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Daily Express
12-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah named ‘Malaysia's Most Outstanding State' for 2024
Published on: Thursday, June 12, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 12, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: Azman Ujang, a chief judge of the awards, highlighted Sabah's potential in economic development and environmental sustainability. (Wikipedia pic) PETALING JAYA: Sabah has made its mark by being named 'Malaysia's Most Outstanding State' for 2024 at the International Business Review (IBR) Asean Awards 2025. Former Petagas assemblyman James Ligunjang said that for the first time, the awards extended recognition to state governments, acknowledging exceptional leadership and accomplishments at the state level alongside corporate achievements. Advertisement Ligunjang said in a statement that under chief minister Hajiji Noor's leadership, Sabah had received the highest honour for implementing the Sabah Maju Jaya development framework. The framework centres on four pillars: championing Sabah's rights, leading with integrity and efficiency, fostering development aligned with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, and maintaining unity among the state's diverse communities. He said key achievements that contributed to the recognition include an increase in federal special grants from RM26 million in 2022 to RM600 million in 2025, and a 47% rise in foreign tourist arrivals, boosting the state's revenue. Other highlights include a substantial stake in oil and gas revenues from the commercial cooperation agreement with Petronas, yielding over RM3 billion in 2023, as well as foreign investments soaring from RM132 million in 2023 to over RM1 billion in 2024. Ligunjang also cited progress on the Pan-Borneo Highway, linking major cities and rural areas, as a key achievement by the state. He said that Azman Ujang, a chief judge of the awards, also highlighted Sabah's potential in economic development and environmental sustainability. 'He noted increased foreign investment interest, with investments rising from RM132.7 million in 2023 to RM1.07 billion in 2024, and praised the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park's record-high occupancy rate of 90% with 288 active investors. 'Sabah also achieved the highest manufacturing sector growth rate in Malaysia at 4.4% in 2023,' Ligunjang said. He said Azman had also emphasised the state's focus on human capital development and environmental conservation, with 62% of Sabah's land, amounting to 4.6 million hectares, declared free of logging, as part of long-term sustainability strategies. The official awards ceremony is scheduled to be held on July 19, at the Sabah International Convention Centre, Kota Kinabalu, with Hajiji expected to attend as an honorary guest. Ligunjang said the award was announced by the event's secretariat, which also honoured Negeri Sembilan as Malaysia's 'Most Progressive State' for 2024. * 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
02-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
UN-Habitat presidency poised to boost global standing
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's election as president of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly for the 2025-2027 term is a recognition of the country's achievements and will elevate its profile on the global stage. Senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Mara's Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies Dr Mazlan Che Soh, who disclosed this, said the prestigious role would enable Malaysia to showcase its sustainable development model and serve as an example to others. 'As UN-Habitat president, Malaysia will have the opportunity to influence the direction of global policies in urbanisation, affordable housing, disaster management and climate change. 'The role will also enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation with UN agencies, member states and NGOs in implementing sustainability-driven projects,' he said, Bernama reported. Mazlan said the appointment also enabled Malaysia to become a leading voice for developing countries in sustainable urbanisation, social equity and inclusive development. He said Malaysia could also leverage its presidency to spearhead regional cooperation in building resilient, inclusive and smart cities, as well as create a regional centre of excellence. Mazlan highlighted Malaysia's strong commitment to the sustainability agenda, including the introduction of the Second National Urbanisation Policy, which emphasises inclusivity, environmental responsibility, resilience and smart technologies. 'The Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 promotes inclusive economic growth, balanced regional development and environmental conservation while under the 12th Malaysia Plan, the Sustainable Development Goals have been integrated into national development planning,' he added. He pointed out that several policies had also been developed in line with global sustainability principles, including the National Environmental Policy and National Policy on Climate Change. On Friday, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming announced that Malaysia's presidency was unanimously approved by 193 member states at the UN-Habitat Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. Set up in 1975 and elevated to a full programme by the UN General Assembly in 2001, the UN-Habitat Assembly is the highest global decision-making body when it comes to sustainable urbanisation and human settlements. It convenes every four years and plays a crucial role in shaping global policies on cities and communities. As president, Malaysia will work closely with the UN-Habitat Executive Board and global partners to strengthen multilateral cooperation, promoting inclusive, climate-resilient and sustainable cities worldwide.
The Sun
01-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia's election as UN-Habitat Assembly president boosts global standing
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's election as president of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly for the 2025-2027 term is a recognition of the nation's achievements and offers a strategic platform to elevate its profile on the global stage. Senior lecturer at the Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Dr Mazlan Che Soh, said the prestigious role would allow Malaysia to showcase its sustainable development model and serve as an example for other countries. 'As UN-Habitat president, Malaysia will have the opportunity to influence the direction of global policies in urbanisation, affordable housing, disaster management and climate change. 'The role will also enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation with UN agencies, member states and non-governmental organisations in implementing sustainability-driven projects,' he told Bernama. Mazlan added that the appointment enables Malaysia to become a leading voice for developing countries in sustainable urbanisation, social equity and inclusive development. He said Malaysia could also leverage its presidency to spearhead regional cooperation in building resilient, inclusive and smart cities, as well as establish a regional centre of excellence. Mazlan highlighted Malaysia's strong commitment to the sustainability agenda, including the introduction of the Second National Urbanisation Policy, which emphasises inclusivity, environmental responsibility, resilience and smart technologies. 'The Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 promotes inclusive economic growth, balanced regional development and environmental conservation, while under the 12th Malaysia Plan, the Sustainable Development Goals have been integrated into national development planning,' he said. He pointed out that several policies have also been developed in line with global sustainability principles, including the National Environmental Policy and the National Policy on Climate Change. On Friday, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming announced that Malaysia's presidency was unanimously approved by 193 member states at the UN-Habitat Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. Established in 1975 and elevated to a full programme by the UN General Assembly in 2001, the UN-Habitat Assembly is the highest global decision-making body on sustainable urbanisation and human settlements. It convenes every four years and plays a crucial role in shaping global policies on cities and communities. As president, Malaysia will work closely with the UN-Habitat Executive Board and global partners to strengthen multilateral cooperation, promoting inclusive, climate-resilient, and sustainable cities worldwide.
