1NATCHATHIRAM (நட்சத்திரம்)

KL commends Beijing over South China Sea

2013-10-25T17:39:00.000+08:00

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BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Malaysia has commended China for its commitment to resolve disputes and overlapping territorial claims in the resource-rich and strategic South China Sea through peaceful negotiations.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the pledge by Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang at the ongoing 23rd Asean Summit here not to use force in resolving the matter was welcomed as Kuala Lumpur had always opposed the use of force or threats.

“With China’s commitment, the claimant states should now be committed to resolving matters peacefully through negotiations.

“We need to work on the Code of Conduct as well as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea for an amicable solution,” he told Malaysian media at the end of day one of the summit here yesterday.

Earlier yesterday, the Chinese Prime Minister had told the summit that Asean should not let the question of the South China Sea affect overall China-Asean relations.

China is now Asean’s biggest trading partner with bilateral trade last year amounting to US$400bil (RM1.27 trillion), nearly six times that of 10 years ago.

In the first half of this year, bilateral trade topped US$210bil (RM670bil), an increase of 12% compared to the corresponding period last year.

Li said both China and Asean should work together to maintain peace and stability in the area and jointly foster a favourable and “more enabling environment” for peaceful settlement of disputes, and to look forward towards joint development of the area pending a settlement.

Asean members Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, as well as China and Taiwan, have laid claim to parts of the sea.

Some 100,000 cargo ships from various countries use the shipping routes through the area annually.

Several countries were at odds last year after an increasingly aggressive China resorted to using threat to lay its claim.

Najib said Malaysia was also open to China’s suggestion to jointly develop the area pending a final settlement.

“We are prepared to pursue this with China but what is more important now is that no one should use force or threat over the South China Sea,” he said.

Najib said the fact that Li had also proposed a treaty on good neighbourliness, friendship and cooperation between China and Asean at the summit was testament to China’s commitment to resolve disputes through talks.

“The Chinese Prime Minister has also proposed several other measures to strengthen ties with Asean,” he said.

(Source: The Star Online)

Petronas eyes Canada licence

2013-10-25T16:42:00.000+08:00

AN export licence is the next important step for the Canadian unit of Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) to see its C$36 billion (RM111 billion) investment advance further.

Its unit, Pacific Northwest LNG, had in July applied to Canada's National Energy Board (NEB) for a licence to export up to 19.68 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per year for 25 years beginning 2019 from its proposed multi-billion dollar export facility in Port Edward, British Columbia.

The filing for the NEB export licence is regarded as "another important step to bring the tremendous opportunity into reality".

"We believe that the successful completion of our project will create long-term, multi-generational benefits for First Nations, northwest British Columbia, the province and the country as a whole.

"While we continue our work to reach a final investment decision in late 2014, we believe that our project has all of the key components of a successful world-class LNG development," said Pacific Northwest president Greg Kist in a statement.

Pacific NorthWest, which is owned through various subsidiaries by Petronas, plans to build three so-called trains, the cooling units where the liquefaction of gas occurs, on Lelu Island in the Port Edward district, south of Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

The site will be used to liquefy and export natural gas produced by Calgary-based Progress Energy Canada, which was bought by Petronas last year in a US$5.5 billion deal.

Since then, Petronas and Malaysia have shown commitment to further invest in the development of LNG in Canada.

Last Saturday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced that Petronas will invest C$36 billion over 30 years to build the energy plant that will cover the construction of upstream facilities, including a pipeline leading to the plant.

"I am told that it is the largest foreign direct investment in Canada by any country. This is a significant landmark decision by Petronas following a positive response from the Canadian government," Najib had said during a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who was on a visit to Malaysia.

The Petronas takeover of Progress Energy triggered months of hand-wringing in the Harper's government over majority takeovers of Canadian companies by foreign state-owned enterprises.

The Canadian government eventually did approve the deals last year but at the same time introduced new rules that permit such takeovers only in the most exceptional circumstances.

Earlier reports said the proposed LNG facility will comprise an initial development of two LNG trains of about six million tonnes per annum (mtpa) each and a subsequent development of a third train of about six mtpa.

Petronas plans to invest between C$9 billion and C$11 billion to construct the first two liquefication units and C$5 billion on a 750km-long pipeline, to be built by TransCanada Corp, that will supply gas to the two units.

Pacific NorthWest will be supplied with natural gas sourced primarily from Progress Energy Canada's assets in northeast British Columbia.

Petronas, through its subsidiaries, will hold a 90 per cent interest in the project, with Japan Petroleum Exploration Co Ltd holding the rest.

The proposed facility is also expected to create up to 3,500 direct jobs during its construction stage. Once operational, the LNG facility will create 200 to 300 permanent full-time jobs.

We can help with woes over asylum-seekers, Australia told

2013-10-25T16:39:00.000+08:00

Malaysia has offered to help handle the influx of asylum-seekers into Australia, many of whom die while at sea or upon reaching Australia in horrible conditions.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak extended the offer during bilateral talks with his Australian counterpart Tony Abbot at the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders Summit here yesterday.

“Human trafficking is a big issue,” he said. “Such illegal activities had brought great suffering to those who had paid hefty sums of money to go to other countries,” Najib said.

“These people (asylum-seekers) use rickety and unsafe vessels. The Australian PM and I discussed how to prevent such incidents from occurring,” he told Malaysian reporters here.

He and Abbot also discussed a “reverse Colombo Plan”, whereby students Down Under would be offered places in Malaysian universities, besides experiencing the cultures and lives of Malaysians, and those of other Asean countries.

The Plan (named after the Sri Lankan capital where it started in the 1950s) embodies a concept of collective inter-governmental efforts to strengthen economic and social development of countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Regarding his meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, Najib said his counterpart had expressed support for Malaysia’s bid for a seat as a non-permanent member in the United Nation’s Security Council.

