in both states, says Datuk Ewon Benedick. The Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister said the Madani government, through the ministry, had allocated RM20mil to implement the Tamu Desa Development Project this year. He added that this included an additional RM10mil announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Madani Rakyat Programme in Tawau last month. "Last year, we successfully built and upgraded 98 tamu desa across Sabah and Sarawak. This year, with an allocation of RM20mil, I hope the same number or more can be built," he said in a statement Monday (June 2). He was speaking after officiating the Kampung Pinasang Tamu Darat Kaamatan Festival in Kota Belud and subsequently launching the village's tamu desa, which was completed this year at a cost of RM250,000. Ewon said 14 tamu desa were built in the Kota Belud area, part of the 98 premises completed across Sabah and Sarawak last year. "I have been informed by the village leaders that these premises greatly benefit the residents, especially mothers and small entrepreneurs who conduct business weekly. They not only provide a more comfortable space for selling but can also be used for various community activities on other days," he said. According to him, the requirements for tamu desa development vary depending on the location and scope of work determined by the District Office, whether for new construction or upgrading, involving costs ranging from RM100,000 to RM300,000. As of May this year, he said, applications for new construction or upgrading of tamu desa premises in Sabah had reached RM40mil, including applications carried over from last year that could not be implemented, and this amount did not yet include applications from Sarawak "Although our budget is limited, what is important is the continuity of what was implemented last year. What we started last year will be continued and expanded this year. I am confident that this programme will be among the key inputs of the ministry in the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030)," he said. The tamu desa initiative was also part of the government's commitment to pay special attention to the needs of rural Sabah and Sarawak, in line with the nation's inclusive development agenda, he added. - Bernama
