Is EPF's income decline cause for concern?

Is EPF's income decline cause for concern?

P Gunasegaram
Published: Aug 1, 2025 8:03 AM
Updated: 10:03 AM



COMMENT | When information is lacking, it is a sign that not all is right. Tanjong Karang MP Zulkafperi Hanapi, obviously piqued by a drop in the Employees Provident Fund’s (EPF) income, asked in Parliament whether it was tied to its overseas assets.

Good question. But the written answer he got was the same stock reply that the EPF gave in June when it announced the first quarter performance for 2025.

Total income declined 13 percent to RM18.31 billion, and equity income, accounting for six tenths of total income, declined by 23 percent to RM10.81 billion.

The media reported the written reply by the Finance Ministry: “The weaker performance was largely driven by rising global trade tensions and the unpredictable trade policies of the United States.

“The ministry said the impact of current market conditions was reflected in EPF’s equity investment returns, which fell by two percent to RM10.81 billion in 1Q 2025, from RM14.02 billion in 1Q 2024.”

Astute readers will see that the decline in equity income was wrongly reported - it’s not two percent but 23 percent.


Markets declined by less

That’s nearly a quarter drop in investment income, but crucially, markets did not decline anywhere near that.

The MSCI World Index Global Development declined just 0.9 percent, and the MSCI Global All Cap by just 1.61 percent. In the US, the S&P declined 4.3 percent and the Dow Jones slid 10.5 percent. But the MSCI EMU index, reflecting the Eurozone, rose over 11 percent.

The major decline was Japan, with the Nikkei 225 down over 14 percent. The Malaysian market declined by just 7.8 percent, a third of the 23 percent drop in EPF’s equity income.

The mystery: why did equity income decline so much more? Broadly speaking, the EPF has two accounts - investment and trading. For investment, the EPF can recognise dividend income and any permanent increase in the value of investments.

For the trading account, gains and losses must be recognised as incurred and dividend income received can be recognised as well.


Did EPF incur unexpected losses?

Since the markets have not declined as much as 23 percent, it is fair to infer that the EPF has incurred unexpected losses in some of these areas. But it does not disclose any of these in its announcement.

Were there any large transactions that lost money? How, why and when did it happen? Was there any way it could have been avoided? How did the trading account do? Were there large provisions for diminution in value? These are some questions.

In the announcement on June 3, EPF CEO Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn said: “Global markets turned volatile early in 2025 on renewed trade frictions and policy uncertainty.

“Whilst the announcement of tariffs was made by the US administration on April 2, uncertainties surrounding US trade policies had begun to affect major stock markets throughout the quarter.

“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.”

EPF CEO Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn


The announcement further said: “During the quarter under review, Equities contributed RM10.81 billion, a 23 percent decline from RM14.02 billion recorded in Q1 2024.

“The drop was mainly due to weaker performance across global equity markets and a challenging investment climate. The asset class continued to be the highest contributor, accounting for 59 percent of total investment income.”


EPF’s deafening silence

As we saw, weaker performance across global markets could not have accounted for the steeper fall in EPF’s equity income - perhaps “a challenging investment climate” is more responsible. Lamentably, EPF is silent, giving rise to much needless speculation. Instead, it’s chosen to limit information and enlightenment.

To add fuel to speculation, the RM18.31 billion total investment income for the first quarter includes RM1.02 billion as mark-to-market gains on securities not yet realised, due to foreign exchange rate fluctuations. In line with the EPF’s policy, these gains will not be distributable as dividends.

Consequently, the investment income falls to an effective RM17.29 billion, deepening the decline to 18 percent (rather than 13 percent) from the RM21 billion reported by EPF for the previous quarter.

All these, if left alone, can lead to undue speculation over the state of affairs at EPF that neither EPF and the government, on one hand, nor the EPF members, on the other, want to perpetuate and prolong.

The only way to avoid this is to provide full information. From the time of its inception in 1951, EPF, one of the world’s oldest and largest pension funds, has been cagey about giving full information, citing competitive and market factors.


Outdated, archaic excuse

That is an outdated and archaic excuse which needs to be discarded forthwith, partly caused by the government’s historical “interfering hands” in its running through board and key managerial appointments and using that influence.

It’s a long history I won’t get into here, but the current government must be wary of and not make a mistake by using the funds for political purposes - it must always be professionally run with due regard to 16 million members and only them.

The one way that is possible, as in most developed markets, is full disclosure of investments by retirement funds at least on a quarterly basis.

Here’s a foreign example. The largest retirement fund in the US is CalPERS, the California public servants retirement scheme, with US$500 billion or RM2.13 trillion in money invested on behalf of more than two million members.

The EPF is more than half the size of CalPERS at RM1.26 trillion invested as of the end of March, but has eight times the number of members at over 16 million. But tellingly, CalPERS has much more public information.


Full disclosure to remove doubts

It has an annual investment report of 340 pages, detailing all its investments. Anyone can download it, and it’s only part of the information available on its very comprehensive website.

Our EPF’s annual report for 2024 is yet to be released (I could not find it on its website). While the EPF is one of the better-managed government funds and bodies, it needs full disclosure to keep interfering government hands out and to show that it is above any mischief.

