Latest news with #WPA
Observer
9 hours ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman makes steady progress across key listed sectors
The first half of 2025 delivered strong performance across Oman's key listed sectors, continuing the positive trajectory from 2024. The financial sector demonstrated robust growth driven by resilient banking results and increased lending volumes, with most major banks reporting double-digit profit increases. The industrial sector exhibited commendable resilience with significant gains in construction and stable manufacturing performance, despite some companies facing cost pressures. The energy sector showed mixed results, with Sohar Power's return to production offset by lower revenue at SMN Power, following new PPA and WPA agreements. Meanwhile, the oil and gas segment faced challenges from global market volatility despite some companies achieving significant growth, while the tourism sector showed modest gains but continued to struggle with market competition and oversupply. The financial sector in Oman demonstrated robust growth throughout the first half of 2025, primarily driven by the strong performance of the banking industry and increased lending volumes. Bank Muscat maintained its leadership, posting a 12% profit increase to RO 126 million. In contrast, Sohar International was the only bank to record a decline, with profits falling 8% below the same period last year to RO 46 million, indicating challenges from increased operational costs and impairment provisions. Meanwhile, the other listed banks reported net profit increases ranging from 10% to 15%. The insurance sector experienced a strong recovery, notably led by Liva Group, which recorded a profit of RO 9m compared to a RO 16 million loss, following the 2024 insurance losses from storms in the UAE. Takaful Oman also achieved a significant recovery, turning a prior loss of RO 102k into a profit of RO 1.2 million. Leasing companies sustained modest but reliable progress in profitability. The industrial sector demonstrated commendable resilience compared to the previous year, with notable growth primarily driven by the construction segment. Raysut Cement, despite ongoing challenges and fair value losses on assets, made progress in mitigating financial losses, narrowing its loss to RO 2.9 million from RO 4.6 million. In contrast, Jazeera Steel saw a significant 60% surge in profit, reaching RO 4 million, propelled by increased demand for steel products. Within the manufacturing subsector, performance remained stable. Dhofar Foods and Investments achieved a remarkable turnaround, posting a profit of RO 239k after a loss of RO 1.5 million in the prior year. Similarly, Oman Refreshments successfully reversed its previous year's loss of RO 1.4 million, achieving a profitability of RO 1.1 million due to increased revenue. Voltamp Energy experienced a substantial increase in profit, rising to RO 6.7 million from RO 2 million, reflecting its strong market position in energy equipment manufacturing. Oman Cables and Oman Flour Mills continued to achieve high profitability, reinforcing their vital role in strengthening the manufacturing sector's resilience and growth. The service sector, encompassing energy, oil and gas, tourism, and diversified industries, recorded an overall gain of 4% in the first half of 2025.
Leader Live
4 days ago
- General
- Leader Live
Tributes paid to Wrexham pub landlord after sudden death
Glenn Hamilton sadly died at Wrexham Maelor Hospital on June 18 due to coronary thrombosis (blood clot on the heart) - two days before his 53rd birthday. Loving husband of Patricia for almost 30 years, and proud father of twin boys Lyndon and Cameron, he will be very sadly missed by all who knew him. Glenn with his twin boys, Lyndon and Cameron (Image: Family photo) He ran The King William pub in Summerhill, alongside Patricia, for the last nine years. As a testament to his character, over 200 people attended his funeral at Pentre Bychan Crematorium. Glenn, a proud Scotsman, served in the army for 24 years - meeting Patricia while posted in Northern Ireland. Their children were born in Glasgow before the family moved to the Wrexham area. Glenn, Patricia, Lyndon and Cameron (Image: Family photo) Paying tribute, Patricia said: "He'd do anything for anybody. One of the last conversations he had with one of our regulars, Bryn, was that Bryn was talking about having a long car journey to collect car parts. "Glenn asked where Bryn was going, and after hearing where he said he was heading that way anyway and said he'd do a little de-tour to pick up the parts for Bryn - who's in his 70s and wasn't looking forward to the drive. "That's just an example of the sort of man Glenn was." Glenn and pub regular, Cliff Phillpott (Image: Family photo) She added: "He was a cheeky chappy, and would always have little jokes with people. He loved football, and was a Celtic and Liverpool fan. All three of my boys were born in Glasgow - and I love the fact that all my boys were Scottish. "He taught our boys (now aged 16) to play pool from a young age, and they both play pool for Wales u18s. He also coached the Llay junior football team they play for. He loved the boys, and our dogs, so much - and sadly missed their recent school prom. (Image: Family photo) "As landlord of the pub, he was really popular. He'd always know what channel to turn on the TV when certain people came in, and