An aide to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as finance minister, today said the government is open to reviewing the expanded sales and service tax (SST), which will take effect from July 1.Kamil Abdul Munim reportedly said the legislation is not “divine law”, and so while the new rates will continue to be enforced, future changes remain possible if necessary.

An aide to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as finance minister, today said the government is open to reviewing the expanded sales and service tax (SST), which will take effect from July 1.Kamil Abdul Munim reportedly said the legislation is not “divine law”, and so while the new rates will continue to be enforced, future changes remain possible if necessary.

SST expansion is not 'divine law', govt open to feedback, says Anwar's aide

Former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin has hit out at the government over the sales and service tax (SST) expansion.He said the claim that the Madani government only taxes the ultra-rich and redistributes it to the poor like “Robin Hood” is clearly a lie.

Former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin has hit out at the government over the sales and service tax (SST) expansion.He said the claim that the Madani government only taxes the ultra-rich and redistributes it to the poor like “Robin Hood” is clearly a lie.

Muhyiddin slams govt over SST expansion, says 'Robin Hood' narrative is a lie

As Israeli and Iranian forces continue to trade deadly strikes on the fifth day since increased tensions between the two long-time foes, calls for unity among the global Muslim community were issued from Kuala Lumpur.The delegation, led by local civil society leaders, held a more than hour-long meeting with ambassador Valiollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi at the Iranian embassy in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, following the latest round of Israeli strikes on the republic, a long-time backer of Palestinian resistance in Gaza.

As Israeli and Iranian forces continue to trade deadly strikes on the fifth day since increased tensions between the two long-time foes, calls for unity among the global Muslim community were issued from Kuala Lumpur.The delegation, led by local civil society leaders, held a more than hour-long meeting with ambassador Valiollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi at the Iranian embassy in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, following the latest round of Israeli strikes on the republic, a long-time backer of Palestinian resistance in Gaza.

Activists meet Iranian ambassador, call for Muslim unity against Zionist aggression

[KiniNews] Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad appears adamant on leaving the ministry, despite Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressing hopes he would stay on.Nik Nazmi said that while he does have the option to remain in his ministerial position, he has made the difficult decision to step down “for a larger consideration” concerning PKR’s mandate.“The party’s mandate is vital for broader reform. I did have the option to stay, but I’ve chosen to resign (as minister),” said the Setiawangsa MP.Meanwhile, in a separate story, Rafizi Ramli has promised to “burn” (bakar) and “enlighten” (beri pencerahan) in his new podcast titled YBM, which stands for “Yang Berhenti Menteri” (the one who quit as minister)."I’m no longer bound by government ethics and confidentiality. So, I’m free to speak,” he said.___________________📌 Share this news! Join the Malaysiakini WhatsApp Channel now! https://mk.my/wa_mkiniTurn on notifications 🔔 or unmute the channel to receive news notifications immediately!—Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://bit.ly/3B3ztIa

[KiniNews] Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad appears adamant on leaving the ministry, despite Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressing hopes he would stay on.Nik Nazmi said that while he does have the option to remain in his ministerial position, he has made the difficult decision to step down “for a larger consideration” concerning PKR’s mandate.“The party’s mandate is vital for broader reform. I did have the option to stay, but I’ve chosen to resign (as minister),” said the Setiawangsa MP.Meanwhile, in a separate story, Rafizi Ramli has promised to “burn” (bakar) and “enlighten” (beri pencerahan) in his new podcast titled YBM, which stands for “Yang Berhenti Menteri” (the one who quit as minister)."I’m no longer bound by government ethics and confidentiality. So, I’m free to speak,” he said.___________________📌 Share this news! Join the Malaysiakini WhatsApp Channel now! https://mk.my/wa_mkiniTurn on notifications 🔔 or unmute the channel to receive news notifications immediately!—Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://bit.ly/3B3ztIa

#KiniNews: Nik Nazmi sticks with 'difficult decision'; Rafizi ready to 'burn and enlighten'

Rafizi Ramli has promised to “burn” (bakar) and “enlighten” (beri pencerahan) in his new podcast titled YBM, which stands for “Yang Berhenti Menteri” (the one who quit as minister)."I’m no longer bound by government ethics and confidentiality. So, I’m free to speak,” he said.Rafizi previously created and hosted his initial podcast programme called Yang Bakar Menteri, which also uses the acronym YBM.