New Zealand was also offering to be in the council but this would not be an issue to Malaysia, Najib said.

“We are representing the Asia-Pacific countries, while New Zealand is part of the other countries that include Turkey and Spain, in the contest for the seat,” he said.

(Source: The Star Online)

Flexibility is key to signing of Pacific trade pact, Najib says at Apec dialogue - Bernama

2013-10-25T14:57:00.003+08:00

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today expressed his concern on a few areas in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) at the Apec CEO Summit dialogue in Bali.

He also stressed that "flexibility" would be key to the successful negotiation of the agreement at the dialogue themed Investment in Infrastructure and Human Capital - Investing for Economic Resilience.

“We do have a few areas of great concern because TPP is a different free trade agreement,” said Najib, who was a panel member with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, in response to a question by the moderator, Diane Brady, a senior editor with Bloomberg, about his concerns on the TPPA.

The prime minister said the TPPA goes beyond the normal trade and investment in the free trade agreements that Malaysia has with many countries.

“As you go beyond that, into areas of intellectual properties, investor-state dispute settlement, government procurement, state-owned enterprises, environment and labour, so you impinge on fundamentally the sovereign right of the country to make regulation and policy.

"That is a tricky part and that is why we ask for flexibility,” he said.

Najib had said yesterday that it was unlikely that the TPPA would be concluded by year-end, the scheduled deadline.

The TPPA is a proposed free trade agreement under negotiation by the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) member countries – Australia, Brunei, Chile, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, South Korea, The United States and Vietnam. – Bernama, October 7, 2013.

(Source: The Malaysian Insider)

Petronas strengthens Canada-Malaysia ties

2013-10-25T14:54:00.001+08:00

Local delights: Najib introducing Harper to the many varieties of local fruits during a luncheon to welcome the Canadian prime minister at Seri Perdana, Putrajaya. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is now the largest foreign direct investor in Canada following the confirmation of Petronas’ C$36bil (RM110bil) liquefied natural gas (LNG) export business project in the country.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak confirmed this after a bilateral meeting with his Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper yesterday.

The one-hour closed door meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s office here. Harper arrived here on Friday for a three-day visit.

Najib said Malaysia was pleased with the Canadian government’s approval of Petronas’ earlier investment of C$5bil (RM15.3bil) in Progress Energy Canada, which was a significant investment for Malaysia in Canada.

“We are confident in the policies of the Canadian government and saw a wealth of opportunities in opening up the country’s energy industry to new markets.

“There is a 30-year timeline for the C$36bil investment and Petronas is very positive about this decision,” he told a joint press conference after the meeting.

Progress Energy Canada, formed after Petronas bought over Progress Energy Resources Corp last December, will undertake the project known as Pacific Northwest LNG which has been designed to capitalise on Asia’s growing demand for LNG by tapping into the abundant supply of cheap and land-locked natural gas in Canada.

On the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), Najib said he expected it to take a longer time to be concluded than the initial year-end timeline.

“The end of the year is very tight timeline. We (countries involves in TPPA) will have our discussions in Bali and have a sense of whether that timetable is feasible.

“But our sense is that it (TPPA conclusion) may take longer than the end of the year,” he said.

Harper, meanwhile said Petronas’ huge investment gave a positive indication that the oil giant was looking for further investments in Canada.

“We are really excited about the possibility. We also had talks on the energy sector,” he said.

Both leaders also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on an international security programme between Malaysia and Canada and a Declaration of Intent for a new agreement to avoid double taxation, and to prevent fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.

The MoU was signed by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman and his Canadian counterpart John Baird.

(Source: The Star Online)

Najib to lead Malaysian delegation to Apec summit

2013-10-25T14:52:00.002+08:00

BALI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will lead a Malaysian delegation to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders Summit which begins today.

The meeting has been overshadowed by the absence of US President Barack Obama, who cancelled his trip to the summit and several Southeast-Asian countries including Malaysia, following a partial US government shutdown after a budget row in the Congress.

Obama is represented by Secretary of State John Kerry at Apec 2013.

Najib is expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from several countries, including Australia and New Zealand, and is also slated to attend the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) leaders’ meeting here.

The TPP is being pushed by Obama to create a Asia-Pacific free-trade area covering nearly 40% of the global economic output.

Protests have erupted over fears that it could open domestic markets to foreign competition.

Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin said Obama’s absence would mean several high-level meetings with other economic leaders would be cancelled.

It is understood that Najib will also meet with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono here.

This year’s summit, themed “Towards Resilient Asia-Pacific, Engine of Global Growth” signalled the importance of Asian economies in free trade and investments.

Security has been tightened at the Indonesian holiday island for the Apec summit, with the airport closed off to commercial traffic today, while security has been tight at hotels and Apec meeting venues.

Meanwhile, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said in Nusa Dua that trade and economic ministers at the Apec meeting here are studying common grounds in the areas of physical and social connectivity.

He said the ministers agreed that sustainable and equitable growth could be achieved with good physical connectivity in the form of ports, airports and roads to facilitate trade.

They are also looking at increased social connectivity to improve talent growth, including carrying out more student exchange programmes.

“Some of the less developed countries are facing financial hurdles as they need to optimise their national budgets for other important needs.

“They asked for easier trade movements and lesser taxations among Apec members.

“If we reduce trade hurdles and improve trade facilities, we can reduce such problems and help under-developed countries to improve their economies,” he told Malaysian media at the sidelines of the Apec trade ministers meeting.

On TPP negotiations, Mustapa said as a country practising an open economy, it should not stop efforts by others to invest in Malaysia.