he'd always give our older ladies a hug goodbye when they left - as well as a kiss on the cheek when they asked: 'Where's my kiss'. People came from all over for the funeral." A spokesperson for The Welsh Pool Association (WPA) said: "The Welsh Pool Association would like to send their condolences to the family of Glenn Hamilton. "We are truly saddened to hear of his sudden passing. A true loss to the pool community, as a father to two of our international unders players, Lyndon and Cameron, and as a WPA team manager. RIP, Glenn." Read more Annie Perry, a member of the Summerhill community, set up a GoFundMe page for Patricia and family at this difficult time. It has raised over £600 and can accessed via It states: "This page has been set up at a time when we are all truly devastated by the sudden passing of the amazing Glenn Hamilton, we are thinking of Trish, Lyndon and Cameron as they work through this difficult time. "Glenn, Trish, Lyndon and Cameron have been a huge part of our community running The King William pub for many years. They have been there for so many of us when we've had a rubbish day or when we are celebrating, they have made it the heart of the community and we want to now show our appreciation for being there for us to now be there for them. Glenn and Patricia on their wedding day. (Image: Family photo) "We want to help eliminate the immediate financial burden, to take away some of the stress so they can concentrate on each other as a family and can focus on getting through this time." It adds: "With our support to raise some funds, hopefully we will be able to help in a practical way. "We understand that we are in hard financial times, so if you can donate anything to help, to show our love and support we would very much appreciate it. Let's gather together when Trish, Lyndon and Cameron need us the most."
Sinar Daily
7 days ago
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
APPGM urges stronger structural reforms in Whistleblower protection law
SHAH ALAM - Civil society groups and experts working with the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia (APPGM) on Integrity, Governance and Anti-Corruption shared cautious optimism following the recent tabling of amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) 2010. In a joint media statement, the group welcomed the move as both timely and important, but stressed that the proposed revisions remained insufficient and required significant improvements to guarantee meaningful and lasting protection for whistleblowers. The group raised six key points to highlight gaps in the current reform framework. 1. Interim committee cannot replace an ombudsman The partners stressed that the proposed interim committee must not become a permanent solution. 'An ombudsman must be introduced to replace the functions of the interim committee as per the commitment by the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) 'In the interim period, the committee must include independent civil society actors, legal and governance experts—not just government insiders and that appointments should be transparent and criteria-based,' the statement said. 2. Independent ombudsman is non-negotiable Echoing long-standing calls for institutional reform, the coalition emphasised that without an independent ombudsman, the WPA remains structurally weak. They warned that the absence of this key body leaves whistleblower protections 'vulnerable to selective enforcement and political interference.' The group demanded that the ombudsman be established without further delay. 3. Section 6 amendments must override conflicting laws The partners voiced strong support for proposed amendments to Section 6 of the Act, saying it was essential for the WPA to override conflicting laws such as the Official Secrets Act and Section 203A of the Penal Code. 'Until this is clearly codified, whistleblowers remain at legal risk—defeating the purpose of the Act,' the statement read. 4. Recognition of S11(1A) as positive step They acknowledged the introduction of a new clause, Section 11(1A), as a constructive improvement. 'We welcome the inclusion of S11(1A) which states that notwithstanding S11(1)(a), the protection conferred to the whistleblower may be maintained by the enforcement agency,' they said. The clause grants agencies discretionary powers to maintain protection based on investigation findings, which the group saw as a step in the right direction. 5. Multi-stakeholder process must be preserved The group stressed the importance of maintaining an open and inclusive reform process. 'The WPA amendments are the result of years of multi-stakeholder engagement. The reform process must remain open, inclusive and guided by evidence and international best practice. 'We caution against any regression to closed-door policymaking,' they warned. 6. Bipartisan support is critical In closing, the partners reaffirmed their commitment to upholding integrity and transparency. 'Real reform requires more than technical adjustments—it requires legal clarity, structural safeguards and institutional courage,' they said. They also expressed readiness to work with the government to ensure a robust whistleblower protection framework and praised Members of Parliament who had championed these reforms. 'We also commend the MPs raising these issues in Parliament today and urge continued leadership in seeing these reforms through,' the statement said.