Rafizi Ramli has promised to “burn” (bakar) and “enlighten” (beri pencerahan) in his new podcast titled YBM, which stands for “Yang Berhenti Menteri” (the one who quit as minister)."I’m no longer bound by government ethics and confidentiality. So, I’m free to speak,” he said.Rafizi previously created and hosted his initial podcast programme called Yang Bakar Menteri, which also uses the acronym YBM.

'I’m free to speak' - Rafizi announces return of YBM podcast

Former MIC president G Palanivel died today. He was 76.MIC vice-president T Murugiah confirmed with Bernama that the former natural resources and environment minister died at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital at 8am.

Former MIC president G Palanivel died today. He was 76.MIC vice-president T Murugiah confirmed with Bernama that the former natural resources and environment minister died at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital at 8am.

Former MIC president G Palanivel dies

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has urged the authorities to act against a Pahang royal who was implicated in a knife attack against a 30-year-old man recently.“Umno Youth strictly urges the attorney-general to charge the royal and get him a severe punishment if there is a case against him. The police mentioned that they have completed their investigations," he said in a speech uploaded on TikTok yesterday.

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has urged the authorities to act against a Pahang royal who was implicated in a knife attack against a 30-year-old man recently.“Umno Youth strictly urges the attorney-general to charge the royal and get him a severe punishment if there is a case against him. The police mentioned that they have completed their investigations," he said in a speech uploaded on TikTok yesterday.

Justice must be served even if the perpetrator is a royal, Akmal tells AG

Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd managing director Ameer Ali Mydin criticised the government’s move to impose the sales and service tax (SST) on imported fruits, calling it “nonsensical.”Ameer argued that, contrary to popular belief, some imported fruits are also consumed by low-income groups and should be considered essential food items.“I strongly disagree, and it makes no sense to impose SST on basic fruits like apples, oranges, bananas, and others. These are foods for the B40 (low-income) group,” he told Malaysiakini.

Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd managing director Ameer Ali Mydin criticised the government’s move to impose the sales and service tax (SST) on imported fruits, calling it “nonsensical.”Ameer argued that, contrary to popular belief, some imported fruits are also consumed by low-income groups and should be considered essential food items.“I strongly disagree, and it makes no sense to impose SST on basic fruits like apples, oranges, bananas, and others. These are foods for the B40 (low-income) group,” he told Malaysiakini.

It makes no sense to impose SST on imported fruits, says Mydin boss

As internal pressure mounts for MCA to leave BN and the Anwar Ibrahim-led government, Umno leaders have urged the party to consider its political relevance and present-day realities.Umno supreme council member Puad Zarkashi said it should not be difficult for MCA to understand the rationale behind BN’s cooperation with Pakatan Harapan and other components of the unity government.While MCA has every right to determine its political direction, Puad warned that leaving BN would be akin to “digging its own grave”.

As internal pressure mounts for MCA to leave BN and the Anwar Ibrahim-led government, Umno leaders have urged the party to consider its political relevance and present-day realities.Umno supreme council member Puad Zarkashi said it should not be difficult for MCA to understand the rationale behind BN’s cooperation with Pakatan Harapan and other components of the unity government.While MCA has every right to determine its political direction, Puad warned that leaving BN would be akin to “digging its own grave”.

MCA would be digging its own grave by leaving BN, says Puad

[KiniNews] Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his appreciation and best wishes to Rafizi Ramli for his excellent service as the economy minister.Anwar also emphasised that the decision on Rafizi’s replacement will be made at a later time.“I wish Rafizi all the best. He has served very well as the economy minister, and now I will decide who will carry out the duties (of the economy portfolio),” he told reporters briefly in Kuala Lumpur today.Meanwhile, in a separate story, the prosecutors in the drug trafficking and imitation firearm possession charges against Yusoff Rawther have filed an appeal against his acquittal.The Attorney-General's Chambers said that after taking into consideration the Kuala Lumpur High Court judge's decision, the AGC has filed an Appeal Notice to appeal the discharge and acquittal___________________Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://bit.ly/3B3ztIa —📌 Share this news! Join the Malaysiakini WhatsApp Channel now! https://mk.my/wa_mkiniTurn on notifications 🔔 or unmute the channel to receive news notifications immediately!