Right now, these doubts that have been raised can only be cleared by the EPF, which should explain in full why its equity income collapsed by nearly a quarter when most world markets were down by less than half, and in most cases, with some even showing substantial gains.

That will silence the doubting Thomases, such as me. But continued silence by the EPF will only increase uncertainty among EPF members, of which I remain one.

One last question which will be on everyone’s minds: How much will it affect dividend income this year, given that last year’s was 6.3 percent? That’s a trillion-ringgit question deserving of an answer.

P GUNASEGARAM says full disclosure engenders confidence while paucity perpetuates doubt.

PAS pledges progress for Sabah ahead of state polls

PAS pledges progress for Sabah ahead of state polls


Published: Aug 2, 2025 10:32 AM
Updated: 12:32 PM


PAS has reiterated its commitment to defend the rights and interests of Sabahans should the party be given a mandate in the upcoming 17th state election.

Its secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said PAS has consistently raised Sabah-related issues, including the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), rural development, and poverty alleviation.

“PAS was previously part of the federal government, and during that time, I personally, as the law minister, played a key role in the MA63 negotiations with (then-Sabah and Sarawak affairs minister) Maximus Ongkili.

“We achieved a lot of progress through close cooperation between the federal and state governments. Although we are no longer in power, this struggle will not stop,” he said.

Takiyuddin, who is also the Perikatan Nasional deputy secretary-general, said this during the Jelajah Rakyat programme in Tawau last night.

He stressed that PAS holds to the principle that Islam offers comprehensive solutions to various challenges, including governance, social justice, and societal harmony.

“Islam guarantees justice for all, regardless of race or religion. This principle is at the core of PAS’ struggle.

“We believe the people of Sabah can accept this inclusive and unifying approach,” said the Kota Bharu MP.

He added that PAS respects the multiracial and multireligious composition of Sabah and will engage with the public through a harmonious and holistic approach.

“Sabah is the best example of unity among people of diverse backgrounds. We will approach the people with a message of Islam that is just, open, and focused on the welfare of all,” he said.

***

Which non-Muslim would believe a PAS minister/leader? And looking at Kelantan and Terengganu, ask what frigging progress for Sabah can PAS promise if it wins majority rule in Sabah?

3 schoolmates among 60 quizzed over Zara Qairina’s death

FMT:

3 schoolmates among 60 quizzed over Zara Qairina’s death


Sabah education director Raisin Saidin says none of the students were expelled or linked to VIPs

Police are investigating the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, who allegedly fell from her school hostel in Papar, Sabah. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Three students from Zara Qairina Mahathir’s school are among 60 people questioned over the 13-year-old’s death in Papar, Sabah.

Sabah education director Raisin Saidin said none of the three students had been expelled, Sinar Harian reported.

Raisin Saidin.


“They are also not linked to any VIPs or to the police,” he was quoted as saying.

Raisin said the state education department is leaving the matter to the police for a thorough investigation.

Zara Qairina, a Form One student, was found unconscious at 4am on July 16 after she allegedly fell from the third floor of her school hostel in Papar.

Sabah police commissioner Jauteh Dikun said Bukit Aman is reviewing the case, and police have not ruled out the possibility that the teen was bullied.

More buses not enough without proper city planning, says expert

FMT:

More buses not enough without proper city planning, says expert


3 hours ago
Nicholas Chung


Transport consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan says an additional fleet of buses and on-demand vans will not deliver results if they are stuck in traffic as everyone else

The government has announced plans to add 300 on-demand vans and 1,200 buses in major cities but transport experts call for coordination with local councils. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Providing more buses and on-demand vans does not instantly mean better mobility for the public, unless it comes with a coordinated system and proper city planning, says a transport expert.

Transport consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan of My Mobility Vision said the absence of a working and efficient ecosystem would still hinder results.

He pointed to the need for better local planning and called for local governments to be roped in from the onset whenever the federal government plans public transport networks.


“A bus, no matter how modern or efficient, cannot deliver results if it’s stuck in the same traffic as everyone else. A van-on-demand service won’t solve mobility issues if it’s not connected to local travel patterns or coordinated with other modes.

“People can’t walk to a bus stop if the footpath is cracked, shaded by nothing, or ends without warning. Mobility is not just about vehicles, it’s about the entire journey.


“And that journey is shaped by how we plan our streets, manage our space, and design our cities,” he told FMT.

Wan Agyl, a former official of the Land Public Transport Commission (now known as the Land Public Transport Agency), said local governments decide on road designs, location of bus stops, and the construction of shaded footpaths or shelters.

Many local plans still give priority to car access over walkability, with spaces allocated for parking spots but not for pedestrian paths.

“Buses are essential. So are vans. But they must operate within a coordinated ecosystem. They need lanes that protect them from congestion. They need pedestrian networks that allow people to reach them without risk. And they need to be planned in consultation with the people who govern the streets, not in isolation from them.”