“What is important is that we must carry out a cost-benefit effort.”

Mustapa said China-made textiles are getting cheaper in Malaysia, which benefit consumers.

“There are many positives in allowing foreign companies to do business in Malaysia. Jobs can be created for our people and our economic growth will improve as an open economy,” he added.

(Source: The Star Online)

Najib to deliberate on APEC’s three priorities during AELM

2013-10-25T14:15:00.002+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 (Bernama) — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is scheduled to deliberate on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec)’s three priorities during the 21st Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) in Bali, Indonesia, beginning Monday.

A Foreign Ministry statement said Apec 2013′s three priorities are ‘Attaining the Bogor Goals’, ‘Promoting Connectivity’ and ‘Achieving Sustainable Growth with Equity’.

“Apart from exchanging views with other leaders on these issues, the prime minister will also explore new and innovative ideas to further enhance cooperation among Apec economies,” said the statement.

Najib, who will lead the Malaysian delegation to the AELM, will be accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainudin and senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, Foreign Ministry, International Trade and Industry Ministry and Finance Ministry.

The two-day AELM, to be attended by Heads of Government of the 21 Pacific Rim member economies, will assume a vital role in promoting trade as well as investment in the Asia-Pacific region.

The outcome of the 21st Apec Economic Leaders Meeting will be documented in the Apec Economic Leaders’ Declaration. – BERNAMA

(Source: http://www.theborneopost.com)

Canadian PM accorded welcome

2013-10-25T14:12:00.001+08:00

Najib and Harper hold a joint press conference after their meeting at Putrajaya

PUTRAJAYA: Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper who is on a three day visit to Malaysia was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Perdana Square Sunday.

Harper was greeted upon arrival by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at 9.30am, before the national anthems of Malaysia and Canada were played.

Harper then inspected a guard-of-honour mounted by 106 officers and men of the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment.

Also present to welcome Harper were Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Chief Secretary to the government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa, and several cabinet ministers.

The two leaders were then ushered to Level Five of the Perdana Putra building here to begin their bilateral meeting, where several memorandums of understanding are expected to be signed, followed by a joint press conference.

Harper arrived in Malaysia on Friday. -Bernama

(Source: The Star Online)

A strong Umno is crucial to success of BN, says Najib

2013-10-25T14:09:00.000+08:00

Responsible leader: Najib posing after handing out sacrificial cows to his Pekan constituents. — Bernama

PEKAN: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has called on Umno members to respect and accept with an open heart whatever decisions made by the grassroots regarding the upcoming party polls.

The Umno president said a strong united Umno was crucial to the success of Barisan Nasional in the next general election.

“As the Pekan Umno division chief, it is my responsibility to make sure we are all united. If we have unity, we will be successful in all of our struggles,” said Najib before handing out sacrificial cows to his Pekan constituents here yesterday.

The Prime Minister also said loyalty and making sacrifices were values that should be observed by all in Umno.

“Throughout history, we have been successful in tackling challenges because we were willing to make sacrifices, some even with their lives.

“During the struggle for independence, some people sacrificed their lives but they were not successful because they were in small, disorganised groups,” he said.

He said Umno had made sacrifices in the frontline for the sake of the people and thus, it was successful.

“Present and future challenges may be different from the time when we were struggling for independence but the core values remain the same. If we are willing to sacrifice and remain united, Allah will grant us victory,” said Najib.

He added that politicians and community leaders should also be willing to make sacrifices to see their objectives met.

“However, we cannot see sacrifice as a means to our own personal gains. Otherwise, it will not be a sincere sacrifice.

“When our objectives are achieved, we can at least bask in the glory of our sacrifice. That is how we achieve success,” he said.

(Source: The Star Online)

Xi: Malaysia-China ties built on mutual help and trust

2013-10-25T12:37:00.001+08:00

China's President Xi Jinping speaks during the Malaysia-China Economic Summit.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and China's strong bilateral ties were built on mutual help given in difficult times and ever more solid political trust, said China's president Xi Jinping.

Stressing that Malaysia was an important stop on his first state trip to Southeast Asia, he thanked the business communities from both nations who had long been committed to enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation.

"Our two countries have proven to be good neighbours, good friends and good partners who go through thick and thin together," he said in his keynote speech at the Malaysia-China Economic Summit at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here Friday.

Xi added that China would also never forget the strong public support it received from the Malaysian public in the aftermath of the devastating Wenchuan earthquake in 2008.

"It touched our hearts. In 2012, a Malaysian student from Tianjin University saved the life of a seven-year-old Chinese boy by donating his own stem cells. These stories give full expression to the profound friendship between our people," he said.

He noted that Malaysia had been the first Asean country to establish diplomatic ties with China, while Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had chosen China as the first country to visit outside of Asean in 2009.

He said the bilateral cooperation over the years had given tangible benefits to the citizens of both nations and pointed to the Qinzhou and Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Parks as models for regional investment cooperation.

Going forward, he said China would focus on promoting more win-win cooperation and common prosperity, with Asia continuing to be the primary choice for such efforts.

He said that in the next five years, China would markedly increase its outbound investment on a global scale, while over 400 million tourists were expected to go abroad.

"All such economic growth and development in China will create a bigger market and more opportunities for countries in Asia," he said.

He said that China's GDP grew by 7.6% in the first half of this year, adding that it was still one of the highest in the world.

"Although the growth is a little slower than before, it is the result of our positive adjustment. In fact, it is a period we have to go through before achieving growth with higher quality," he said, adding that living standards were still quite low while there were still several institutional barriers to overcome.

Xi, who extended an invitation to Najib to visit him in Beijing next year, said he hoped Malaysia and China would bring its development and growth strategies together to give a further strong boost to their bilateral relations.

