KUALA LUMPUR, 11 March 2009: Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the opposition was prepared to cooperate for the people’s benefit in tackling the worsening economic crisis, but on certain conditions. Anwar (PKR-Permatang Pauh) said the “olive branch” offered by the government was a sign it wanted to cooperate with the opposition, but he […]
Najib Razak
A bigger and better stimulus plan
By Anna TaingTHE RM60 billion mini budget tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 is by far a better and more comprehensive package than the first RM7 billion plan that was announced last November. But then again, the economic environment today has taken a turn for the worst compared to a few months ago, and there […]
Package to stave off economic downturn
KUALA LUMPUR, 10 March 2009: The government today unveiled its second economic stimulus package totalling RM60 billion, comprising initiatives and ideas to invigorate vital sectors to maintain the people’s welfare and prosperity in the face of the global economic downturn. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, when tabling the package in […]
Tax hotline on mini budget
KUALA LUMPUR, 10 March 2009: The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) has opened a hotline to answer queries on tax related matters pertaining to the Mini Budget 2009. Taxpayers with queries can call Tel: 03-6201 0550 or 03-6203 1537 between 5pm and 8pm today and between 8am and 6pm tomorrow, the board said in a statement […]
Najib unveils second stimulus package (Updated 5.55pm)
KUALA LUMPUR, 10 March 2009: The government has unveiled a second stimulus package worth RM60 billion to spur economic activity and help prevent a recession, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced today. Following are highlights of the package tabled by Najib, who is also Finance Minister, in the Dewan Rakyat. House buyers given […]
Mini budget may exceed RM10b
By Joe ChinKUALA LUMPUR, 6 March 2009: The government’s mini budget package could exceed the RM10 billion announced on 5 March as it had yet to include tax measures and other measures that are not financed by the government, economists said. RHB Research said on today these include a lump sum payment of yearly dividend to employees […]
PR assemblypersons claim cash offered to hop
IPOH, 25 Feb 2009: Two Pakatan Rakyat assemblypersons today lodged reports with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) claiming they were offered cash to declare themselves independent or join the Barisan Nasional (BN). DAP’s Keshvinder Singh (Malim Nawar) said he was offered RM20 million while Abdul Yunus Jamsari of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) (Kuala Kurau) said […]
Abdullah will not embarrass govt
KUALA LUMPUR, 24 Feb 2009: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said last night he would not do anything which would embarrass the government once he stepped down as prime minister. “That doesn’t mean you cannot do something. You can do something (constructive) without embarrassing the government,” he said at a dinner chat with […]
Govt measures for Indian Malaysians
KUALA LUMPUR, 23 Feb 2009: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today announced several measures to assist the Indian Malaysian community and address their concerns. To begin with, the government will put on fast track its plans to repair and rebuild dilapidated Tamil schools in the country, he said. Najib, who is also Finance […]
Will Umno change?
By Deborah LohThe panel at the forum organised by Konrad Adanaeur Foundation WILL Umno change? That’s been the perennial question since the March 2008 general election. The answer may well be how much its incoming president Datuk Seri Najib Razak will let it. Three political observers, at least, believe that Najib will return to a more authoritarian […]