[KiniNews] Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his appreciation and best wishes to Rafizi Ramli for his excellent service as the economy minister.Anwar also emphasised that the decision on Rafizi’s replacement will be made at a later time.“I wish Rafizi all the best. He has served very well as the economy minister, and now I will decide who will carry out the duties (of the economy portfolio),” he told reporters briefly in Kuala Lumpur today.Meanwhile, in a separate story, the prosecutors in the drug trafficking and imitation firearm possession charges against Yusoff Rawther have filed an appeal against his acquittal.The Attorney-General's Chambers said that after taking into consideration the Kuala Lumpur High Court judge's decision, the AGC has filed an Appeal Notice to appeal the discharge and acquittal___________________Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://bit.ly/3B3ztIa —📌 Share this news! Join the Malaysiakini WhatsApp Channel now! https://mk.my/wa_mkiniTurn on notifications 🔔 or unmute the channel to receive news notifications immediately!

#KiniNews: 'All the best,' says PM to Rafizi; AGC files appeal against Yusoff Rawther’s acquittal

MCA is dissatisfied with a statement by BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and remains unsure if the coalition will cooperate with the Madani government in the 16th general election (GE16).MCA vice-president Tan Teik Cheng said Zahid’s statement that BN will contest under its own banner did not provide a clear direction for the national polls.

MCA is dissatisfied with a statement by BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and remains unsure if the coalition will cooperate with the Madani government in the 16th general election (GE16).MCA vice-president Tan Teik Cheng said Zahid’s statement that BN will contest under its own banner did not provide a clear direction for the national polls.

MCA calls on Zahid to clarify Madani ties for GE16

BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has assured that MCA and MIC will be allocated seats to contest in the 16th general election, in an attempt to calm the two component parties amid calls to quit the coalition.The deputy prime minister also reiterated that BN would continue contesting under its logo in the next national polls.

BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has assured that MCA and MIC will be allocated seats to contest in the 16th general election, in an attempt to calm the two component parties amid calls to quit the coalition.The deputy prime minister also reiterated that BN would continue contesting under its logo in the next national polls.

MCA, MIC will be given seats to contest in GE16, says Zahid amid calls to quit BN

The prosecutors in the drug trafficking and imitation firearm possession charges against Yusoff Rawther have filed an appeal against his acquittal.The Attorney-General's Chambers referred to Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Jamil Hussin's verdict on June 12 that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against the former aide of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on both charges."After taking into consideration the Kuala Lumpur High Court judge's decision, the AGC has filed an Appeal Notice to appeal the discharge and acquittal," said the AGG.

The prosecutors in the drug trafficking and imitation firearm possession charges against Yusoff Rawther have filed an appeal against his acquittal.The Attorney-General's Chambers referred to Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Jamil Hussin's verdict on June 12 that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against the former aide of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on both charges."After taking into consideration the Kuala Lumpur High Court judge's decision, the AGC has filed an Appeal Notice to appeal the discharge and acquittal," said the AGG.

AGC files appeal against Yusoff Rawther's acquittal

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his appreciation and best wishes to Rafizi Ramli for his excellent service as the economy minister.Anwar also emphasised that the decision on Rafizi’s replacement will be made at a later time.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his appreciation and best wishes to Rafizi Ramli for his excellent service as the economy minister.Anwar also emphasised that the decision on Rafizi’s replacement will be made at a later time.

I wish Rafizi all the best, says Anwar

One of the vehicles believed to be involved in the abduction of Pamela Ling was found abandoned near the Thai border several weeks ago, according to her family’s legal representative.However, there has been no meaningful update from the authorities, said lawyer Sangeet Kaur Deo.She revealed that Ling’s family was informed of the vehicle’s discovery weeks after her abduction on April 9, yet police have reportedly failed to provide updates on the forensic analysis of items found inside the car.

One of the vehicles believed to be involved in the abduction of Pamela Ling was found abandoned near the Thai border several weeks ago, according to her family’s legal representative.However, there has been no meaningful update from the authorities, said lawyer Sangeet Kaur Deo.She revealed that Ling’s family was informed of the vehicle’s discovery weeks after her abduction on April 9, yet police have reportedly failed to provide updates on the forensic analysis of items found inside the car.

Lawyer: Car linked to Pamela Ling's abduction found abandoned near Thai border

MCA Youth criticised the government’s decision to approve RM486,000 expenditure for former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s two-day trip to Japan for the Nikkei Forum last month, questioning its financial priorities at a time of economic strain.“Who is really tightening their belts? The people, or you, so-called reformist leaders?” MCA Youth central committee member Lee Kok Seng asked.He pointed out that the average Malaysian worker earns less than RM25,000 a year, yet the government could allocate nearly half a million ringgit for seven people to travel abroad for just two days.

