KUALA LUMPUR: The issue of whether banks should bear greater responsibility for clients losing money to online scammers is one for Parliament to decide, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
KUALA LUMPUR: The issue of whether banks should bear greater responsibility for clients losing money to online scammers is one for Parliament to decide, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said this may be necessary in light of the issue often raised by the public amid the nation’s move towards digitalisation.
“It is the MPs that should discuss if a more robust insurance scheme is needed for banks and financial institutions that hold our money.
“This is also because we now have a Digital Ministry as the nation heads towards digitalisation,” she said in reply to a supplementary question by Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
She added that the consumer himself should be careful and alert of scams.
Khoo asked if the banks should be made to bear responsibility for data breaches which result in their customers losing money to scammers.
He cited a recent complaint where a man claimed he had received a notification from a bank at 4.30am informing him of a change in the model of mobile phone used for his online transactions.
“The notification said that there would be a 12-hour cooling-off period before any transactions can proceed.
“However, in less than 12 hours, he found that his money had been transferred out of his account at about 8.30am,” said Khoo.
To this, Azalina said that she too almost fell victim to an online scam after receiving a notification at 3am.
“I was shocked that RM3,000 was transferred out of my account. Fortunately, I managed to get my money back,” she said.
Azalina advised the public to activate the “kill switch” linked to their bank accounts.
“If you get a notification at 4.30am, hit the kill switch on your banking app as soon as possible,” she said.
'Kill switch' can prevent scam victims from suffering hefty ...
The kill switch is an initiative of Bank Negara which was adopted by banks on March 1 last year.
On the law against online crimes, Azalina said it could be tabled and passed during the current meeting.
She called on MPs to debate the issue when that proposed law against online crimes is tabled.
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim unveiled the list of deputy ministers in a live telecast on Friday (Dec 9).
This follows after his audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah earlier to present the list of names.
The Prime Minister will also serve as the Finance Minister, a post he had held from 1991 until his sacking in 1998.
Here is the full list:FinanceMinister- Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
Deputy Ministers - Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan and Steven Sim
Rural and Regional DevelopmentMinister- Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
Deputy - Datuk Rubiah Wang
Plantation and CommoditiesMinister - Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof
Deputy - Datuk Siti Aminah Aching
WorksMinister - Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi
Deputy - Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad
DefenceMinister - Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan
Deputy - Adly Zahari
HealthMinister - Dr Zaleha Mustafa
Deputy - Lukanisman Awang Sauni
TransportMinister - Anthony Loke
Deputy - Datuk Hasbi Habibollah
Agriculture and Food Security
- Mohamad Sabu
Deputy - Chan Foong Hin
EconomyMinister - Rafizi Ramli
Deputy - Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib
International Trade and IndustryMinister - Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz
Deputy - Liew Chin Tong
Law and Institutional Reforms (PM’s Department)Minister - Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said
Deputy - Ramkarpal Singh
Women, Family, and Community DevelopmentMinister - Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri
Deputy - Aiman Athirah Sabu
Communications and DigitalMinister - Fahmi Fadzil
Deputy - Teo Nie Ching
EducationMinister - Fadhlina Sidek
Deputy - Lim Hui Ying
Higher EducationMinister - Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin
Deputy - Datuk Muhammad Yusof Apdal
Youth and SportsMinister - Hannah Yeoh
Deputy - Adam Adli Abd Halim
Local Government DevelopmentMinister - Nga Kor Ming
Deputy - Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir
HomeMinister - Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution
Deputy - Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah
Science and TechnologyMinister - Chang Lih Kang
Deputy - Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup
Domestic Trade and Cost of LivingMinister - Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub
Deputy - Fuziah Salleh
Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate ChangeMinister - Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad
Deputy - Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii
Foreign Affairs - Datuk Seri Dr Zambri Abdul Kadir
Deputy - Datuk Mohamad Alamin
Entrepreneur and Cooperatives DevelopmentMinister - Datuk Ewon Benedick
Deputy - Saraswathi Kandasamy
Tourism, Arts and CultureMinister - Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing
Deputy - Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan
Human Resources
Minister - V. Sivakumar
Deputy - Mustapha Sakmud
Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs)Minister - Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali
No single party has the strength to secure a strong majority in GE15, says observers
KUALA LUMPUR: With many political observers predicting that no single party or coalition has the strength to secure a strong majority in the 15th General Election (GE15), the return of a government formed by two or more coalitions and parties is on the cards.
The three main coalitions – Barisan Nasional, Perikatan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan – are each facing a tough battle ahead to wrest control of at least 112 seats in Parliament, the simple majority needed to form a government.
Malaysia’s political landscape has changed tremendously since Barisan’s defeat in GE14 after ruling the country for 60 years.