Separate bus lanes

Fellow transport consultant Rosli Khan also called for segregated bus lanes that are either physically separated by barriers or strictly enforced, instead of just being mere painted lanes, so as to prevent misuse.

He said the government could start introducing this in Kuala Lumpur, followed by Penang, Johor Bahru and other state capitals, adding that a pilot could first be done in the capital city’s major roads.

Rosli also said it was important to increase the proportion of routes that offer 15-minute intervals even during peak hours in order to make travelling by bus more appealing.


“The government should integrate journey‑planner tools and ensure apps like Google Maps accurately show timings and reliability of bus services,” he said.

Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), the government plans to add 300 on-demand vans and 1,200 buses in major cities to make public transport more reliable and accessible for commuters, and 217 new passenger train sets to increase service frequency.


Other major cities

Rosli asked what initiatives would be undertaken in other major cities and state capitals, which do not have mass transit systems.

“So buses will be their main public transit mode. Is this (13MP) budget targeting only the Klang Valley then? Other state capitals which have long been neglected include Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Ipoh, Melaka, Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu. Where are the allocations for these cities?” he said.

Wan Agyl said the government should form a council to coordinate mobility planning involving federal, state and local council officials to co-design routes, infrastructure and land use policies.

“Federal public transport funding could be made conditional upon local plan revisions that support transit-oriented development. This would create an incentive for cities to align with national goals and create neighbourhoods where walking, cycling, and transit become the default, not the exception.”

He said some MRT stations were already underused because of a lack of surrounding footpaths or feeder access, because the last 500m to the station had been poorly planned.

“If we’re not careful, the same story could repeat itself despite having 1,200 new buses, with it being a great promise, but having weak execution.”

Proposed PN-friendly bloc risks being marginalised like Gerakan, say analysts

FMT:

Proposed PN-friendly bloc risks being marginalised like Gerakan, say analysts


4 HOURS AGO
Kim Osman


Political scientist Wong Chin Huat says PN must move beyond Malay-Muslim dominance to address broader multiracial concerns

Pejuang president Mukhriz Mahathir recently proposed the formation of a bloc of parties capable of garnering support in non-Malay areas, to complement PN’s efforts to consolidate its base in Malay-majority constituencies.

PETALING JAYA: Any non-Malay bloc aligned with Perikatan Nasional is likely to be marginalised within the opposition coalition, much like Gerakan, political analysts warn.

Political scientist Wong Chin Huat of Sunway University and ADA Southeast Asia’s Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani said any attempt to woo non-Malay support would likely fall flat so long as PN maintains its Malay-Muslim dominance.

“There is no credible non-Malay bloc that can be PN’s respectable partner,” Wong told FMT.


“As long as PN insists on Malay-Muslim dominance, non-Malay partners will be seen as puppets, just like Gerakan.”

Wong Chin Huat.


Wong said these “satellite parties” are unlikely to win over non-Malay voters, giving PN no reason to treat them seriously. That leaves them trapped in a “vicious cycle of irrelevance”, he added.

Asrul said PN’s inability to attract non-Malay voters may cost it the next general election, despite the presence of Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) in its ranks.

He said that unless PAS softens its image and adopts a more inclusive, policy-focused agenda — like it did under the late Nik Aziz Nik Mat during its Pakatan Rakyat days — any multiracial outreach would be short-lived.

“PAS needs to frame its Islamic agenda around economic fairness and equality to appeal to all Malaysians. Otherwise, partnerships with non-Malay parties will lack credibility.

Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani.


“Gerakan was supposed to be the coalition’s bridge to the Chinese electorate, but it struggled, not just because of weak grassroots, but also due to PAS’s messaging,” he said.


The idea for a two-pronged coalition was first mooted by Pejuang president Mukhriz Mahathir.

He called for the formation of a bloc of parties capable of garnering support in predominantly non-Malay areas, to complement PN’s efforts to consolidate its base in Malay-majority constituencies.

The proposal aims to counter any stigma surrounding PAS among non-Malays, acknowledging the coalition’s limited traction within the community.

Urimai chairman P Ramasamy said PN’s non-Malay components were “too mild and conservative” to articulate the broader concerns of the Chinese and Indians, while the coalition continues to struggle in the west coast and southern states which have non-Malay majorities.


Asrul said this two-pronged strategy might work, but only if non-Malay leaders within PN are given meaningful opportunities rather than mere symbolic roles.

Wong said while some Indian voters may have lost faith in the government, their numbers were not large enough to significantly impact electoral outcomes.

“Indian voters make up 20% or more in only a few seats,” he pointed out.

Adib Zalkapli.


Meanwhile, independent political analyst Adib Zalkapli expressed support for the proposal, saying PN should leave “no stone unturned” in its efforts to reach out to non-Malay voters, even if they remained loyal to Pakatan Harapan.

“They should explore every possible approach to win over non-Malay voters,” he said.

Even the opposition isn’t ready for snap polls, say analysts

FMT:

Even the opposition isn’t ready for snap polls, say analysts


4 hours ago
Nora Mahpar


Internal disputes within PN, such as who should be their prime ministerial candidate, are unlikely to be resolved quickly

Last week, Dr Mahathir Mohamad challenged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to dissolve Parliament and pave the way for fresh polls.

PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s call for a snap election could backfire on Perikatan Nasional, the coalition he supports, as the opposition bloc is still grappling with several unresolved issues, say analysts.

Mazlan Ali and Azmi Hassan noted that internal disputes, such as the question of who should be the opposition’s prime ministerial candidate, are unlikely to be resolved quickly, with PAS and Bersatu both pushing for their own leaders.

Mazlan, a political analyst at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), said the opposition’s lacklustre performance in the Dewan Rakyat could also make voters hesitant to support PN if a snap election is held.


He said the proposed formation of a united opposition front would also require more time for any meaningful cooperation to come about.

“I don’t see the opposition as being truly united or ready to face a general election any time soon,” he told FMT.


On Thursday, Mahathir challenged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to dissolve Parliament and pave the way for fresh polls, following claims by the authorities that the July 26 opposition rally in Kuala Lumpur drew only around 18,000 people.

The organisers, however, claimed that over 200,000 attended the rally at Dataran Merdeka.

Mahathir’s call was backed by former Umno leader Isham Jalil, who suggested that the 16th general election (GE16) be held concurrently with the Sabah state election by the end of this year.

The next general election must take place by early 2028 at the latest, that is 60 days after the end of the current government’s term, unless the Dewan Rakyat is dissolved sooner.


Azmi, of Akademi Nusantara, said Mahathir’s proposal was illogical given that Anwar’s government is just halfway through its term and enjoys a commanding two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat.


He added that the opposition has also not demonstrated its ability to govern effectively in the four states it currently controls – Kelantan, Kedah, Perlis, and Terengganu.

“Most glaringly, they’ve failed to present a clear prime ministerial candidate. This is something voters consider crucial when deciding which party to support.

“How can the public be expected to choose the opposition when they don’t even know who is their prime minister candidate. Will PN only make that decision after a government is formed?” he said.

Go on the offensive ahead of next general election, PKR told

FMT:

Go on the offensive ahead of next general election, PKR told


5 hours ago
Chia Wan Rou


Rafizi Ramli says PKR must be aggressive, highlighting the government’s achievements and exposing scandals involving opposition leaders

Former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli said the party must showcase what the government has achieved in a way that can’t be denied.

PETALING JAYA: PKR must adopt a more aggressive political strategy if the party hopes to secure victory in the next general election, says its former deputy president Rafizi Ramli.

He said the party’s approach should be focused on two key aspects, that is, by aggressively highlighting the current government’s tangible achievements, and openly exposing weaknesses or scandals involving opposition leaders.

“We have to showcase what the government has achieved in a way that can’t be denied. At the same time, we must expose failures and scandals involving opposition figures,” the former economy minister said on his podcast last night.


However, Rafizi claimed that such strategies are currently missing from the PKR leadership’s approach.

Pakatan Harapan (PH) secured a total of 82 seats at the last general election in 2022 (GE15), with PKR contributing 31 of those seats.


While this marked a decline of 16 seats from the 47‑seat count in GE14 in 2018, PKR remained the second-largest party within the coalition behind DAP (40 seats).

In May, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim called for all PKR leaders and members to strengthen the party in preparation for the next general election (GE16), which must be held by early 2028.

Anwar, who is also the prime minister, added that PKR must reject the politics of hatred, slander and racism, which will only divide the people and weaken the country.

***

Squid, go back to frontline lah, you could well be the next PM after DSAI

Turun Anwar rally was not a people’s movement, says Maria

FMT:

Turun Anwar rally was not a people’s movement, says Maria


3 hours ago
Kirthana Arumugam


Former Bersih chair Maria Chin Abdullah says the recent Turun Anwar protest lacked a clear cause and broad public representation, unlike the 2015 Tangkap Najib rally

Former Bersih chairman Maria Chin Abdullah said she did not attend the July 26 protest because it did not appear to represent the wider Malaysian public or any concrete issues.

PETALING JAYA: Former Bersih chairman Maria Chin Abdullah has questioned the intent and makeup of the recent Turun Anwar rally, saying it did not reflect the voice of the people and lacked clear demands.

While acknowledging the people’s right to assemble, Maria said she did not attend the July 26 protest because it did not appear to represent the wider Malaysian public or any concrete issues.

“So my question is: if you want Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to step down, the next step should be to table a vote of no confidence in Parliament but that hasn’t been done.


“Anwar just presented the 13th Malaysia Plan but there was no mention of a vote of no confidence. So to be honest, I’m not sure what Turun Anwar was really about,” Maria said at youth-based NGO Mandiri’s 10th year celebration of the Tangkap Najib rally.

The Tangkap Najib rally, held in Kuala Lumpur, was to urge the resignation of then Prime Minister Najib Razak due to his involvement in the 1MDB scandal. Police presence was heavy, and after about 200 protesters gathered, the police moved in to arrest those refusing to disperse, with around 20 to 29 youths arrested.

Maria, a former Petaling Jaya MP, said many of those involved in Turun Anwar were politicians and elected representatives and the rally lacked a unifying cause that should resonate with the majority of Malaysians.

