Latest news with #Wee
The Star
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Expansion of SST burdens people and raises prices, says Dr Wee
PETALING JAYA: The expansion of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) will further burden the people and give businesses an excuse to raise prices, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. He said that unlike the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the SST lacks transparency, consistency, and the capacity to generate sustainable revenue. 'The government's continued expansion of SST, likely due to fiscal pressure, is a burden to the people and gives businesses an excuse to raise prices. 'MCA urges the government to take these concerns seriously and consider the constructive feedback from all sectors,' he said on Facebook on Saturday (June 21). Dr Wee said that reintroducing the GST could ensure the stability and strength of the country. He said that the GST is widely recognised for its transparency and efficiency. 'A responsible approach would be to exempt certain SMEs and vulnerable groups from the policy, rather than just postponing the rollout. 'A delay is only a short-term fix. In fact, it should be seen as a starting point for reviving the GST,' he said at the E-Invoice Seminar hosted by the MCA Political Education Committee and School of Political Studies earlier today. Dr Wee added that if GST is implemented, the e-invoice function would be included in the taxation software. 'I emphasised that while the government announced a revised timeline for e-invoice implementation on June 5, simply delaying it won't solve the root issues. MCA is of the view that the e-invoice component is a subset of the GST system,' he added. Last week, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that reintroducing GST would unfairly burden lower-income earners. He said the implementation of GST would mean the poor, including fishermen, smallholders, low-wage earners, and street vendors, would be taxed on everyday essentials. On June 9, the Finance Ministry announced that the reviewed and expanded SST rates would come into effect next month. The measure is aimed at strengthening the country's fiscal position by increasing revenue and broadening the tax base, the ministry said.
The Star
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Dr Wee officiates the launch of Malaysian Business Law Review 2025/2026 Edition
PETALING JAYA: Dr Wee Ka Siong officially launched the Malaysian Business Law Review 2025/2026 Edition, a joint publication by RDS Partnership and DeHeng Law Office, at the Asian International Arbitration Centre. In a Facebook post on Friday (June 20), the MCA president wrote that with China-Malaysia trade reaching new heights and Malaysia's strategic role growing within Asean and Bricks, the demand for legal clarity and accessible guidance has never been more critical. 'This publication, particularly tailored for Chinese investors, provides an insightful overview of Malaysia's business legal framework, from corporate to tax law,' wrote Dr Wee. He stated that the book, published in Chinese, improves accessibility for Chinese-speaking legal professionals in Malaysia and enables Malaysian perspectives to be more visible and understood within the broader Belt and Road legal discourse. 'Congratulations to the editorial team and all contributors on this meaningful milestone. May this review continue to grow as a platform for legal and business dialogue in our region,' wrote Dr Wee.
The Star
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Dr Wee: Top brass will weigh grassroots' views on future of MCA
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA's top leadership will take into account feedback from the grassroots before making any decision on the party's future direction, says party president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. He was responding to resolutions passed unanimously by several MCA divisions during their annual general meetings calling for Barisan Nasional (BN) to be dissolved. MCA's 191 divisions are currently holding meetings to propose resolutions on the party's future. The resolutions urged the party to transform itself into an independent national political entity and contest future general elections under the MCA logo. They also firmly rejected any form of political cooperation with DAP. Dr Wee said the MCA Central Committee would carefully consider the views expressed by grassroots members. 'The party leadership will listen to the voices on the ground. I myself have visited several states to engage with members and hear their views. (Left to Right) Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Michael Soo and Raphael Tay delivering a special address and attending the book launch of Malaysia Business Law Review at a talk on Navigating the Impact of Tariffs on China-Malaysia Trade. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star 'When the time comes to decide, the Central Committee will make its decision,' he said after attending the Malaysian Business Law Review book launch yesterday. Dr Wee said June is the month when MCA state-level divisions hold their annual general meetings, and these provide a good opportunity to gauge wider sentiments. Dr Wee stressed that while the leadership respects the grassroots members' views, the party's immediate focus is preparing for the upcoming state elections. 