The Sun
23-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Whistleblower Protection Act amendments boost legal safeguards
KUALA LUMPUR: The bill to amend the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 (WPA) (Act 711), passed in the Dewan Rakyat today, is a major amendment that will boost the effectiveness of the Act. Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan said the WPA was passed in 2010 to provide protection to whistleblowers, but there are several flaws in the Act that severely hampered its effectiveness. 'One major flaw in the Act is that the disclosure made must not be prohibited by any written law. This is found in a proviso in Section 6(1) of the Act. 'Thus, the disclosure of matters covered by the Official Secrets Act 1972, for example, would not attract protection under the Act. 'Consider the offence under Section 203A of the Penal Code of 'disclosure of information'. Under the section, a person who discloses any information or matter which he has obtained in the performance of his duties, or the exercise of his functions under any written law, commits an offence,' he said in a Facebook post on Tuesday (July 22). For example, he said if an individual uncovers improper conduct in a ministry, but that information is classified by the Official Secrets Act (OSA), even if he discloses it to an enforcement agency, he will not be accorded protection under the WPA. Syahredzan said laws such as the OSA and Section 203A of the Penal Code resulted in many whistleblowers and potential whistleblowers not falling under the ambit of protection within the WPA. 'With the amendment today, such disclosures are no longer disqualified. The proviso in Section 6(1) will be removed. In other words, even if the improper conduct is contained in a document classified under the OSA, the whistleblower can still be protected,' he said. He further said that if this bill becomes law after going through the Dewan Negara and the rest of the legislative process, a whistleblower will be protected even though the disclosure is prohibited by law. - Bernama
The Star
23-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Amendments to Whistleblower Protection Act a major reform, says Bangi MP
KUALA LUMPUR: The bill to amend the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 (WPA) (Act 711), passed in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (July 22), is a major amendment that will boost the effectiveness of the Act. Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan said the WPA was passed in 2010 to provide protection to whistleblowers, but there are several flaws in the Act that severely hampered its effectiveness. "One major flaw in the Act (prior to the amendment) was that the disclosure made must not be prohibited by any written law. This is found in a proviso in Section 6(1) of the Act. "Thus, the disclosure of matters covered by the Official Secrets Act 1972, for example, would not attract protection under the Act. "Consider the offence under Section 203A of the Penal Code of 'disclosure of information'. Under the section, a person who discloses any information or matter which he has obtained in the performance of his duties, or the exercise of his functions under any written law, commits an offence," he said in a Facebook post on Tuesday. For example, he said if an individual uncovers improper conduct in a ministry, but that information is classified by the Official Secrets Act (OSA), even if he discloses it to an enforcement agency, he will not be accorded protection under the WPA. Syahredzan said laws such as the OSA and Section 203A of the Penal Code resulted in many whistleblowers and potential whistleblowers not falling under the ambit of protection within the WPA. "With the amendment today, such disclosures are no longer disqualified. The proviso in Section 6(1) will be removed. In other words, even if the improper conduct is contained in a document classified under the OSA, the whistleblower can still be protected," he said. He further said that if this bill becomes law after going through the Dewan Negara and the rest of the legislative process, a whistleblower will be protected even though the disclosure is prohibited by law. - Bernama