The subsequent political instability saw three prime ministers being sworn into office over a period of four years or so.
Barisan, however, is confident of a victory in the coming polls based on its achievements in the by-elections in the parliamentary constituencies of Cameron Highlands, Tanjung Piai and Kimanis, and the state seats of Slim and Rantau, as well as recent state polls in Melaka and Johor.
According to political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin, Barisan’s recent performance is not an indicator that it will win GE15 with a comfortable margin similar to that before GE14.
“No single party (or coalition) will emerge as the dominant winner (in GE15)... This is what many political observers are predicting now.
“Although Barisan won several by-elections and two state elections (after GE14), there was no political stability. So, it’s not impossible for a multi-coalition or multi-party government to be formed once again,” he said.
Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan also expects the formation of a multi-coalition or multi-party government after GE15, pointing out that the prevailing political situation might see three- to five-cornered fights in many seats.
“Although it is being said that Barisan may win the most seats, the number may not be enough to form a government.
“Post-GE15, I expect Barisan to be the dominant coalition (in the government), together with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
“This is why (prime minister and Umno vice-president) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has put forward the idea of creating two deputy prime minister posts – one each for Sabah and Sarawak... This could possibly be Barisan’s new alignment with GPS and GRS,” the geostrategist commented.
Following GE14 on May 9, 2018, Pakatan – then comprising PKR, DAP, Bersatu and Amanah – had formed the federal government with the support of Warisan after winning a simple majority.
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was subsequently appointed the seventh prime minister of Malaysia.
But 22 months later, on Feb 24, 2020, the Pakatan government collapsed after Dr Mahathir resigned as prime minister and Bersatu left the coalition.
On March 1, the nation’s first multi-coalition and multi-party government was formed, comprising Bersatu, PAS, Barisan, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), and the Sabah-based Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Sabah STAR).
Five months later, Perikatan was formed, consisting of Bersatu, PAS and Sabah STAR, with the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and Gerakan joining the alliance later.
The Perikatan-led administration survived for only 17 months, following which a multi-coalition and multi-party government comprising Barisan, Perikatan, GPS and PBS came into being on Aug 30, 2021.
Besides Barisan, Pakatan and Perikatan, GE15 will also see the participation of a newly-formed unofficial alliance, Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA), which is led by Dr Mahathir’s Pejuang and which is expected to field candidates in 121 constituencies.
On the anti-hopping law that came into effect on Oct 5, Azmi said its effectiveness in bringing about political stability would only be known after GE15.
“With this law in place now, it will not be possible for one or two MPs to bring down the government. In the event of a defection, the whole party will have to exit the government,” he said.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia senior lecturer in political science Dr Jamaie Hamil agreed, saying that laws prohibiting an MP or individual from doing something that could undermine the stability of a government were not new in this country.
According to him, the Internal Security Act (ISA) was enforced during the Barisan era to prevent people or politicians from saying or doing things that could disrupt public order and harmony.
“It may look different, but it is the same as the anti-hopping law that’s aimed at ensuring a government’s stability,” he said.
The provisions for the anti-hopping law are enshrined in the Constitutional (Amendment) (No. 3) Act 2022, under which any MP who leaves a political party to join another will lose his or her seat.
Jamaie has a few recommendations just in case GE15 leads to the formation of a multi-coalition or multi-party government.
Among them is the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the ruling government and the Opposition, similar to what was carried out during Ismail Sabri’s administration. This would ward off conflicts that could threaten the nation’s stability.
He also suggested that the prime minister’s post be rotated among the parties in the multi-coalition or multi-party government.
He said to ensure the long-term stability of such a government, there must be strong political will and understanding among the partners so that decisions are made and implemented by consensus.
Jamaie also said that having a strong and stable multi-coalition government was crucial, considering the possibility of a global recession next year.
He added that the newly-elected leaders should also revive the racial tolerance the country used to enjoy under the leadership of the first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman.
Azmi hopes the appointments of the new Cabinet ministers will be made in accordance with their expertise and not merely on the basis of fulfilling party quotas. — Bernama
The Pakatan Harapan government yesterday tabled its maiden budget that sought to restore Malaysia’s status as an “Asian Tiger” with a clean and transparent government that cares for the rakyat. (EPA/FANDY AZLAN)
KUALA LUMPUR: THE Pakatan Harapan government yesterday tabled its maiden budget that sought to restore Malaysia’s status as an “Asian Tiger” with a clean and transparent government that cares for the rakyat.
Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, in tabling the 2019 Budget in Parliament, said: “As long as we are clean, people-centric and focused on carrying out institutional reforms, we can restore Malaysia back to fiscal health in three years.