He said this was in line with realising Malaysia's Vision 2020 and China's Chinese Dream, and affirmed China's regard of Malaysia as a trustworthy strategic partner.

China has been Malaysia's biggest trading partner for the past four years, while Malaysia is its largest in the 10-member Asean for five years.

Bilateral trade reached US$94.8bil (RM301bil) last year while a freshly-inked five year programme aims to achieve US$160bil (RM508bil) by end of 2017.

(Source: The Star Online)

Malaysia-China relationship an opportunity of a lifetime, says Xi

2013-10-25T12:35:00.001+08:00

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia and China set the stage for a boom in relationship and the economy with what Chinese President Xi Jinping has described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

He described the great opportunities available from the significant upgrading of trade and business ties between the two countries, as “shi bu zai lai” (‘it will only come once’ in Mandarin).

Based on what has been agreed by the two leaders over a five-year economic and trade cooperation, there is much in store for both countries to benefit.

Malaysia and China have also finalised the teamwork mechanism for the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park (QIP), launched in April last year, and signed the agreed minutes for the setting up of a joint cooperation council of the QIP and the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP).

The MCKIP, the sister park of QIP in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region in China, was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in April 2011.

The formation of the council is a huge step forward for the iconic QIP-MCKIP tie-up, as it would be responsible for coordinating, promoting, monitoring and evaluating the progress and development of the parks.

Most significantly, Najib and Xi pledge to achieve a bilateral trade volume of US$160bil (RM508bil) by the end of 2017 – 1.7 times more than last year’s amount.

The leaders also spoke about extending their cooperation in areas such as information, telecommunication, remote sensing satellite technology, space technology and science.

Sentiments are high that Xi’s visit will result in positive developments to boost Malaysia’s economy that has been remained rather lacklustre for some time.

Based on responses after the milestone bilateral talk between Najib and Xi, the business community is certainly upbeat and expects the improvement of trade and investment flows to and from both nations.

“There will be fantastic opportunities for Malaysia to have strong ties with the second-largest economy in the world,” said AirAsia CEO Aireen Omar.

Berjaya Corp Bhd executive chairman Datuk Robin Tan hoped for more collaboration between businesses from Malaysia and China.

“China is definitely becoming a force to be reckoned with. It is good that its leader has placed emphasis on engaging Malaysia,” he said.

Cheng Ho Multi Culture Trade & Investment Services Bhd managing director Datuk Wira Jalilah Baba said Malaysian companies should position themselves to tap into China’s outbound investment valued at US$500bil (RM1.6tril).

Shanghai Xike Hotel Equipment Co Ltd president is willing to invest more here.

“For Chinese businesses, our interest is in expanding into Asean, and we’ve always reckoned Malaysia as one of the more important markets in the region.”

The optimism is prevalent.

To Malaysia and China, the success of both QIP and MCKIP would be crucial towards the growth in literal trade and investment.

But the industrial parks are also expected to bring in far more benefits than just the trade figures.

If implemented well, the much-needed FDI from China and elsewhere would flow in addition to China’s aim of getting more Chinese companies to venture out of the world’s second largest economy.

And Malaysia should be reaping the benefits when both parks are up and running later this decade.

(Source: The Star Online)

Malaysia-China target RM500b in trade by 2017 - Bernama

2013-10-25T12:26:00.000+08:00

Najib (2nd left) and Xi (4th right) heading for more talks in the Malaysia-China Economic Summit in Kuala Lumpur today. - Reuters pic, October 4, 2013

Malaysia and China are set to achieve a total bilateral trade of US$160 billion by 2017, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

During a closed-door meeting with China's President Xi Jinping at his office today, both leaders also discussed a five-year programme for economic and trade cooperation and agreed to elevate the current cooperation between both countries into a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Prime Minister said China also expressed keen interest to participate in Malaysia's high-speed rail project, China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park and the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park.

"We also discussed greater cooperation in financial services. We’d like to see more trade between the countries settled in the Renminbi and Ringgit.

"Information should also be disseminated to the private sectors of both countries. We also agreed that financial institutions in Malaysia and China should assume a greater role in both countries," he said at a joint press conference with Xi after the meeting.

Xi and his 100-member delegation arrived in Malaysia yesterday for a three-day state visit.

Both leaders are expected to attend the Malaysia-China Economic Summit, later today, aimed at promoting and enhancing business-to-business linkages and collaboration between Malaysia and China.

Najib said President Xi also indicated some new areas of cooperation between the two countries, which included information and communication technology, biotechnology, science and space technology.

"We also agreed to step up our cooperation in law enforcement, combating trans-national crime, cyber security, as well as, stronger and deeper military cooperation," he said.

He also said people-to-people relations between the two countries was very important as Malaysia and China would celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year.

President Xi has proposed the visit of 100 young people from Malaysia to visit China and a cultural troupe from China to visit Malaysia.

"It is very kind of the Chinese government and his excellency to invite me to visit China. I look forward to visit China and celebrate the 40th anniversary of our important and strong relations," he said.

Najib said both leaders also agreed to establish a Consul-General office in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, and Pulau Pinang, while Malaysia would also establish a similar office in Nanning.

He said both countries would also work closely in the regional and multilateral context and, in this regard, the cooperation between China-Asean and Asean-China was very important.

"I'd like to thank the President for the strong priority given towards China's relations with Asean. We fully support his suggestion for the establishment of an Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank which would certainly help in the development of Asean," he said.

Najib also expressed hope that the establishment of the first overseas campus of Xiamen University in Malaysia would soon become a reality. - Bernama, October 4, 2013.

(Source: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com)

Najib hoping for more FDI from China for mutual benefit

2013-10-25T12:08:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has expressed hope for more foreign direct investment (FDI) to be pumped into Malaysia from China for the benefit of both countries.

