![News@9 – Monday, April 21 [WATCH]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FJalur_Gemilang_1745240552.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
News@9 – Monday, April 21 [WATCH]
Here are today's top stories:
LAWFUL DETENTION
The detention of two Sin Chew editors over the publishing of an incomplete Malaysian flag was lawful, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
CRUCIAL TESTIMONY
Ex-Goldman Sachs banker Roger Ng is set to testify in Najib Razak's 1MDB trial next month, with the defence suggesting his testimony could shift focus to other key players.
EVIDENCE
A senior officer testified that no foreign DNA was found on Zayn Rayyan's body, while evidence linked foreign objects to his death. The cause of death was confirmed as ligature strangulation.
CATHOLICS MOURN
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, has died at 88 after surviving a severe bout of pneumonia. His papacy was marked by reform efforts.
That's all for News@9.
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Focus Malaysia
2 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
Coherent SST reform requires zero exemptions for policymakers
THE Malaysian government's recent changes to the Sales and Service Tax (SST) are true to an at least decade-old tradition of self-defeating consumption tax policies. Raising taxes is a thankless but necessary task that requires astute policy design and nuanced messaging to manage both economic and political narratives. Both the 1 July changes and the case for them have left policymakers open to justifiable but needless criticism. Malaysian policymakers have long recognised the need to significantly increase revenue collections but have struggled to convince Malaysians. Tax reforms repeatedly adopt a narrow, small-target strategy that—by lacking both vision and tangible economic sustainability and equity objectives—instead become lightning rods for critics. Malaysians worried about their household budgets naturally fear higher taxes and do not count fiscal sustainability among their chief concerns. Making the case for consumption tax reform needs and deserves better than pointing to unsustainable budget deficits and delivering patronising rebukes of SST critics. It requires a consistent, coherent and non-condescending narrative that garners public support for changes that will improve not threaten their livelihoods. Policymakers should be explaining the importance of taxing consumption, how it supports a tax strategy that balances fairness, competitiveness and sustainably, and how the money raised will be used to benefit Malaysians. Consumption taxes have advantages that are especially relevant to Malaysia's circumstances. Malaysia has a large visiting and undocumented population whose income cannot be taxed but whose consumption can be. It has a sizeable informal sector contributing around a quarter of gross domestic product, whose income likewise escapes direct taxes but whose inputs may be partially captured by consumption levies. Shaping consumption choices through price signals will be essential to making Malaysia's future economic development less carbon intensive and more sustainable. Consumption taxes progressed alone cannot address Malaysia's revenue needs or be implemented equitably. Consumption taxes are regressive as low-income households consume more of their disposable incomes and therefore experience a greater relative impact. Attempts to neutralise these impacts by exempting or setting to zero the rate for basic goods introduces complexity for businesses and consumers, exempts rich and non-Malaysian consumers at the same time, and opens policymakers to arguments of inconsistency or bias. Accompanying changes to income taxes, transfers or welfare for low-income households would be a superior approach. Malaysians would be more receptive to tax hikes if their purpose were more tangibly linked to spending for their benefit. Public wariness remains high in the shadow of 1MDB and other newsworthy examples of funds being misused, with the government's fiscal challenges explicitly associated with corruption. At the same time Malaysians want better schools and hospitals, greater access to safe and efficient transport and technology, more generous social welfare and more. Transparent and well communicated spending intentions are an essential enabler of tax reform. The SST reforms have thus far been mapped poorly in these regards. Far from presenting a coherent vision for equitably, efficiently and sustainably raising revenue to spend in the interests of Malaysians, the reforms adopt a piecemeal and discriminatory approach to taxation. Two particularly concerning elements that have attracted fair criticism are the inclusion of basic goods and differential rates for local and imported goods. Malaysia is a net importer of food including many staple products, with openness to trade a critical contributor to food security both at the household and national levels. SST increases that represent an implicit import tariff, especially on basic and healthy goods like fruit, send precisely the wrong signal at a time when Malaysia is trying to counter global economic policy uncertainty. Malaysia must reinforce its openness to trade and investment by avoiding discriminatory taxes on overseas goods. Bowing to public backlash to provide post-announcement tax exemptions for imported apples and oranges (among other changes) further illustrates the policy development and communication shortcomings. Policymakers were either unaware of or misread public sensitivity on the price and availability of basic food imports, and in the absence of a compelling defence for the proposed SST increase were forced to make concessions. Evident is both a need for wider consultation and that complex and subjective tax design leaves policymakers exposed. Making the case for tax reform in Malaysia should also stick to message not mechanism. Long-running arguments comparing the SST with a restored GST are of greater distraction than consequence to the current debate. Either mechanism can be tailored to achieve comparable coverage and revenue outcomes, and tax incidence (who ultimately pays: consumers or producers) is determined by markets not tax design. Differences in administrative efficiency and effectiveness are important considerations that are adaptable to a consumption tax with either (or any) name. What Malaysia needs from policymakers is greater tax policy reform coherence, communication and ambition. And the leadership to design and deliver tax strategies and mechanisms that benefit Malaysia and Malaysians. ‒ July 2, 2025 Dr Stewart Nixon is the deputy director of research at the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS). The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Bigstock