“Let our love for our country unite us, our challenges make us stronger and our confidence awaken Malaysia as an Asian Tiger all over again.”
Themed “A Resurgent Malaysia, A Dynamic Economy, A Prosperous Society”, the RM314.5 billion budget for next year has three areas of focus with 12 key strategies.
One focus area — to ensure the socio-economic well-being of Malaysians — will be the key performance indicator of the government’s success.
“We will seek to meet this objective by ensuring welfare and quality of life, improving employment and employability, enhancing wealth and social welfare protection, raising real disposal income and education for a better future,” he said.
In a speech that lasted more than two hours, interrupted by intermittent heckling from opposition lawmakers, Lim announced a slew of measures to address the people’s key concerns, from cost of living to housing, healthcare, education and transport.
Cash grants for the low-income Bottom 40 (B40) group will continue, single vehicle/motorbike owners with engine capacity of 1500cc and below will get targeted fuel subsidy, and the minimum wage will be raised to RM1,100 from Jan 1.
A National Health Protection Fund, with free coverage on four critical illnesses of up to RM8,000 and a hospitalisation benefit of RM50 a day, was also introduced for the B40 group.
For the affordable home programmes, Lim announced an allocation of RM1.5 billion while Bank Negara Malaysia will set up a RM1 billion fund to help those earning below RM2,300 a month to own houses costing below RM150,000.
The government will also allow the private sector to engage in new crowdfunding schemes for first-time housebuyers.
The Education Ministry received the lion’s share of the budget, with an allocation of RM60.2 billion, including RM2.9 billion assistance for the poor and RM652 million to upgrade and repair schools.
An amount of RM3.8 billion has been set aside for government scholarships.
All intra-city toll rate hikes will be frozen next year, said Lim, and public transport users, meanwhile, can buy RM100 monthly passes for unlimited trips on RapidKL rail or bus services beginning January.
A RM50 monthly pass is also available for those who use RapidKL buses only.
Civil servants and pensioners were not left out — staff up to Grade 54 will receive a one-off special payment of RM500; while government pensioners will get RM250.
The budget deficit for this year is likely to be 3.7 per cent, while gross domestic product (GDP) growth is forecast at 4.8 per cent and 4.9 per cent next year.
To ensure strong and dynamic economic growth, another focus area is to promote an entrepreneurial state that leverages innovation and creativity, while embracing the new digital economy.
The government aims to provide at least 30Mbps broadband connectivity outside urban centres within five years, while funds have been allocated to encourage investments in green technology and transition into Industry 4.0.
Corporate tax rate will be reduced to 17 per cent from 18 per cent for SMEs with paid capital below RM2.5 million, and businesses with annual taxable income below RM500,000.
Meanwhile, after inheriting “a worrying state of financial affairs which was in dire straits” with debts amounting to RM1.065 trillion from the previous administration, the third area of focus is to implement institutional reforms that promote transparent fiscal discipline.
“We intend to table a new Government Procurement Act next year to govern procurement processes to ensure transparency and competition, while punishing abuse of power, negligence and corruption,” Lim said.
He said open tenders will not only achieve more value-for-money for taxpayers, it will also nurture an efficient and competitive private sector.
To ensure that Malaysia has a clean government, the budget also saw the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission receiving an increased allocation of RM286.8 million.
Lim said the allocation, which is an 18.5 per cent increase from this year’s, will see MACC employing up to 100 more staff next year as the government revs up its anti-graft campaign.
Putrajaya expects to collect a revenue of RM261.8 billion next year, including a RM30 billion dividend from Petronas.
To raise its revenue, the government will leverage its assets and review taxation policies.
This includes reducing its stake in non-strategic companies, expanding the Service Tax to cover online services, and raising licence fees and taxes in the gaming sector.- By Nst Team
Key highlights of 2019 Budget
The following are the highlights of the 2019 Budget, which was tabled by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng in Parliament on Friday. (Bernama photo)
The budget carries the theme of "Credible Malaysia, Dynamic Economy, Prosperous Rakyat" and will focus on three main thrusts with 12 key strategies to recapture Malaysia's 'Economic Tiger' status.
The three main thrusts are:
*Institutional reforms *People's wellbeing *Promotion of entrepreneurial culture . The 12 strategies are:
*Strengthening fiscal management *Restructuring and rationalising government debt *Increase government revenue *Ensuring welfare and quality life *Increasing job opportunities and marketability *Improving quality of healthcare services and social welfare protection *Increasing disposable income *Education for a better future *Initiating new economic power *Grabbing opportunity to face global challenge *Redefining government’s role in business *Ensuring economic fairness and sustainable economic growth
