No Cabinet reshuffle but vacancies need to be filled, says PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has hinted that a major Cabinet reshuffle is not on the cards, with only current vacancies set to be filled. Anwar explained that this is because the Cabinet only has about a year and a half or slightly more to serve. "So I don’t think a major reshuffle can...

Economy cannot progress if federal, state govts not aligned, says Anwar in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah and the Federal Government need each other in many aspects of social and economic developments, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said although both sides might not totally agree with one another on certain issues, it does not mean both parties cannot work together to find a solution that works both...

47th Asean Summit to focus on trade, economic security amid global challenges, says Tengku Zafrul

KUALA LUMPUR: Economic cooperation and security will take centre stage as Asean leaders gather this week for the 47th Asean Summit, which aims to push forward key trade agreements and deepen regional integration amid a challenging global environment. Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the 18 Priority Economic Deliverables...

Concluding trade talks with US early to benefit Malaysia, safeguard economy from punitive tariffs

KUALA LUMPUR: Concluding tariff negotiations with the United States (US) ahead of President Donald Trump’s October visit is crucial for Malaysia, both to safeguard billions in export value and to strengthen its position as a reliable, forward-looking trading nation, an economist said. IPPFA Sdn Bhd director and country economist Mohd Sedek Jantan warned that delays in reaching a trade...

Asean should take lead in building resilience amid challenging global landscape, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Asean cannot be a passive observer in the face of global economic and geopolitical challenges, but should take the lead in building resilience within the grouping, which has over 600 million people, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In stressing that, the Malaysian Prime Minister said the bloc must not only respond to events but...

Minimum wage to be expanded to cover grads, semi-skilled workers, says PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: The minimum wage policy will be expanded to cover graduates and semi-skilled workers, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said this will include Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates classified under Masco code 8 and above. “This effort is aimed at ensuring fair wages that reflect the qualifications and skills of...

Economic highlights of the 13th Malaysia Plan 2026-2030

KUALA LUMPUR: The following are the economic highlights of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) 2026-2030 which was tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament today, with the theme "Melakar Semua Pembangunan” (Redesigning Development).” - Investments of RM611 billion required to successfully implement 13MP - Development allocation from the government is estimated at RM430 billion, with RM227 billion to be...

Federal debt up RM50bil to RM1.3 trillion, says Deputy Finance Minister

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Government's debt has risen to RM1.3 trillion as of March 2025, up from RM1.25 trillion at the end of last year, while total liabilities stood at RM384.6bil compared to RM384.8bil previously, says Lim Hui Ying. The Deputy Finance Minister said the increase was due to the government's need to finance fiscal deficits...

Bank Negara cuts OPR to 2.75% in first rate move since May 2023

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara has cut the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by 25 basis points to 2.75% at its July Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, marking the first rate adjustment since May 2023. The latest move by Bank Negara was broadly in line with market expectations, following a Bloomberg poll that showed economists were split, with...

Tariff: Positive response from US to Malaysia’s approach

KUALA LUMPUR: The United States (US) has responded positively to Malaysia's approach and engagements on tariff issues and proposals, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. He said Malaysia’s proactive engagement and approach with the US is to understand the issues involved and to work together to navigate a path to find a win-win...