MCA Youth criticised the government’s decision to approve RM486,000 expenditure for former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s two-day trip to Japan for the Nikkei Forum last month, questioning its financial priorities at a time of economic strain.“Who is really tightening their belts? The people, or you, so-called reformist leaders?” MCA Youth central committee member Lee Kok Seng asked.He pointed out that the average Malaysian worker earns less than RM25,000 a year, yet the government could allocate nearly half a million ringgit for seven people to travel abroad for just two days.

MCA Youth questions RM486k spent by govt on Dr M’s Japan visit

[KiniNews] With days left as economy minister, Rafizi Ramli today paid tribute to his policy officers who sacrificed promising careers to help turn his economic ideas into reality.The Pandan MP and former PKR deputy president said that these were people whom he had convinced to leave their previous careers and join his office.Rafizi added that he had gone to the Economy ministry office for the last time today for final matters, including clearing out the office.Meanwhile, in a separate story, police are investigating a member of the Pahang royal family who allegedly stabbed a man in a Kuantan nightclub last month.According to a June 5 police report making the rounds on social media, the incident occurred in the early morning of May 8 at a nightclub in the state’s capital.___________________📌 Share this news! Join the Malaysiakini WhatsApp Channel now! https://mk.my/wa_mkiniTurn on notifications 🔔 or unmute the channel to receive news notifications immediately!—Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://bit.ly/3B3ztIa

[KiniNews] With days left as economy minister, Rafizi Ramli today paid tribute to his policy officers who sacrificed promising careers to help turn his economic ideas into reality.The Pandan MP and former PKR deputy president said that these were people whom he had convinced to leave their previous careers and join his office.Rafizi added that he had gone to the Economy ministry office for the last time today for final matters, including clearing out the office.Meanwhile, in a separate story, police are investigating a member of the Pahang royal family who allegedly stabbed a man in a Kuantan nightclub last month.According to a June 5 police report making the rounds on social media, the incident occurred in the early morning of May 8 at a nightclub in the state’s capital.___________________📌 Share this news! Join the Malaysiakini WhatsApp Channel now! https://mk.my/wa_mkiniTurn on notifications 🔔 or unmute the channel to receive news notifications immediately!—Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://bit.ly/3B3ztIa

#KiniNews: Rafizi clears out office; Cops probing Pahang royalty over claims of attack

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has denied speculation and claims suggesting that president Abdul Hadi Awang is considering stepping down from his position as party president.Tuan Ibrahim stressed that Hadi, who is a former special envoy to the Middle East, is still needed not only by the party but by the Islamic world at large.

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has denied speculation and claims suggesting that president Abdul Hadi Awang is considering stepping down from his position as party president.Tuan Ibrahim stressed that Hadi, who is a former special envoy to the Middle East, is still needed not only by the party but by the Islamic world at large.

Tuan Ibrahim denies claims of Hadi stepping down

The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) has urged the public to stop speculating and spreading slander over the Yusoff Rawther case.“We urge the public to refrain from making any speculation or spreading slander over the matter, especially if it involves making comments outside of the scope of the court’s judgment."“Our criminal justice system must never be affected by trial by media, insinuations or insults,” it said.

The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) has urged the public to stop speculating and spreading slander over the Yusoff Rawther case.“We urge the public to refrain from making any speculation or spreading slander over the matter, especially if it involves making comments outside of the scope of the court’s judgment."“Our criminal justice system must never be affected by trial by media, insinuations or insults,” it said.

AGC: Stop speculation, slander over Yusoff Rawther case

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed that the government had allocated RM486,000 for former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s trip to Japan to attend the annual Nikkei conference last month.He said the government decided to bear the cost after receiving a formal application from Mahathir, who is one of the Tambun MP’s fiercest critics.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed that the government had allocated RM486,000 for former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s trip to Japan to attend the annual Nikkei conference last month.He said the government decided to bear the cost after receiving a formal application from Mahathir, who is one of the Tambun MP’s fiercest critics.

Anwar: I approved RM486k for Dr M's Japan trip, despite his criticisms of the govt

“Imagine if this happened to our own child or family member?”That is the question opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin is posing to Malaysians as he urges national introspection over the case of Yusoff Rawther, who was acquitted of drug trafficking and possession of a fake gun.The Bersatu deputy president called on Malaysians to rise up and demand justice, stressing that those responsible for jailing Yusoff must be held to account.