'With a few state polls approaching, MCA's priority now is to be well-prepared for those contests,' he said. All MCA divisions across the peninsula and in Sabah are currently convening for their annual general meetings (AGMs), with state-level AGMs scheduled for next month. The party does not have a presence in Sarawak. However, Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in an earlier statement said he was confident that MCA would remain in the coalition, despite possible calls within the party to push for a departure. Meanwhile, on the tariffs imposed by the US administration on Malaysian goods, Dr Wee, who is also Ayer Hitam MP, said the three-month grace period would end on July 9. 'Only then will we fully understand the extent of the impact. Negotiations are ongoing, and I wish Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who is currently in Washington DC leading the talks, and the Malaysian delegation all the best,' he said. Dr Wee pointed out that Malaysia's trade deficit with the US stands at just 5.6% – a far cry from the 47% figure previously cited by American officials. 'There is a significant disparity in the data. Dialogue is the way forward that would serve the interests of both nations.' Malaysia faces a 24% tariff on certain exports to the US unless both sides can reach an agreement before the 90-day pause. Separately, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that ongoing negotiations with the US over its unilateral tariffs are progressing well. Earlier, Dr Wee officiated the launch of the Malaysian Business Law Review, a joint publication by RDS Partnership and DeHeng Law Office. The book aims to provide Chinese investors with accessible, Mandarin-language insights into Malaysia's business legal landscape. He said the book's focus on key areas such as corporate law, intellectual property, taxation and employment law makes it a valuable reference for investors. 'The use of Mandarin enhances accessibility for Chinese-speaking legal professionals and helps position Malaysian legal perspectives within the broader Belt and Road legal discourse,' he said.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Cosplay, K-POP dance challenges to highlight youth talent at Kuching Fest 2025
Wee (sixth left) joins others for a group photo after the press conference. – Sarawak Public Communications Unit photo KUCHING (June 19): The 'Cosplay Competition' and 'K-Stage: K-POP Cover Dance Challenge', two exciting youth-focused events, will be featured as part of the Kuching Festival 2025 set to take place this August. The initiative is spearheaded by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) as part of its ongoing efforts to empower youth through creative and inclusive platforms. Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng highlighted the importance of such youth-centric programmes, especially in a rapidly evolving world where the voices and interests of the younger generation are increasingly vital. 'As a local authority, we believe that celebrating culture and community also must include ideas, talents and dreams from the next generation,' he told a press conference, as reported by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit. He added that the council's approach to youth development aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of health and well-being, quality education, sustainable cities and communities, and strategic partnerships. The Cosplay Competition will take place on Aug 2 from 5pm to 11pm at the MBKS Theatre. Open to all Malaysian citizens, the competition will feature two categories: Junior (ages 5 to 12) and Open (ages 13 and above). The Junior Category offers cash prizes of RM600 (champion), RM400 (first runner-up), RM300 (third place), as well as RM200 each for Best Pose, Best Character, and Audience Choice. Open Category winners will receive RM1,000 (champion), RM800 (first runner-up), RM500 (third place), and RM200 each for Best Pose, Best Character, and Audience Choice. Participation is free, and registration can be completed online from June 20 to July 29 via The K-POP Dance Challenge will follow on Aug 3 from 5pm to 10.30pm, also at the MBKS Theatre, with cash prizes of RM2,000 (champion), RM1,000 (first runner-up), RM500 (third place), RM500 (Best Costume), RM500 (Best Costume Design), and RM100 each to five winners for Best Random Dance Performance. Registration is also free and can be done online via with the closing date on July 15. cosplay dance challenge K-pop Kuching Festival MBKS
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
MP's special assistant fails to get stay of execution in defamation suit
KUCHING: The Court of Appeal here has dismissed the application by Michael Kong, a special assistant to the Sarawak DAP chairman, for a stay of execution on the High Court's decision in the defamation suit initiated by businessman Datuk Richard Wee until his appeal is disposed off. The High Court had on Jan 26 last year found Kong, who is Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board chairman, guilty of defaming Wee in a Facebook posting. Kong was ordered to pay Wee RM200,000 in damages, with five per cent interest per annum from the date of the posting's publication in July 2020 until full settlement. The court also ordered Kong to pay the legal costs amounting to RM50,000. The Court of Appeal, in dismissing Kong's stay application, also ordered the immediate removal of his Facebook post. Kong said later the total amount he was required to pay amounted to around RM310,000, which comprised the judgment sum of RM200,000, the accrued interest and costs amounting to RM60,000 and legal cost of RM50,000. He said while it was deeply regrettable that such a hefty amount must be paid before the Court of Appeal hears and decide on the merits of the appeal, he nevertheless would respect and comply with the High Court's decision.
