Speaker will take stern action against any misbehaviour, King warns MPs

PETALING JAYA: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has the full authority to take stern action against MPs who misbehave while in the august House, says His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. "I have given the green light to the Speaker to take action against those who cross the line, which includes suspending MPs...

Syariah, civil courts should be equal, says Umno Youth chief

PETALING JAYA: It is about time the syariah and civil courts be equal, says the UMNO Youth chief. In a Facebook post on Sunday (Feb 11), Dr Akmal Saleh said that laws that were in place before British rule had used Islam as their reference point in their creation. "We urge all members of Parliament, be it...

Probe to be launched into RM3.46bil MLFF toll system, says PAC chairman

PETALING JAYA: A probe will be launched into the RM3.46bil Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll collection system (MLFF) under the Works Ministry, says Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman said that the committee members have unanimously agreed to initiate proceedings regarding the management of the MLFF's implementation, under the existing parliamentary Standing...

GEG element removed from anti-smoking Bill

KUALA LUMPUR: The generational end-game (GEG) element has been removed from the revised Control of Smoking Products for Public Health 2023 Bill tabled for the first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Nov 28). This is as the Health Ministry tries for the third time to legislate the anti-smoking law. ALSO READ: Amended version of anti-smoking Bill...

Congrats Big Tobacco, you’ve won but it’s not over, says KJ

PETALING JAYA: The strong lobby by tobacco industry players is the reason the generational end-game (GEG) element in the anti-smoking Bill is dropped, claims Khairy Jamaluddin (pic). While this is a win for the Big Tobacco and vape industry for the moment, the former health minister said the fight to protect Malaysians’ health was far from...

Eight people a day on average contract HIV daily in Malaysia, says Health Minister

KUALA LUMPUR: An average of eight people contract Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) a day in the country, says Dr Zaliha Mustafa (pic). The Health Minister said that the continued prevalence of new infections could derail the nation's goal of ending HIV/AIDS by 2030. "In general, Malaysia has succeeded in lowering new infections by up to 50% between...

Vehicles transporting construction materials eligible for targeted diesel subsidy

KUALA LUMPUR: Vehicles used to transport construction materials will continue to enjoy the diesel subsidy despite the upcoming targeted mechanism, says Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh. “Lorries that transport construction materials will not be affected (when the blanket subsidy is lifted) because they are still eligible for the diesel subsidy,” she...

Targeted EPF withdrawal will worsen insufficiency of retirement savings, says Finance Ministry

KUALA LUMPUR: Any new additional pre-retirement withdrawals, whether targeted or open, will further exacerbate the issue of insufficient retirement savings, which is currently at a very alarming level, the Finance Ministry said. The ministry said it is also not a solution to the increasing financial burden of the people. "As of Sept 30, 2023, a total of...

PN MP retracts statement on military pensions after rebuke by Defence Minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (pic) has rebuked an Opposition MP over the latter’s claims that military pension claims were not prioritised by the government. Major-General (Rtd) Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor (PN-Ketereh) claimed that he had not heard any Defence Minister raise the issue with the Cabinet. “This includes the current minister who has...

Tuan Ibrahim says polygamy permitted in Islam, not PAS’ teaching

KUALA LUMPUR: Polygamy is not the teaching of PAS but is permitted in Islam, says Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (pic). The PAS deputy president said it was disrespectful and rude for Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin to upload a posting on social media alluding that polygamy was a teaching of PAS. "He (Sim) has...