This is the final instalment of a four-part series on propelling the Madani economy. To summarise, fuel subsidy rationalisation is a contractionary but necessary move for Malaysia, discussed in Part I (“Taking a systems approach to fuel subsidies”, Issue 1515, March 18). In Part II (“Breaking out...

My Say: Madani-Bersama: Address disparities to unlock powerful engines of growth

In a world of depressing news headlines, how is the Southeast Asian region faring? An examination of the risk environment leads us to a few key assessments.

First, being one of the main arenas for US-China contestation, this region is exposed to potentially nasty scenarios if big power ...

My Say: How risks have changed in Southeast Asia

It was my privilege to have had the opportunity to participate in the Sejahtera Malaysia Forum on April 29, at Le Quadri Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, where the Minister of National Unity Malaysia, Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, delivered the keynote address alongside distinguished panel speakers such as Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen, MP of Kuching, Faye Lim, founder of The Rojak Projek, and Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, president of the KSI Strategic Institute for the Asia-Pacific. I was struck by the profound depth of our discourse.

Appreciation of history: A pathway to national unity

Islamic finance, built on ethical principles and profit-sharing, aims to offer an alternative to the conventional financial system. However, navigating the complexities of modern society presents challenges to its continued growth and accessibility. Addressing these hurdles is crucial to unlockin...

Campus View: Navigating the future of Islamic finance in a modern world

I love Kuala Lumpur, the city where I was born — to be precise, it was in Maternity Ward 3 of the old General Hospital. The wooden structure of Ward 3 has long given way to new medical facilities, but the General Hospital has remained at the intersection of Jalan Pahang and Jalan Tun Razak since ...

My Say: KL’s heritage buildings are in dire need of preservation

Ukraine last week got a vital US$61 billion (RM291.1 billion) lifeline from the US. But it still needs a medium-term funding plan to withstand Russia’s onslaught. Mobilising Moscow’s frozen central bank assets to provide compensation for war damages should be central to this.

Breakingviews: Ukraine’s US$61b lifeline is not enough

What appears to be a common partnership between landowner and developer to develop a parcel of land has turned out to be a transaction where there is more than meets the eye.

Frankly Speaking: YNH raises eyebrows again

So, what can be wrong with the unity government?

It has a two-thirds majority, it is made up of four coalitions of parties, none of whom would be in positions of power if they did not work together, and it is headed by a man who had been trying to become prime minister ever since any Ma...

Picking On The Present: Guidelines for reform and unity: Technocracy, regionality and solidarity

The business reorganisation plan announced last week by the two friends and business partners — Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and Datuk Kamarudin Meranun — is the final piece of the jigsaw to get the group of companies they control back on a stronger footing, at least in the restructuring of their balance sheet.

Frankly Speaking: Best chance for Cap A and AAX

Gadang Holdings Bhd recently announced that the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) had rejected its application to waive the 30% bumiputera equity requirement for its acquisition of 21.08 acres of land in Kwasa Damansara for RM114.78 million.

Frankly Speaking: When to set aside bumi equity rule

Rich nations’ climate hypocrisy is accelerating global heating, pushing the planet closer to irreversible catastrophe, with its worst consequences borne by the poorest, both countries and peoples.

Climate injustice

While official and other discourses acknowledge or even invo...

My Say: Rich nation hypocrisy accelerating global heating

Last week, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said a memorandum of understanding will be signed between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority in a bid to accelerate the adoption of 5G networks, particularly by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Frankly Speaking: Accelerate 5G adoption via competitive pricing

Last December, the European Union set a global precedent by finalizing the Artificial Intelligence Act, one of the world’s most comprehensive sets of AI rules. Europe’s landmark legislation could signal a broader trend toward more responsive AI policies. But while regulation is necessary, it is i...

The Visible Hand: Governments must shape AI’s future

At my Chinese New Year gatherings this year, some friends divulged that their calendar was filled with “appointments” to conceive “dragon babies” before the “deadline”.

It’s fascinating how many in modern society still adopt feng shui as a guide in important decisions in life, despite t...

My Say: Feng shui, confirmation bias and polarisation

The government will continue to monitor the impact on inflation in the country following the announcement of a more than 13% increase in civil servants' salaries this December.

Anwar: Putrajaya will keep eye on inflation rate following civil service pay hike

US private payrolls increased more than expected in April, suggesting that the labor market maintained its momentum early in the second quarter.

US private payrolls beat expectations in April 

Yum Brands reported a fall in quarterly global same-store sales on Wednesday, hurt by choppy demand for its KFC and Pizza Hut brands from inflation-weary consumers in the United States as well as in overseas markets.

KFC parent Yum reports surprise drop in global same-store sales on weak demand

Shell has exited China's power markets as part of CEO Wael Sawan's drive to focus on more profitable operations including its natural gas and oil businesses.

Shell exits China power market businesses

The retail price of RON97 petrol remains unchanged at RM3.47 per litre, with RON95 also unchanged at RM2.05 per litre, from May 2 to May 8, according to the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday.

Fuel prices unchanged till May 8

The dollar edged towards its highest level this year against a basket of peers and US share futures dipped on Wednesday ahead of a Federal Reserve policy decision, though trading was thin with many European and Asian markets closed.

Dollar near five-month highs ahead of Fed policy decision

Bitcoin slid by almost 6% on Wednesday, having posted its worst monthly performance in April since late 2022, as investors pulled money out of cryptocurrencies ahead of an interest rate decision by the Federal Reserve later.

Crypto washout sends bitcoin below US$58,000 into bear market

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised that any party associating him and the government with a purported casino project in Forest City must face legal action.

Those who spread lies on Forest City casino project ought to be jailed, says PM

Details regarding the salary increase for civil servants will be announced during the tabling of Budget 2025 in October this year.

Details of civil servants’ wage hike to be announced in Budget 2025, says Fahmi 

China's Huawei Technologies has moved the high-profile chief of its consumer business, Yu Chengdong, to a new role as chair of the unit, two people with knowledge of the matter said.

Huawei's high-profile consumer CEO Richard Yu shifts role

Yum Brands reported a fall in quarterly global same-store sales on Wednesday, hurt by choppy demand for its KFC and Pizza Hut brands from inflation-weary consumers in the United States as well as in overseas markets.

Shell has exited China's power markets as part of CEO Wael Sawan's drive to focus on more profitable operations including its natural gas and oil businesses.

The government will continue to monitor the impact on inflation in the country following the announcement of a more than 13% increase in civil servants' salaries this December.

US private payrolls increased more than expected in April, suggesting that the labor market maintained its momentum early in the second quarter.

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