“Imagine if this happened to our own child or family member?”That is the question opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin is posing to Malaysians as he urges national introspection over the case of Yusoff Rawther, who was acquitted of drug trafficking and possession of a fake gun.The Bersatu deputy president called on Malaysians to rise up and demand justice, stressing that those responsible for jailing Yusoff must be held to account.

Hamzah: Masterminds behind conspiracy against Yusoff must be held accountable

More than 290 people were killed after an Air India flight bound for London with 242 people on board crashed into a residential area shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad in the western Indian state of Gujarat on Thursday.CCTV+ cited local police as saying that one surviving passenger from the plane had been rescued."The police found one survivor in seat 11A. The survivor is under treatment. Cannot say anything about the number of deaths yet. The death toll may increase as the flight crashed in a residential area," Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik was quoted as saying by the local media.

More than 290 people were killed after an Air India flight bound for London with 242 people on board crashed into a residential area shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad in the western Indian state of Gujarat on Thursday.CCTV+ cited local police as saying that one surviving passenger from the plane had been rescued."The police found one survivor in seat 11A. The survivor is under treatment. Cannot say anything about the number of deaths yet. The death toll may increase as the flight crashed in a residential area," Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik was quoted as saying by the local media.

At least 290 killed in Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, one survivor found

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he would like to have former ministers Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad rejoin the cabinet.While the duo tendered their resignations and applied for leave, Anwar said he merely approved the leave to allow them time to reconsider their decisions.“Let them think about it. Personally, I would prefer that they rejoin the cabinet,” he said.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he would like to have former ministers Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad rejoin the cabinet.While the duo tendered their resignations and applied for leave, Anwar said he merely approved the leave to allow them time to reconsider their decisions.“Let them think about it. Personally, I would prefer that they rejoin the cabinet,” he said.

I would prefer that Rafizi, Nik Nazmi rejoin the cabinet, says Anwar

[KiniNews] The Kuala Lumpur High Court has acquitted Yusoff Rawther, the former research assistant to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, of drug trafficking and possession of two imitation pistols charges.Judge Jamil Hussin ruled today that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case on both charges.Meanwhile, Yusoff’s lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali said open to taking legal action against the police and Home Ministry.He told Malaysiakini that 'all options are on the table.'This was in response to calls from PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari and other opposition leaders for Yusoff to take legal action against the police and the Home Ministry.Fadhli had said the legal action is to reveal who allegedly gave the order to plant cannabis and fake firearms on the former researcher.___________________📌 Share this news! Join the Malaysiakini WhatsApp Channel now! https://mk.my/wa_mkiniTurn on notifications 🔔 or unmute the channel to receive news notifications immediately!—Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://bit.ly/3B3ztIa

[KiniNews] The Kuala Lumpur High Court has acquitted Yusoff Rawther, the former research assistant to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, of drug trafficking and possession of two imitation pistols charges.Judge Jamil Hussin ruled today that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case on both charges.Meanwhile, Yusoff’s lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali said open to taking legal action against the police and Home Ministry.He told Malaysiakini that 'all options are on the table.'This was in response to calls from PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari and other opposition leaders for Yusoff to take legal action against the police and the Home Ministry.Fadhli had said the legal action is to reveal who allegedly gave the order to plant cannabis and fake firearms on the former researcher.___________________📌 Share this news! Join the Malaysiakini WhatsApp Channel now! https://mk.my/wa_mkiniTurn on notifications 🔔 or unmute the channel to receive news notifications immediately!—Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://bit.ly/3B3ztIa

#KiniNews: Yusoff Rawther freed of drug, fake gun charges; Sue? Legal options open, says lawyer

A trade deal between Washington and Beijing “is done”, subject to final approval with the presidents of the two countries, said US President Donald Trump on Thursday.Trump said the US is “getting a total of 55 percent tariffs, China is getting 10 percent.”

A trade deal between Washington and Beijing “is done”, subject to final approval with the presidents of the two countries, said US President Donald Trump on Thursday.Trump said the US is “getting a total of 55 percent tariffs, China is getting 10 percent.”

Trump says deal with China is done, pending final approval

The move by Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) to trim its workforce involves mostly contract workers, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.He said this when asked to comment on reports that Petronas would cut about 5,000 employees as part of a “right-sizing” process.

The move by Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) to trim its workforce involves mostly contract workers, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.He said this when asked to comment on reports that Petronas would cut about 5,000 employees as part of a “right-sizing” process.

Anwar: Petronas job cuts will mainly affect contract workers