Author - James Lim

PM Anwar calls for collective, in-depth approach in fatwa decisions

KUALA LUMPUR: Fatwa institutions must operate collectively and ensure that any fatwa or religious edict issued is based on information gathering and in-depth analysis of the issue by qualified experts, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In a Facebook post on Wednesday (July 23) night, Anwar said the matter was among those discussed during his...

Don’t belittle RM100 cash aid under Sara, says Anwar

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded all parties not to belittle the RM100 additional cash aid for Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme. The Prime Minister said that while the amount may seem small to high-income earners, it means a lot to rural communities and low-income groups. "(Critics say)...

Home Ministry mulls striking out minor, non-violent offences from criminal record after set period

KUALA LUMPUR: An amendment to expunge individuals convicted for non-violent or minor offences after a reasonable period is being mulled, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. The Home Minister said that the ministry is currently in the process of amending the Registration of Criminals and Undesirable Persons Act 1969 (Act 7). The Act serves as a legal...

MACC pledges action on Auditor-General’s report findings

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has vowed to take decisive action following revelations of governance weaknesses and potential misconduct highlighted in the Auditor-General’s report, recently tabled in Parliament. The anti-graft agency stated it takes the findings seriously and will conduct a comprehensive review of the report, focusing particularly on instances that may involve criminal...

Malaysia targets defence tech transfer from Turkiye by year-end, says Mohamed Khaled

ISTANBUL: Malaysia is targeting the transfer of defence technology from Turkiye in several identified areas by the end of this year, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said technology transfer is crucial for developing the country’s defence industry, led by local companies, particularly in areas such as management systems, maintenance, repair and overhaul...

PM’s people-first approach paying off for Bornean states, says Sabah PKR

KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s special announcement on Wednesday (July 23) is a people-centric approach that is starting to yield tangible results for Sabah and Sarawak, says Sabah PKR. Its chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, in welcoming Anwar’s Madani agenda, said these initiatives are aimed at easing the cost of living and fostering national...

India to resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens

HONG KONG: India will resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens from July 24 this year, its embassy in China said on July 23, the first time in five years as both countries move to repair their rocky relationship. Tensions between the two countries escalated following a 2020 military clash along their disputed Himalayan border. In...

Court sets Sept 18 to hear bid for judicial review of Ilham Tower seizure

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court has fixed Sept 18 to hear an application to initiate judicial review by the owner of Ilham Tower over its second seizure by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in June. The hearing was initially scheduled for Wednesday (July 23). However, it was postponed after Senior Federal Counsel Nurhafizza Azizan informed Justice Amarjeet...

JPJ introduces new ruling for electrical wiring work in all buses

KLANG: All buses registered on or after Jan 1 next year will need to produce an additional certification from a competent person as proof that additional wiring work on the vehicle complies with requirements of the Energy Commission. In a press conference here on Wednesday (July 23), Road Transport Department (JPJ) director general Datuk Aedy Fadly...

Dr Wee proposes opt-out for RM100 Sara cash aid

PETALING JAYA: Those who do not need the RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) cash aid should have the option to opt out, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. He said that Malaysians who would allow the returned funds to be redirected to more critical sectors. Dr Wee proposed redirecting the money to support public...