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Outgoing appeals court president to judges: Continue to uphold legacy of justice
KUALA LUMPUR: Outgoing Court of Appeal president Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim marked his final day in office with a heartfelt farewell, urging the next generation of judges to preserve and strengthen the legacy of the country's judiciary. "I pray that the legacy of the Malaysian judiciary in upholding justice will be continued by the next generation of judges," he said in a note today. He said he trusts the judges will uphold justice with transparency, integrity, and courage. Abang Iskandar's judicial career spanned 18 years, beginning in 2007 and culminating in his appointment as Court of Appeal president, the second-highest judicial office in the country. "It has been a journey filled with challenges that shaped meaningful memories," he said, reflecting on nearly two decades of service. He expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities he had received and acknowledged the support of colleagues throughout the judiciary, legal profession, and academia. "During this time, I met many kind, dedicated and noble-hearted individuals… who have always extended their cooperation in the pursuit of justice," he said. Abang Iskandar said their contributions made his duties more manageable, both as Court of Appeal president and as a Federal Court judge. He admitted he would miss the daily camaraderie and wished his colleagues continued success. Describing his emotions as a mixture of joy and sadness, he said retirement would allow him more time with family, charitable work and personal pursuits. "I leave this role with immense gratitude, reflection, and a peaceful heart. This is the start of a new phase in life," he said.
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Suaram seeks repeal of restrictive assembly law
PETALING JAYA: Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) has emphasised the need for amendments to the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) 2012, highlighting the importance of recognising gatherings as a constitutional right, not just a privilege. Suaram executive director Azura Nasron said while amendments to Section 11 of the PAA are crucial, it was equally important to repeal Section 9(5) of the same law. 'Sections 9(5) and 11 have long operated in tandem to entrench an authorisation-centric culture, where peaceful assemblies are treated as privileges subject to approval rather than inalienable constitutional rights. 'Amending one without repealing the other leaves the underlying legal framework fundamentally flawed and impairs the development of a culture grounded in the presumption that peaceful assemblies are lawful,' said Azura in a statement on Thursday (July 2). She said that under international norms, restrictions on peaceful gatherings must be the exception. 'The continued existence of Section 9(5) undermines this principle and obstructs the full realisation of the right to assemble under Article 10(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution,' she added. Article 10(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution guarantees every Malaysian citizen the right to freedom of speech and expression. Azura also criticised a recent remark by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution who said that close to 99% of assemblies in 2023 and 2024 proceeded without restrictions. 'Assemblies critical of government-linked corruption or human rights violations remain more vulnerable to surveillance, investigation, and administrative obstruction. 'These figures do not reflect the chilling effect of selective enforcement, nor do they counteract the entrenched perception - enabled by laws like Section 9(5) - that peaceful assembly is conditional on state approval,' said Azura. Section 9(5) of the PAA provides a criminal penalty on organisers of public gatherings who failed to give police at least five days' notice before holding an assembly. Section 11 in the PAA provides that an organiser of an assembly, other than a religious assembly or funeral procession, must obtain the consent of the owner of the place of the assembly. On Tuesday (July 1), the Federal Court's five-member bench ruled that a provision under Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, which penalised an organiser who failed to provide the police with a five-day prior notice before holding an assembly, is unconstitutional. Saifuddin said the Home Ministry will table amendments to Section 11 of the PAA in the upcoming parliamentary sitting that begins this month. He also said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim implemented a moratorium on legal proceedings under Section 9(5) of the PAA as part of the government's broader agenda to reform the law. Commenting further, Azura asked Putrajaya to clarify the status of the moratorium, as it remains unclear whether this is a new policy shift. 'A moratorium on Section 9(5) must be explicitly announced and enforced—covering all ongoing investigations and prosecutions—until formal legislative repeal is completed,' she said. Azura also urged the government to consult civil society before the next parliamentary sitting on the proposed PAA amendments to ensure they reflect current realities and international human rights standards. 'Review and amend other provisions of the PAA that are incompatible with international standards - including Section 4(d), which unjustifiably prohibits individuals below 21 years old from organising assemblies,' she added. The next Parliamentary sitting will sit from July 21 till Aug 28.
