Malaysia’s Brics approach targets trade growth and opportunities, Wisma Putra reassures commitment to protect national interests Posted on November 8, 2024 By serv KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — The Government will continue to ensure that the nation’s interests are safeguarded and protected in all international organisations it participates in, including BRICS, according to the Foreign Ministry. It said as a trading nation, it is important for Malaysia to maintain good relations with all countries, particularly in exploring opportunities that bring benefits through new trade and investment ventures. “BRICS, which was established based on economic and financial development, does not discuss security issues, including the South China Sea dispute,” the ministry said in a written reply to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (PN-Pagoh), which was published on the Parliament website today. The former prime minister wanted to know the Government’s approach, through Malaysia’s participation in BRICS, in ensuring that Malaysia reaps the benefits, including the security aspect of national waters in the South China Sea; and whether the announcement of Malaysia’s intention to join BRICS was made after a comprehensive impact assessment by experts or on the advice of Wisma Putra. According to the ministry, Malaysia’s interest in joining BRICS, as expressed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on June 13, is driven by the importance of economic and trade cooperation with BRICS member countries, which could accelerate the country’s economic development. BRICS is an intergovernmental organisation currently comprising nine member countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, and Egypt. Collectively, BRICS member countries represent over 3.2 billion people or 41.5 per cent of the world’s population. Cumulatively, the gross domestic product (GDP) of BRICS member countries amounted to US$26.6 trillion, contributing 26.2 per cent to global GDP. This is nearly equivalent to the economic strength of the G7 countries. The economic power of the BRICS bloc will help boost international trade among its members, as well as Malaysia. “In this regard, Malaysia’s participation as a BRICS ‘partner country’ is aligned with efforts to accelerate the nation’s economic growth in a faster, more stable, and resilient manner. “This is because it has the potential to open up new market opportunities for the country’s trade, which could, in turn, increase trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) with BRICS member countries, thus diversifying Malaysia’s reliance on existing traditional markets,” the ministry said. — Bernama News
Tinder ‘oppa’ tricks Sibu woman out of RM86,841 in love scam Posted on November 17, 2024 SIBU, Nov 16 — A local woman in her 30s fell victim to a love scam, losing RM86,841, after meeting a Korean man through the Tinder app in June. Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said the private sector worker reported to the police on Thursday that the suspect had… Read More
Hasnah Hashim sworn in as new Chief Judge of Malaya, former AG Terrirudin made Federal Court judge Posted on November 13, 2024 PUTRAJAYA, Nov 12 — Federal Court Judge Datuk Seri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim today took the oath of office and allegiance as the Chief Judge of Malaya. Hasnah, 65, was sworn in before Kuala Lumpur High Court Judge Datuk Akhtar Tahir at a ceremony held at the Conference Hall, Palace of… Read More
MACC grills FashionValet founders for sixth day running over RM43.9m investment loss probe Posted on November 14, 2024 PUTRAJAYA, Nov 13 — The founding couple of FashionValet Sdn Bhd, linked to the investment loss of Khazanah Nasional Bhd (Khazanah) and Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB), continued giving their statement to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). The vehicle carrying the couple arrived at MACC headquarters here at 2.50pm. Today marks… Read More