While he thanked the Chinese government for supporting Malaysian companies, Najib said the amount of FDI from China was not as much as the FDI from Malaysia into the Asian economic giant.

"As of 2012, Malaysia's cumulative FDI into China stands at USD6.3bil (RM20.05bil).

"The cross flow from China to Malaysia however, is a fraction of that," he said in his speech at the Malaysia-China Economic Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Friday.

Najib said Malaysia looked forward to further investment in the future, as it continued to explore business opportunities in China and carry out reforms.

"We also laud the ongoing initiatives to facilitate further trade, including our bilateral currency swap arrangement agreement.

"Malaysia is the first country outside China to use Renminbi and our central bank is the first in Asean to hold Renminbi reserves," he said, adding that 2.3% of world trade settled in the Chinese currency was done in Malaysia.

Najib said more should be done to deepen and promote this particular monetary cooperation.

He said China president Xi Jinping's visit to Malaysia showed the solid bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Najib said he was honoured when Xi told him that meeting him was like the Chinese saying "yi jian ru gu", which meant feeling like old friends even at the first glance.

On another note, he said he was also pleased that Malaysia was given the privilege of hosting the first Chinese university outside of China - the Xiamen University Malaysia Campus.

"With an investment of approximately RM1.2bil, the 150-acre (60.702ha) university will accommodate 10,000 students and mark another milestone in our bilateral cooperation in education," Najib said.

During the event, Najib and Xi witnessed the signing ceremony of several government-to-government agreements including a five year programme for economic and trade cooperation.

Meanwhile, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said Malaysia is targeting to get 5% of China's USD500bil (RM1.588 trillion) outbound investment over the next five years.

He said Malaysia was also hoping to lure 5% of 80 million tourists from China searching for a suitable holiday destination.

"With its USD500bil set to flow into other countries, China will be an important investment source for us," he said in a press conference after the Malaysia-China Economic Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Friday.

Mustapa said the huge potential offered by China was something that should be looked into by the Ministry, Malaysian Investment Development Authority and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation.

He said China's investment into Malaysia was less than the other way around.

"Currently, China's investment into our country is only about 10% of the USD6.3bil (RM20.05bil) of what Malaysia invested in China," Mustapa said.

Asked what were the reasons for the imbalanced invest flow of investments, he said this was because Malaysian businessmen were very knowledgeable and attuned into the Chinese market.

"Another reason is the high speed of development experienced by China. There are a lot of opportunities for growth there," he said.

Mustapa said Malaysia hoped that the China's industry players would invest in the services and manufacturing sectors here.

On trying to draw more tourist arrivals from China, he said if Malaysia can receive 5% of the 80 million outbound Chinese tourists, it would bring significant benefits to the nation.

(Source: The Star Online)

Xi begins 3-day state visit

2013-10-25T11:56:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia rolled out the red carpet to welcome President Xi Jinping of China, whose three-day visit is set to usher in a new era in relations between both countries.

The visit is of utmost importance as it signals the commitment of the new Chinese leadership to maintain the longstanding friendly relations with Kuala Lumpur since the establishment of diplomatic relations 39 years ago.

Accompanied by his wife, Peng Liyuan, Xi was greeted by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam, upon arrival at the Bunga Raya Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, at 6.35pm.

Others in the Chinese delegation included State Councillor overseeing foreign diplomacy Yang Jiechi, Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng.

Xi arrived here after wrapping up a state visit to Indonesia, the first stop of his maiden trip to Southeast Asia since assuming the presidency in March.

According to Wisma Putra, the trip will enable Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Xi to chart the future direction of Malaysia-China relations, which includes reaffirming their commitment to strengthen cooperation in all fields and contribute to the prosperity and maintenance of peace and stability in the region.

Today, Xi will be given an official welcome at Parliament, where he is expected to go on a short visit with his presidential entourage.

He is scheduled to meet Najib at the Prime Minister's office in Putrajaya after that.

After the meeting, Xi and Najib will witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding between 1Malaysia Development Bhd and China Investment Corporation.

Both leaders will later attend a joint press conference before Xi attends a luncheon meeting with Chinese students studying here. He will then proceed to the Malaysia-China Economic Summit held at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre.

A royal banquet will be held in Istana Negara in Xi's honour.

Tomorrow, Xi is expected to meet former prime ministers Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Abdullah Badawi in separate meetings.

He will then meet China embassy officials before departing for Bali, Indonesia in the afternoon.

Bilateral trade between China and Malaysia hit US$94.8 billion (RM303 billion) last year. China has been Malaysia's biggest trade partner for four consecutive years while Malaysia has been the biggest trade partner of China in the Asean region for the past five years.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek summed up Malaysia's relations with the superpower at the "World Chinese Economic Forum Gala dinner and Lifetime achievement awards" last night where he applauded China's remarkable economic growth in the last three decades.

Dr Chua said Malaysia should take advantage of its Chinese speaking populace to build bridges of communication and business links with China.

"The emergence of China as the second economic power in the world has now made Mandarin language to be of great economic value.

"Our trade with Mandarin-speaking nations accounted for 20 per cent of our total trade. If we need to bolster the figures and make more inroads, we need to train more Malaysians to be multi-lingual.

"They must be good in Bahasa, English and Mandarin. Hence, learning Mandarin is not just the cultural reason behind it but because of the immense economic potential that comes with it," he said, adding the centre of gravity had shifted to the East from the West over the past decade with China, India and the economies of Asean being the main engines of growth.

Malaysia remains China's top trading partner in Asean with bilateral trade between Malaysia and China surging 15.7 per cent to reach US$50.92 billion in the first half of this year, compared with the same period last year.