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Rafizi's tenure defined by bold moves to improve people's livelihoods
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, who became the economy minister in December 2022, part of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's Cabinet, is known for a myriad of initiatives to improve people's livelihoods. Foremost among his initiatives was the proposal to set up the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). He proposed the ambitious idea in May 2023 during a meeting with the Johor state government. Rafizi emphasised that a special economic zone could further boost business ecosystems and provide greater opportunities by tapping into the strengths of both regions. This is already paying dividends; in just two years, the JS-SEZ has emerged as an investment destination, attracting international companies and facilitating the establishment of data centres. In addition, he launched the People's Income Initiative, better known as Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat (IPR), in February 2023, aimed at increasing the income of the poorest households and the B40 group. Rafizi, who hails from Besut, Terengganu, also advocated for the classification of the T15 income group, which is set to replace the previous B40, M40 and T20 categories. The initiative was part of national planning and budgeting, especially under development and economic plans such as the 11th Malaysia Plan and the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030. The minister also heavily invested his time and effort in the development and implementation of the Central Database Hub (Padu). This was a data repository for all individuals and households comprising citizens and permanent residents in Malaysia, aimed at improving policy planning and data-driven programme implementation. However, the project came under criticism amid concerns that the public was compelled to register and disclose their financial and personal details. Rafizi was also involved in the implementation of the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35), as part of the government's strategy to advance Bumiputera development towards making Malaysia a leading regional economy. Before becoming a minister, the former chartered accountant served at Petronas from 2005 to 2009 as a Senior Manager in Business Planning, Operations and Petrochemical Transaction Technology, and later in Accounting, Budgeting and Taxation. He also held the position of General Manager at Pharmaniaga. Rafizi also led the Selangor Economic Advisory Office as chief executive. A former student of Malay College Kuala Kangsar, he also founded INVOKE Malaysia in 2016 — a non-profit organisation focused on political, economic, and social issues — which later evolved into a commercial tech venture. Rafizi has submitted his resignation letter to the prime minister and will be using up the remainder of his annual leave until June 16, 2025. The resignation will take effect the next day. 'As is the practice in countries that uphold democratic principles, leaders who lose in party elections should make way for those who have won to take their place in government,' said Rafizi in a statement on Wednesday. Recently, Rafizi, who held the position of PKR deputy president, lost the party election to Anwar's daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar.
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Rafizi Ramli resigns as Economy Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, who became the economy minister in December 2022, part of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's Cabinet, is known for a myriad of initiatives to improve people's livelihoods. Foremost among his initiatives was the proposal to set up the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). He proposed the ambitious idea in May 2023 during a meeting with the Johor state government. Rafizi emphasised that a special economic zone could further boost business ecosystems and provide greater opportunities by tapping into the strengths of both regions. This is already paying dividends; in just two years, the JS-SEZ has emerged as an investment destination, attracting international companies and facilitating the establishment of data centres. In addition, he launched the People's Income Initiative, better known as Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat (IPR), in February 2023, aimed at increasing the income of the poorest households and the B40 group. Rafizi, who hails from Besut, Terengganu, also advocated for the classification of the T15 income group, which is set to replace the previous B40, M40 and T20 categories. The initiative was part of national planning and budgeting, especially under development and economic plans such as the 11th Malaysia Plan and the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030. The minister also heavily invested his time and effort in the development and implementation of the Central Database Hub (Padu). This was a data repository for all individuals and households comprising citizens and permanent residents in Malaysia, aimed at improving policy planning and data-driven programme implementation. However, the project came under criticism amid concerns that the public was compelled to register and disclose their financial and personal details. Rafizi was also involved in the implementation of the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35), as part of the government's strategy to advance Bumiputera development towards making Malaysia a leading regional economy. Before becoming a minister, the former chartered accountant served at Petronas from 2005 to 2009 as a Senior Manager in Business Planning, Operations and Petrochemical Transaction Technology, and later in Accounting, Budgeting and Taxation. He also held the position of General Manager at Pharmaniaga. Rafizi also led the Selangor Economic Advisory Office as chief executive. A former student of Malay College Kuala Kangsar, he also founded INVOKE Malaysia in 2016 — a non-profit organisation focused on political, economic, and social issues — which later evolved into a commercial tech venture. Rafizi has submitted his resignation letter to the prime minister and will be using up the remainder of his annual leave until June 16, 2025. The resignation will take effect the next day. 'As is the practice in countries that uphold democratic principles, leaders who lose in party elections should make way for those who have won to take their place in government,' said Rafizi in a statement on Wednesday. Recently, Rafizi, who held the position of PKR deputy president, lost the party election to Anwar's daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar. Following this, questions were raised regarding Rafizi's position in the Cabinet.