“Of course, they have every right to be on the streets but if we want to build a real movement, it has to come from the rakyat. It has to be based on what they’re feeling. What are their issues?

“I didn’t go (to the Turun Anwar Rally). And if I were to go, I would want to be clear on what the rally is about. And I would want to see it as a representative of Malaysia.

“I’m not saying we did everything perfectly, but the Bersih movement was reflective not only of Malaysia’s diverse, multicultural makeup, it also presented the government at the time with very critical issues,” she added.

Mandeep Singh, also a former Bersih chairman, said the effectiveness and messaging of the Turun Anwar rally left much to be desired.

“It’s the job of the opposition to bring down your opponent. But what is your demand, actually? What are you asking for? Economic reform?,” he said.

“What are your demands? What are you trying to show? At Tangkap Najib there were activists, students, different civil societies and there were people who had no political interests. It was a people’s movement. This one is a political movement, just anti-Anwar,” Mandeep said.

Police estimated that around 18,000 people attended the Turun Anwar rally last Saturday, though organisers claimed that more than 200,000 rally-goers were present.

Trump Convinced Netanyahu Prolonging Gaza War For Political Reasons

Trump Convinced Netanyahu Prolonging Gaza War For Political Reasons — Report

US President Donald Trump has come to believe that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is prolonging Israel’s war in Gaza to hold on to political power, according to two Trump administration officials who spoke to The Atlantic.

The Thursday report claimed, based on several unnamed sources, that Trump and many of his aides are more eager than ever to bring the fighting in Gaza to a close amid widespread condemnation of Israel’s wartime conduct, including from a growing faction of isolationists in the Republican Party.

With negotiations for a hostage and ceasefire deal once again facing steep hurdles, the American president has reportedly become convinced that Israel already achieved its military objectives in Gaza long ago, and that the current fighting is fueled chiefly by the premier’s political interests.

The report was published as Trump’s Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff met with Netanyahu in Jerusalem Thursday afternoon to discuss the stalled negotiations between Israel and Hamas. – The Times of Israel

Our Take: So on one hand, President Trump is acknowledging the reality that many of us have been highlighting for months – that Netanyahu is prioritizing his personal preservation and sacrificing Israeli national security in the process. On the other hand, President Trump also said that Netanyahu is a "competent person," and that "good management" will prevent the theft of aid – implying that Netanyahu is the right man for the job.

It's becoming increasingly obvious that Netanyahu [perhaps unwittingly] is leading Israel to its destruction, while President Trump does everything in his power to make sure Netanyahu remains in power. It is very reasonable to, therefore, conclude that President Trump's endgame is the political implosion of the Israeli government, which perhaps will negate the need for a more kinetic solution, which would likely lead to a wider war and many more deaths. (And in the process, the State Capture by Israel of the US government is being fully exposed to the American People.) – GhostofBasedPatrickHenry

Was Anwar really at fault, Tiong asks anti-govt protesters

FMT:

Was Anwar really at fault, Tiong asks anti-govt protesters


Tiong King Sing says the previous governments of Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Muhyiddin Yassin left the country’s finances in disarray, which the unity government had to clean up

Thousands of protesters at the Turun Anwar rally in Kuala Lumpur last week called for the resignation of Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians have been urged to reflect carefully whether Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was to blame for all the complaints raised by protesters at a rally last week.

Tourism, arts and culture minister Tiong King Sing accused the previous governments of Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Muhyiddin Yassin of poor governance, and leaving the country’s finances in disarray, which had to be cleaned up by Anwar’s unity government.

Tiong said Anwar’s government came to power in November 2022 as Malaysia was emerging from the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.


The poor governance of the country by Mahathir and Muhyiddin had caused foreign investors to pull out, various projects to be cancelled, and government assets to be sold off, said Tiong in a Facebook post.

Tiong King Sing.


There were also several financial expenditures with unclear accountability before Anwar became prime minister, he said, all of which left the national coffers in disarray by the time the unity government took over.

“The current government has had to shoulder the burden of fixing all of these mistakes. It takes time to undo these mistakes, and results cannot come overnight,” he said. “I urge all Malaysians, regardless of race, to think carefully. A united society cannot come from one that expresses its dissatisfaction in extreme ways; rather, it leaves us with an uncertain future.”

Tiong, who is Bintulu MP and president of the Progressive Democratic Party, said Anwar’s government has been focused on stabilising the economy through reforms such as targeted subsidies and responsible spending.

While some of these initiatives were initially unpopular or politicised, they have started to show positive results – including increased tourist arrivals and benefits to small businesses and lower-income groups.

He said tourists and foreign investors could be deterred by anti-government protests like the one last Saturday. Such protests, if held frequently, could give the impression that the country is politically unstable and constantly in turmoil.

Give addendum same respect as unity govt order, says Najib’s son

FMT:

Give addendum same respect as unity govt order, says Najib’s son


Yesterday
Elill Easwaran


Nizar Najib, son of former prime minister Najib Razak, says the addendum issue has 'been going on forever' and asks how long it will be dragged out

Nizar Najib said failure to implement the royal order could damage public trust in the government and respect for royal directives.