From January to June, Malaysia's exports to China grew 3.6 per cent to US$28.74 billion with imports from China valued at US$22.17 billion, up 36.4 per cent year-on-year.

In Jakarta, AFP reported Xi said his country's territorial disputes with Southeast Asia should be resolved in a "peaceful manner".

Xi said China and the 10-member Asean nations should settle territorial and maritime disputes "in a peaceful manner so as to safeguard regional stability and peace".

"Southeast Asia is one important hub of the maritime Silk Road. China is ready to increase maritime cooperation with Asean.

"China attaches great importance to Indonesia's role in Asean and is ready to work together with Indonesia and other Asean countries to make the two sides share the same prosperity."

China has overlapping territorial claims to parts of the sea with several other countries, and tensions have run particularly high with Vietnam and the Philippines.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak greeting Chinese President Xi Jinping at a dinner held in his honour in Putrajaya last night.

(Source: http://www.nst.com.my)

Malaysia-China ties stronger than ever

2013-10-23T17:16:00.002+08:00

Razak and his Malaysian delegation being given a rousing welcome upon arrival at the Beijing airport in 1974.

KUALA LUMPUR: It has been 39 years since the late Tun Abdul Razak played a crucial role in establishing diplomatic ties with China.

And in all the years since, even after the former Prime Minister’s passing, the Chinese government has maintained a cordial relationship with his widow Tun Rahah Mohd Noah and her family.

Through its embassy here, China has invited Rahah to its functions and to the ambassadors’ official residence and even called on her – all in appreciation of her husband’s mammoth contributions in bringing the two countries closer.

Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Chai Xi said it had always been a custom for the Chinese to remember the good deeds done for them.

Chinese students performing a dance to welcome Malaysian delegates at the airport in Beijing in 1974.

“My predecessor gave me special instructions to send well-wishes and pay visits to Tun Rahah.

“I will tell my colleague the same thing when he takes over office from me,” he said.

Among the notable occasions he cited was when the Chinese government invited Rahah, and others in her family, to join her son Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during his official visit to China in 2009.

During the former Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s visit to Malaysia in 2011, Rahah attended a welcoming dinner for him.

“Najib is very touched by the friendly gestures of the Chinese government,” he said.

Razak visiting a museum in China in 1974.

“He said that this was something which had not been done by other countries, except China,” Chai said.

After his arrival for a three-day state visit here, China's President Xi Jinping will attend a state banquet at Istana Negara today, bilateral talks, an MoU signing ceremony and a joint press conference with Najib.

Other programmes lined up for the president include attending a luncheon with Malaysian Chinese business leaders, giving a speech at the Malaysia-China Economic Cooperation Summit and meeting former prime ministers Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

A front page newspaper report in 1974 on Razak’s historic visit to China.

Chai said Najib had fostered close working and personal relationships with the previous Chinese leaders, especially Wen.

He said the people of both nations hoped to see Najib, Xi and their administrations continue this tradition.

On the significance of this visit, Chai said Najib and Xi would discuss the countries’ direction for the next five to 10 years.

“Both governments have agreed on a five-year blueprint on bilateral economic cooperation which we will sign during this visit,” he said.

(Source: The Star Online)

Canada’s Harper to visit Malaysia tomorrow

2013-10-23T17:06:00.001+08:00

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 3 — Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper will make a three-day official visit to Malaysia from Friday, at the invitation of his counterpart Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said Harper’s first visit to Malaysia in his capacity as prime minister would certainly help elevate Malaysia’s relations with Canada.

“Both prime ministers are expected to have a bilateral meeting on various bilateral cooperations, focusing on trade and investment in the oil and gas fields as well as agriculture, plantation and transportation sectors,” he said.

Briefing the media ahead of the visit here yesterday, Anifah noted that the bilateral focus between Malaysia and Canada had shifted from being product-oriented to bilateral investment-based relations, with investments from both sides on the increase in recent years.

The minister further said that the visit also envisaged to further enhance cooperation in the fields of security and military, finance-related matters and private sector engagements.

The last Canadian prime minister to visit Malaysia was Jean Chretien who attended the Apec Summit in Kuala Lumpur in 1998. The last high-level visit from Malaysia was by former Malaysia’s King Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, in 2010. – Bernama

(Source: http://www.themalaymailonline.com)

Najib Razak : Lawatan Presiden China Xi Jinping

2013-10-23T17:01:00.001+08:00

Presiden China, Xi Jinping memulakan lawatan Negara selama tiga hari ke Malaysia. Lawatan ini akan membolehkan Najib Razak dan Xi melakar hala tuju masa depan hubungan Malaysia-China.

(Source: 1malaysia.com.my)

Najib, Xi to 'set future direction' of bilateral ties

2013-10-23T16:54:00.000+08:00

BOOSTING TIES AND TRADE: Chinese president to ink several economic cooperation and trade agreements

KUALA LUMPUR: MALAYSIA and China are expected to sign several economic pacts and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) during Chinese President's Xi Jinping state visit here, his first since assuming office in March.

Xi, who arrives today, will have bilateral talks with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak during his three-day visit which Wisma Putra said would "set the future direction" of Malaysia-China ties.

"This (state) visit of President Xi is of utmost importance as it signals the commitment of the new Chinese leadership to maintain the long-standing friendly relations with Malaysia," Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said.

"The visit is envisaged to take into account the geo-strategic developments rapidly taking place in the region," he said at a news briefing ahead of the visit.

Xi will be accompanied by a 100-strong delegation, which includes his wife, Peng Liyuan, State Councillor overseeing foreign diplomacy Yang jiechi, Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi and Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng.

The highlight of the visit will be Xi and Najib's keynote addresses at the Malaysia-China Economic Summit here.

