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Malay Mail
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
In latest bid, lawyer sues to make Federal Constitution's BM translation override original English text
KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 — Lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla has filed a lawsuit against the Malaysian government, as he wants the Bahasa Malaysia translation of the Federal Constitution to be the authoritative text or to override the original text which is in English. In his court challenge filed last night at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur, Haniff is seeking two main court orders. He wants the court to declare that the Federal Constitution's text in the national language is the authoritative text under Article 160B, and that this national language text would prevail over the text in the English language, if there are any conflicts or discrepancies between the two texts. Alternatively, he wants the court to order the Malaysian government to take all necessary steps to ensure that the national language text of the Federal Constitution is prescribed to be the authoritative text within five years from the court order. The Federal Constitution's Article 160B states that when the Constitution has been translated into the national language, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong 'may prescribe' the national language text to be authoritative, and that it would then prevail over the English language text if there are any conflicts or discrepancies. In his lawsuit, Haniff argued that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's 2003 'launch' of the BM translation of the Federal Constitution would amount to 'prescribing' it as the authoritative text. This is not the first time that Haniff has raised this argument in the courts to claim that the BM text is the authoritative version, as he has previously raised it on behalf of Islamic religious bodies to argue that unilateral religious conversions of children are valid. Previously, the Federal Court had in 2018 unanimously decided in Hindu mother M. Indira Gandhi's case that the Federal Constitution's English text is authoritative as there is no evidence that the BM text has been prescribed to be authoritative. The Federal Court in 2024 had also unanimously in Hindu mother Loh Siew Hong's case ruled that the Federal Constitution's English text is the authoritative text and held that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had not prescribed the BM translation to be authoritative. The Federal Constitution was drafted in the English language and it has been the authoritative text in Malaysia since 1963, while the BM translation was reportedly launched in 2003. The latest reprint as of 2020 of the Federal Constitution's BM translation carries this note: 'Teks ini HANYALAH TERJEMAHAN oleh Jabatan Peguam Negara bagi Federal Constitution. Melainkan jika dan sehingga ditetapkan sahih di bawah Perkara 160B Perlembagaan Persekutuan, teks ini bukan perundangan'. In English, the note means: 'This text is ONLY A TRANSLATION by the Attorney General's Chambers for the Federal Constitution. Unless and until prescribed as authoritative under Article 160B of the Federal Constitution, this text is not law.' In 2023, then attorney general Tan Sri Idrus Harun announced plans to propose for the Federal Constitution's BM text to be the authoritative text under Article 160B, and said this plan would be subject to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's approval.
Malay Mail
27-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Anwar in Jakarta for talks with Prabowo on bilateral ties, regional stability
JAKARTA, June 27 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived in Jakarta today for an official visit, during which he is scheduled to meet President Prabowo Subianto. They will discuss key bilateral issues, follow up on recent Asean engagements, and explore ways to strengthen regional stability as Malaysia and Indonesia deepen their strategic cooperation. The visit comes as Malaysia holds the Asean Chairmanship for 2025, with Kuala Lumpur continuing to lead key regional agendas throughout the year. Anwar touched down at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in East Jakarta at around 1 pm local time, where he was warmly received by Prabowo. The Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour upon arrival. Anwar leads a high-level delegation that includes Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz; Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir; Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil; and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. Upon arriving at Istana Merdeka, Anwar was received by Prabowo and conducted a customary inspection of the guard of honour mounted by the Presidential Security Force, followed by the playing of national anthems and a gun salute. Both leaders then introduced their respective ministerial delegations, followed by a photo session and the signing of the guest book. The programme continued with a four-eye meeting between Anwar and Prabowo, held behind closed doors, before ministers from both sides joined an extended bilateral meeting. The meetings are expected to focus on trade, investment, education, communications, commodities and regional affairs, in line with the ministerial portfolios represented in the Malaysian delegation. The visit also forms part of preparations for the 13th Annual Malaysia–Indonesia Consultation, scheduled to take place later this year. — Bernama
Malay Mail
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
PM Anwar: Govt monitoring Iran-Israel conflict, no decision yet on evacuation of Malaysians
KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 — The Malaysian Government is closely monitoring the escalating conflict in Iran following Israel's recent military strikes, but has yet to make any decision regarding the evacuation of Malaysians currently in the region. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that, so far, no decision has been made to bring home Malaysians from the affected areas. 'Not yet,' he replied briefly when asked after officiating the SASANA Symposium at Sasana Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia, here today. Also present were the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Bank Negara Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour and Treasury director-general Datuk Johan Mahmood @ Johan Mahmood Merican. Last Friday, Israel launched a series of strikes on Iranian territory, reportedly killing several high-ranking military officials and scientists. In retaliation, Iran fired ballistic missiles at several locations in Israel, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that no Malaysians in Iran have been reported affected by the attacks. — Bernama
Borneo Post
03-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
EPF records total investment income of RM18.31 bln for 1Q 2025
File photo for illustration purposes KUALA LUMPUR (June 4): The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) recorded investment income totalling RM18.31 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 (1Q 2025), a 13 per cent decline from RM20.99 billion in the corresponding period in 2024. It said the total investment income includes RM1.02 billion mark-to-market gains on securities that have not been realised, due to foreign exchange rate fluctuations. In line with the EPF's policy, these gains will not be distributable as dividends. EPF chief executive officer Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn noted that global markets turned volatile early in 2025 on renewed trade frictions and policy uncertainty. He added that uncertainties surrounding US trade policies affect major stock markets throughout the quarter although the tariff announcement was made by the US administration on April 2. 'Despite the moderation of inflationary pressures in many economies, the pace and timing of monetary policy easing differed across regions, dampening risk appetites. Our diversified global portfolio cushioned the impact and kept the EPF on course for long-term value creation,' Ahmad Zulqarnain said in a statement yesterday. During 1Q 2025, equities contributed RM10.81 billion, a 23 per cent decline from RM14.02 billion recorded in 1Q 2024 mainly due to weaker performance across global equity markets and a challenging investment climate. EPF said equities continued to be the highest contributor, accounting for 59 per cent of total investment income while fixed Income continued to anchor capital preservation, contributing RM5.99 billion or 33 per cent of total investment income. Fixed income, comprising Malaysian Government securities and equivalents, loans and bonds, continued to fulfil its dual mandate of delivering stable returns and as a counterbalance to equity market fluctuations. Real estate and infrastructure recorded an income of RM1.08 billion in 1Q 2025, while money market instruments generated RM0.43 billion, in line with return expectations for these asset classes. Of the total investment income, RM15.87 billion was generated for conventional savings and RM2.44 billion for shariah savings. As of March 2025, EPF's investment assets totalled RM1.26 trillion, with 38 per cent invested internationally. During the period, international investments generated RM8 billion or 44 per cent of the total investment income. The EPF said its domestic investments, which account for 62 per cent of total assets, continued to provide long-term income stability through dividends, interests and profits from sukuk. It added that the EPF remains committed to supporting Malaysia's economic growth by continuing to invest over 70 per cent of its annual allocation in the domestic market. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zulqarnain said the downward revisions in global and regional growth forecasts, including Malaysia's, reflect rising external risks amid shifting global trade dynamics. 'In a more challenging and uncertain market environment, the EPF maintains a dynamic and well-diversified portfolio to help safeguard value and manage downside risks. We continue to actively explore investment opportunities across both domestic and international markets to strengthen our portfolio and support long-term, sustainable returns for our members,' he added. During the period, the EPF registered 140,111 new members, raising total membership to 16.3 million. Of these, 8.88 million are active members, representing 51.3 per cent of the 17.31 million labour force. The EPF's active-to-inactive member ratio remained stable at 54:46 in 1Q 2025. New employer registration reached 19,600 in the first quarter of this year, increasing total active employers registered with the EPF to 616,558. Total contributions increased by 15.1 per cent to RM33.54 billion, up from RM29.13 billion in 1Q 2024 while total voluntary contributions rose by 62 per cent to RM7.02 billion, from RM4.33 billion a year earlier. The EPF said the number of formal sector members contributing above the statutory rate was 10,990 in 1Q 2025, compared to 6,771 in the same period last year. – Bernama Employees Provident Fund first quarter investment income
Bloomberg
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Malaysia's Anwar Defends Lengthening Tenure of Anti-Graft Chief
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim defended an extension of the anti-corruption agency head's tenure, saying Azam Baki has been brave in going after powerful figures allegedly embroiled in corruption and abuse of power. Azam's term as chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission was lengthened by a year starting May 13, the third extension since he turned 60 years old. He is also the first head of the agency to have his employment prolonged beyond the mandatory retirement age, stoking public debate about Anwar's pledges to improve Malaysia's governance.