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has been urged by Nizar Najib, son of former prime minister Najib Razak, to accord the same respect and urgency to a royal order on his father’s house arrest request as it did to the call that led to the formation of the unity government.

“This issue (of the addendum) has been going on forever. How much longer are we going to drag this out when the decree already exists?” he said at a press conference here today.

Nizar, who is Najib’s eldest son, said failure to carry out the order could damage public trust and respect for royal directives.


“It’s the same as when we honoured the royal decree to form the unity government. No one questioned it and, in fact, everyone supported it. So what’s the difference between the decree to form the unity government and the one to implement the addendum?” he said.

Last week, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the government will follow-up on the royal order as soon as possible following legal procedures “but it depends heavily on the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, which we must all respect”.


The addendum was made to a Pardons Board decision to reduce Najib’s sentence of a jail term and fine, and purportedly orders Najib’s jail sentence to be served under house arrest. Najib had been convicted of corruption and abuse of power in the SRC International case.

The Federal Court was told on July 9 that Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar had on July 2 acknowledged the existence of the addendum but was disputing whether it was genuine or valid.

At the press conference, Rosmadi Ismail, chairman of the NKB1Msia Club, called on the prime minister to take full responsibility in ensuring the addendum is implemented. He said Najib deserved fair and just treatment under the law as a statesman who had contributed significantly to national development.

***

Bar Council should say something😂😂😂

Kosovo eliminates tariffs on US goods

FMT:

Kosovo eliminates tariffs on US goods


The announcement follows Donald Trump’s global tariff move, notably excluding Pristina from the new trade penalties

Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the 0% tariff will affect the growth of trade exchange and increase investment. (EPA Images pic)

PRISTINA: Kosovo on Friday eliminated tariffs on all goods from the United States, a day after President Donald Trump unveiled new tariffs on trading partners across the globe but not on Pristina.

The Balkan nation had applied a 10% tariff on US goods and its goods are subject to the baseline 10% tariff that the Trump administration imposed in April.

“Kosovo welcomes American products to its market,” said Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti, announcing the 0% tariff on US goods.


“We strongly believe that this will affect the growth of trade exchange and increase investments,” he told his cabinet.

Public sentiment in the landlocked territory of around 1.6 million people has been strongly pro-American since a 1999 US-led Nato air campaign that stopped the crackdown of Serbian armed forces on ethnic Albanians and paved the way for Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia a decade later.

US flags are common in the capital, Pristina, where one of the largest avenues honours former president George W. Bush, while Bill Clinton has both a boulevard named after him and a statue in his honour.

***

Pristina knows well how much Carrot-headed Clown luvs ball-carrying, wakakaka

Yu Zidi, 12, makes history as youngest medalist at World Aquatics Championships

Yu Zidi, 12, makes history as youngest medalist at World Aquatics Championships



China’s Yu Zidi made history at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships by becoming the youngest-ever medallist at just 12 years old. — Reuters pic

Friday, 01 Aug 2025 7:09 PM MYT


SINGAPORE, Aug 1 — China’s Yu Zidi made history at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships by becoming the youngest-ever medallist at just 12 years old.

She earned bronze as part of China’s 4x200 metres freestyle relay team, having swum in the heats to help the team qualify for Thursday’s final.


Although she didn’t race in the final, her contribution secured her a place on the podium under competition rules.

Australia took gold in 7:39.35, followed by the US with silver (7:40.01), and China in third (7:42.99).


Yu narrowly missed individual medals earlier in the week, finishing fourth in both the 200 metres butterfly and 200 metres medley — missing bronze by just 0.31 and 0.06 seconds, respectively.


She will have one final chance to win an individual medal in the 400 metres medley on Sunday.

Yu’s appearance has sparked debate over age eligibility, as World Aquatics typically requires athletes to be at least 14. However, her performance times qualified her despite being underage.

***

How dare a Chinese win any medal, let alone gold?

😁😁😁

Opinion: Who Will Be Malaysia’s Next PM?

Opinion: Who Will Be Malaysia’s Next PM?


1 Aug 2025 • 10:00 AM MYT



Dr. D. Ananda
Lecturer at a university, commentator, published writer

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Will he be also PMXI https://www.ibtimes.co.in/anwar-ibrahim-named-new-malaysian-prime-minister-854389

A Satirical Safari Through Putrajaya’s Prime Ministerial Zoo

Image Credit: WallpaperCave

In the tropical jungle that is Malaysian politics, no animal ever truly dies — they just mutate into consultants, podcast hosts, or the next poster child for “unity.” As the question of “Who will be Malaysia’s next PM?” makes its seasonal return, let us venture once more into this national obsession — where ambition runs high, memory runs short, and principles are mostly optional.


Behold, your potential Prime Ministers — each one a fascinating species in the zoo of Putrajaya.


1. Dr Mahathir Mohamad – The Jurassic Politician

Dr Mahathir Mohamad has has defied not just age but logic. 