The two leaders will then witness the signing of several major economic agreements and MoUs. These include a five-year programme for bilateral trade and economic cooperation beginning this year.

The MoU would provide further clarity and certainty on the future direction and priorities of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, he said.

Others include an MoU between 1Malaysia Development Bhd's and Exim Bank of China, as well as an MoU to establish the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park, and an agreement to establish a joint council for the park and the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park.

Anifah said the trip would enable Xi and Najib to reaffirm their commitment to strengthen cooperation in all fields and contribute to the prosperity and maintenance of peace and stability in the region.

Last year, bilateral trade between the two nations reached a historic high of US$94.8 billion (RM303.36 billion)

During a recent interview with the Malaysian and Indonesian press, Xi said Malaysia was expected to become the third Asian country, following Japan and Korea, to have trade with China in excess of US$100 billion.

"China-Malaysia relations have come a long way in recent years and are well on track to an all-round, steady and results-oriented expansion," Xi said in the interview, which was published in the New Straits Times yesterday.

For the first seven months of this year, 12.5 per cent of Malaysian exports went to China, while 16.3 per cent of Malaysia's imports originated from China. Malaysia's imports from China are almost as much as those from Japan and the United States combined.

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to arrive in Malaysia tomorrow for a three-day visit.

Najib and Stephen are expected to discuss trade and investment in oil and gas, agriculture, and transport.
The visit is also to boost cooperation in security, military, finance and private sector engagement.

Malaysia has been benefiting from Canada's International Development Research Centre, which supports activities contributing to better policies, technologies and research capacity in agriculture, fisheries, education, health, science and technology.

These visits will place Malaysia on the centre stage of international diplomacy and reinforce its efforts to promote exchanges that improve the country's global standing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping waving to the media in Jakarta yesterday after a joint press conference with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Xi arrives in Malaysia today. AP pic

(Source: http://www.nst.com.my)

Airbus sets up regional service centre in Sepang

2013-10-23T16:46:00.003+08:00

Jet set: Najib looking at a model of an Airbus jet at KLIA in Sepang. Looking on is Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Bergier.

SEPANG: Malaysia has consolidated its position as one of the three leading countries in the Asia Pacific area for aircraft maintenance, repairs and overhaul (MRO) services.

This was acknowledged by aircraft manufacturer Airbus, which has set up a new Airbus Customer Services Centre for specialised aerospace engineering services here.

The centre, located adjacent to the Sepang Aircraft Engineering (SAE) facility, represents an expansion of Airbus’ global network of offices providing 24/7 specialised major engineering and repair services.

Existing offices offering these services are in Toulouse, Hamburg, Wichita and Beijing.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who officiated the launch of the construction of the hangar at the SAE facility yesterday, said SAE would be able to offer world-class maintenance services to airlines from across the region and beyond while the new Airbus Customer Services facility would put Malaysia on the international map as a centre for specialised aerospace engineering services.

“Both initiatives will significantly enhance our position in this high-value business.

“It will also provide further proof that Malaysia is a major player in the MRO business in the region,” he said.

Najib added that Malaysia had thus identified the MRO business as one of the sectors in the Business Services Entry National Key Econo-mic Areas (NKEAs).

He said the MRO sector was projected to grow by 10% annually and new projects were expected to create 20,000 jobs in the country.

“This year, our Entry Point Projects target is RM380mil in revenue from fleet technical management and RM2.4bil from airframe MRO,” he said.

Najib said several initiatives were already under way to develop the MRO ecosystem, including the greater development of Malaysia’s airport infrastructure, the availability of land and the creation of more conducive operating environment through improved tax and civil aviation regulations.

“We are confident these (initiatives) will continue to make Malaysia a preferred MRO destination,” he said.

Najib added that Malaysia had been able to stay competitive because of the sheer volume of business in this region, coupled with its advantage of an early foray into the sector and an edge in quality human capital at far more competitive rates.

“Our superior cost position is powerfully attractive to airline customers,” he said.

Airbus president and chief executive officer Fabrice Bregier said the new hangar, which would specialise in the maintenance and overhaul of Airbus single-aisle aircraft, would have a floor area of 13,000 sq metres and be capable of accommodating three A320-family aircraft.

As for the services centre, he said it represented an expansion of the manufacturer’s global network of offices providing specialised major aircraft engineering and repair services around the clock.

The Malaysian centre would provide employment for over 100 skilled engineers and mechanics.

Bregier said the commitment showed by Airbus reflected the enormous potential the company saw for the aerospace industry in South-East Asia.

(Source: The Star Online)

‘Budget 2014 to benefit all, including civil servants’

2013-10-23T16:44:00.003+08:00

PUTRAJAYA: The Budget 2014 to be tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Oct 25 will be geared towards economic growth.

“It will be a pro-growth budget, so as citizens, civil servants will also benefit from it,” Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa said yesterday.

Queried as to whether there would be any announcement on salary, benefits and allowances for civil servants in the budget, he responded that the government had taken care of those matters through two pay rises this year, as well as capping automatic increments at minimum three percent for those who have reached maximum salary.

Apart from that the Public Service Department was also reviewing the 86 allowances under various civil service schemes as announced at the 13th Civil Service Dialogue in March, he added.

“The results of the review will be announced in December as scheduled,” he said at a press conference after opening Innovation Day 2013 at the Prime Minister’s Department here.

Ali said the Innovation Day was aimed at strengthening the culture of innovation in the government’s service delivery system. — Bernama

(Source: http://www.theborneopost.com)

Najib prays for success of PMR candidates

2013-10-23T16:43:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today prayed for the success of 462,940 students sitting for their Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) examination nationwide from tomorrow.

"I pray for the success of students who will begin their PMR exam tomorrow. Hopefully, they will see the fruit of their labour," he said on his Facebook account today.