Image The Malaysianreserve.com


Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is like that recurring dream you can’t quite shake — usually involving detention without trial. At 100, he has defied not just age but logic. Having already been Prime Minister twice, he now seems to think Malaysia is his unfinished Sudoku puzzle.


He’s launched more parties than a Bukit Bintang DJ and now waves around a “Malay Proclamation” like a spectral warning to the multiracial present. Could he be PM again? If you believe in ghosts, then yes — and he will haunt Anwar’s premiership till the end of time.


2. Anwar Ibrahim – The Waiting Game Champion


After waiting 25 years, getting jailed, betrayed, and poetic about it, Anwar finally became PM — only to find out that power doesn’t come with a magic wand. Between Rafizi’s economic spreadsheets, Zahid’s political life insurance, and PAS screaming “liberal” at everything, his Madani government is less “Reformasi” and more “Kita Cuba.”


Will he survive a full term? Or will he become yet another interim PM with good speeches and bad luck? As always, Anwar remains the nation’s most eloquent “maybe.”


3. Khairy Jamaluddin – The Politician in Exile (and Sneakers)

Image Credit: Malay Mail


KJ, Malaysia’s most telegenic un-elected leader, has done everything — run ministries, fight pandemics, lift weights, wear tailored batik, and now, host a podcast with the tone of a man who deserves better (because he thinks he does).


After being exiled from UMNO for having the audacity to look competent, he now roams the corporate wilderness like a man waiting for destiny to call — or Spotify to offer a political remix deal.


Still popular, still dangerous to mediocre men in suits, Khairy is one GLC appointment or sudden by-election away from a spectacular comeback. Could he be PM? Absolutely — if someone would just lend him a seat.



4. Rafizi Ramli – The Spreadsheet Samurai


Rafizi is that guy who brings Excel to a knife fight. With formulas, models, and a commitment to reality that Malaysian politics finds deeply offensive, Rafizi is the Cassandra of PKR — always warning of disaster, rarely listened to.


His economic wonkery is unmatched, but so is his ability to alienate voters who just want free tolls and cheaper eggs. Still, he remains a dark horse, or at least a very well-briefed one.


PM material? Yes — if Malaysians ever decide data is sexier than drama.


5. Nurul Izzah – The Graceful Ghost of Reformasi


Nurul Izzah is a paradox: beloved, capable, but somehow always almost powerful. Forever referred to as “Anwar’s daughter” (as if she’s not a policymaker in her own right), she has spent more time out of government than inside it — mostly by choice.


She’s the candidate of choice for middle-class liberals who use the phrase “civil society” unironically. But will Malaysia elect its first woman PM, or is she destined to be the nation’s permanent moral compass?


Only time — and two dozen male egos — will tell.


6. Zahid Hamidi – The Legal Acrobat


Umno’s most resilient man, Zahid Hamidi is living proof that legal entanglements are just performance art in Malaysian politics. He’s gone from facing dozens of charges to being Deputy PM, all without ever missing a kenduri.


With a permanent grin and a survival instinct rivaling cockroaches, Zahid’s path to the top is always theoretically open — especially if PMX takes a long lunch and the Agong blinks.


Will Malaysians accept him as PM? They might, if they also accept that irony is now our national philosophy.


7. Muhyiddin Yassin – The Accidental PM


Muhyiddin never wanted to be PM. He just wanted a quiet life in Pagoh and maybe a decent lawnmower. Then came Sheraton. Then came COVID. Then came tapioca.


Now mostly retired, he looms in the background like a retired uncle who might still own a golf course… or a political party. Could he come back? If Bersatu can stop suing itself, maybe.



8. Syed Saddiq – The TikTok Candidate


Young, handsome, and fluent in both English and Insta filters, Syed Saddiq is still the best thing to happen to Malaysian political aesthetics since neckties.


Unfortunately, his idealism is matched only by his electoral fragility. As leader of Muda, he speaks passionately on education, climate, and mental health — three issues guaranteed not to win you votes in Kelantan.


PM one day? Yes — if Malaysia turns into Finland.


9. Najib Razak – From Bossku to Boss?

Najib Razak, the dark horse in the PM race?

Image theedgeprop.my


Yes, that Najib. Though currently enjoying a government-funded sabbatical at Kajang Hilton, the proposed Home Detention Order might soon allow him to serve his sentence from the comfort of his own living room — perhaps even from a freshly air-conditioned PMO office. In Malaysia, redemption is never further than a legal loophole and a forgiving voter base. If “Bossku” returns, it won’t be justice — it’ll be déjà vu.


The Prime Ministerial Lottery

In Malaysia, the Prime Minister isn’t necessarily the best, the brightest, or the most qualified — just the last person left standing after the chairs stop spinning. With the next GE looming and every faction sharpening its knives (and social media posts), one thing is certain: the next PM could be anyone.


Well, anyone except the Rakyat. They just pay the bills.


It’s almost musical chairs season again. And remember: in this zoo, the animals pick the zookeeper.