The PMR examination will be held for six days starting tomorrow until Oct 9 at 3,530 examination centres around the country.

On his working visit to the United States from Sept 22 to 29, Najib said he had stated Malaysia's stand on international political issues at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

"Besides that, Malaysia has also identified several investment sectors with the US in efforts to develop the national economy," said Najib, who added that he arrived home this evening after his week-long visit to the US. -- BERNAMA

(Source: http://www.nst.com.my)

Najib arrives home from USA visit

2013-10-23T16:42:00.000+08:00

SEPANG, Oct 1 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has returned home after his visit to the United States of America from Sept 22 to 29.

Najib and wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, arrived at the Bunga Raya Complex, KL International Airport (KLIA) here at 7pm today.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa, Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil and several Barisan Nasional (BN) component party and government leaders welcomed their arrival.

In his visit to the US, the prime minister led the Malaysian delegation to the 68th United Nations General Assembly in New York from Sept 25 to 29.

He made a statement at the High-level Meeting of the General Assembly on Nuclear Disarmament on Sept 26, and a National Statement at the General Debate on Sept 28.

Besides that, Najib also delivered a keynote address at an Asia Society function and held a meeting with key industry figures from Asean and the US during a luncheon event with the US-Asean Business Council and US Chamber of Commerce, as well as hosted a dinner funtion with Malaysians in New York on Sept 28.

Before that, he held a working visit to San Francisco for an annual general meeting of the Global Science & Innovation Advisory Council (GSIAC) from Sept 22 to 24.

He chaired the 3rd GSIAC meeting and officiated a forum at the highest level on green technology, which was participated by international and national council members who were global specialists in science and innovation. GSIAC was founded by the prime minister in 2010, as part of his continuous effort to transform Malaysia into a high-income nation by increasing Malaysia’s capability in science and innovation.

In San Francisco, Najib also attended the 7th Biotechnology International Advisory Panel (BIO-IAP) meeting and visited the Silicon Valley, which included stops to the headquarters of Google, Twitter and a personal visit to Facebook chairman and chief executive officer Mark Zuckerberg at his office in Menlo Park. — Bernama

(Source: http://www.themalaymailonline.com)

We want to ensure Malaysians don't live in fear, says PM

2013-10-23T16:36:00.002+08:00

The proposed amendments to the Prevention of Crime Act (PCA) is to ensure Malaysians will not live in fear of crime happening in their own backyard, says Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He rejected claims that the PCA is the Government’s move to revive the Internal Security Act (ISA), saying that the proposed amendments were dedicated to fighting organised crime.

“If the Government does not take serious action, more people will become victims and they will live in fear.

“I want to create an atmosphere where each Malaysian will feel safe in their own country, and this can be done through a serious commitment from the Government and giving priority to the security of a country,” Najib told the Malaysian media at the end of a working visit to San Francisco and New York.

He said the PCA was different from the ISA, which vested huge powers in the Home Minister and police to make arrests without going through a court process.

“But this time (under the amended PCA), the decision will be made by a judge. So, if the police were to arrest anyone, they have to convince the judge that the particular individual should be detained.

“And we will make sure that no one will be victimised,” he said, adding that a person would not be arrested merely for subscribing to any political ideology.

The proposed amendments to the PCA would enable the authorities to detain hardcore criminals for up to two years without trial.

This particular section of the PCA has incurred the wrath of Opposition politicians and some civil societies.

They claimed that the PCA was another form of the ISA. Asked to comment on the objections, Najib said: “It doesn’t mean that we have to consult all stakeholders, but they are free to give us their views.”

(Source: http://www.thestar.com.my)

PCA amendments to fight organised crime, says Najib – Bernama

2013-10-23T16:35:00.000+08:00

The proposed amendments to the Prevention of Crime Act (PCA) are dedicated to fighting organised crime and not aimed at reviving the abolished Internal Security Act (ISA), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak (pic).

He said the PCA was different from the ISA which vested huge powers in the home minister and police to make arrests without going through a court process.

"But this time (under the amended PCA), the decision will be made by a judge. So, if the police were to arrest anyone, they have to convince the judge that the particular individual should be detained," he told a news conference at the end of his eight-day working visit to San Francisco and New York, yesterday.

"And we will make sure that no one will be victimised," he said, adding that a person would not be arrested merely for subscribing to any political ideology.

Last Wednesday, the government tabled amendments to the PCA to give the authorities the power to detain hardcore criminals for up to two years without trial.

Najib said the country needed a specific law to combat organised crime as the perpetrators had resorted to crime openly.

"This has frightened the public and if the government doesn't act, more people will become victims and the public will become more afraid," he said, adding that he did not want a situation where people no longer felt safe in their own country.

The prime minister said, however, the crime-fighting efforts required a commitment from all quarters and what was important was a country free from crime.

Commenting on objections against the amendments, he said: "It doesn't mean that we have to consult all stakeholders, but they are free to give their views to us." - Bernama, September 30, 2013.

(Source: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com)

Elections must be clean and healthy: Najib

2013-10-23T16:32:00.000+08:00

NEW YORK: Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has expressed the hope that this year's upcoming Umno elections would be seen as a clean and healthy process.

He said Umno members should play their role in ensuring that the electoral system brought about the transformation desired by the party.

Najib, who is the Malaysian prime minister, said the elections this time around banked on the integrity of the candidates to hold any position in Umno, regardless of whether it was at the national or divisional levels.

He said Umno had introduced a new constitution which provided greater democracy to the party members.

The new constitution allowed for up to 150,000 members to elect their leaders, he told Malaysian journalists covering his working visit to San Francisco and New York from Sept 22 to yesterday. -Bernama

(Source: http://www.nst.com.my)