PAS Takes Legal Action Against Govt Leaders for Misunderstanding, False Claims About Monkey Cartoon Pos

World of Buzz:


PAS Takes Legal Action Against Govt Leaders for Misunderstanding, False Claims About Monkey Cartoon Post


Published 53 minutes ago
August 1, 2025
By Didi

Source: Berita Harian & Facebook | Fadhli Shaari


Previously, the PAS Information Chief came under heavy fire on social media after posting an image showing a goat and a sheep fighting over a banana, with a monkey sitting in as the judge.


According to Sinar Harian, Ahmad Fadhli was accused of insulting Malaysia’s official diplomatic role in easing border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia through the cartoon image.



Source: Berita Harian



He plans to take legal action against two government leaders


In the post, Ahmad Fadhli shared a screenshot about the Thailand-Cambodia conflict, along with a caption saying that “the goat and sheep shouldn’t need a monkey to mediate their fight over a banana.”

The post drew backlash, including from the Finance Minister’s political secretary, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, who called on the Pasir Mas MP to publicly apologise to the people of Thailand and Cambodia.

Earlier today, Ahmad Fadhli posted on Facebook that he plans to sue a Member of Parliament and a youth wing leader of a political party over the viral cartoon image.





Source: Facebook | Fadhli Shaari



“We’re starting with the LOD for two people”


According to the post, he mentioned that while the issue seems to be cooling off, a substantial amount of evidence related to the case has already been gathered.




“It seems the issue is settling. We’ve already collected a lot of materials. If there’s more, we’ll continue gathering,” he wrote.

He also shared that a letter of demand (LOD) is being prepared for the first two individuals involved.


“Today, we’re starting with the LOD for two people, for deliberately spreading false claims based on a misunderstanding of a shared post. The rest will follow, gradually, one by one,” he said.



Stay tuned for more updates!

***

Of late, Ahmad Fadhli has been very "vocal" on a number of issues - is he trying to promote himself in his party?

Guardian:

Kamala Harris says she doesn’t plan to return to ‘broken’ system of US politics

Former vice-president talked to Colbert in first interview since election, after declining bid for California governor

Ed Pilkington in New York

Fri 1 Aug 2025 23.47 AEST

Kamala Harris has said that she currently has no desire to re-enter “the system” of American politics because it is “broken”.

On Thursday night the defeated Democratic party’s presidential nominee, who replaced Joe Biden late in the 2024 campaign after he dropped his re-election bid, gave her first interview since losing the election to Donald Trump, talking to Stephen Colbert on The Late Show.

After she announced she will not run for the governorship of California just a day earlier, Harris told the TV show that it was about something more “basic” than whether she wanted to run for something else instead – with the subtext being whether she will attempt a White House run again in 2028.

Kamala Harris to release book on presidential run: ‘I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting’

Read more

“Recently I made the decision that I just – for now – I don’t want to go back in the system. I think it’s broken,” she said, provoking a collective groan from the studio audience. Colbert later returned to the subject, saying that her remark was harrowing.

“Well, but it’s also evident, isn’t it?” she said.

Describing herself as a “devout public servant”, the former vice-president added: “I always believed, that as fragile as our democracy is, our systems would be strong enough to defend our most fundamental principles. And I think right now that they’re not as strong as they need to be. And for now I don’t want to go back into that system.”

Harris’s choice of The Late Show as the channel for her first post-election defeat interview was pointed. The most-watched talk show was cancelled last month by the CBS network that pleaded financial stress, though the decision was widely denounced as being politically motivated.

The cancellation was announced after Colbert had criticized CBS and its parent company Paramount Global for reaching a $16m settlement with Trump. The president had sued CBS News over an interview on the 60 Minutes show with Harris at the height of last year’s presidential campaign, which Trump claimed had been manipulated in her favour.

None of this febrile back story was mentioned by either Colbert or Harris on Thursday. But she did delivery a passionate lament for the numbers of people who she said had “capitulated” to the aggressive second Trump administration.

When Colbert invited her to say “I told you so” after she had predicted many of Trump’s most contentious moves – including Medicaid cuts, ignoring court orders, and “massive tax cuts to the rich” – she replied: “But Stephen, what I did not predict was the capitulation.”

She went on: “Perhaps it’s naive of me … there should be many who consider themselves to be guardians of our system and our democracy who just capitulated, and I didn’t see that coming.”

The timing of the interview was also poignant, as she was considered to be the automatic frontrunner if she had decided to run to become the next governor of California.

Kamala Harris announces she will not run for governor of California

Read more

Her wider remarks on “the system” help explain that decision, though they still notably left room for another possible presidential run. In the meantime, Harris has a book to sell, 107 Days, which she name-checked copiously on the Late Show in advance of its publication next month.

The book, as its title suggests, relates the story of the shortest presidential run of all time. She said it would give a “behind-the-scenes sharing” of those intense days.

Whether it is to sell the book or to lay the foundations for another presidential bid remains a moot point, but Harris said she wanted to use the next period to “travel the country and listen to people. I don’t want it to be transactional, where I’m asking for their vote.”

Harris admitted that it had taken her months following her defeat before she had the strength to tune into the news again. “You know, I’m just not into self-mutilation,” she said. Instead there had been “lots of cooking shows”, her top choice being The Kitchen.