SIBU: The Federal Constitution needs to be amended to allow Malaysian women to confer citizenship to their children born overseas, says Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew. The Bawang Assan SUPP chairman said that an amendment to the Federal Constitution needs to be done by inserting words to include "mother" so that Malaysian women are afforded the same right as Malaysian men. "I fully support the call for Part II, Section 1 (b) and (c) of the First Schedule (Article 14 (1) of the Federal Constitution to be amended by inserting words to include 'mother'. "These wordings in the Constitution reflect the era where men were given the higher status in the family unit. Justice Kamaludin (has also) said only Parliament can rewrite the Constitution, not the court," said Lau who is a lawyer by profession.

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 5): Here is a brief look at some corporate announcements and news flow on Friday (Aug 5), which include Leong Hup International Bhd, PPB Group Bhd, IOI Corp Bhd, S P Setia Bhd, SLP Resources Bhd, Hong Seng Consolidated Bhd, Green Packet Bhd, Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd, D’nonce Technology Bhd, ILB Group Bhd and Caely Holdings Bhd. Hong Seng Consolidated Bhd has sold a 20% stake in digital healthcare platform operator eMedAsia Sdn Bhd to Green Packet Bhd for RM20 million. This reduces Hong Seng’s stake in eMedAsia — held through wholly-owned subsidiary HS Bio Sdn Bhd — to 60%. The group said 82%-owned Attractive Venture (JB) Sdn Bhd is buying the land from ACL Group Sdn Bhd, which is 60% owned by Tang Mei Yean and 40% by Chia Swee Beng. Koo bought 10 million shares on Aug 3 in an off market transaction, bringing his total stake to 49.38 million shares.

We are all grateful beneficiaries of Covid-19 vaccination — the development, testing, manufacturing and global distribution of the vaccines. One example is the use of a novel platform technology, mRNA, which has been used and approved in the United States and Europe in the development of Covid-19 vaccines. Ultimately, public financing for Covid-19 vaccines is an important aspect of international initiatives to ensure equitable and affordable access for all countries. Malaysian experts are already developing two types of Covid-19 vaccines. Malaysia has potential investment capabilities for vaccine production, with well-established manufacturing sectors leveraging the country’s competitive advantages.

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 5): Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has said that his decision to enter politics was a tough call but a much-needed one to continue to serve the nation. “If you want to continue to serve the nation, you need to be actively involved in politics. “My focus now is to continue with the fiscal reform and to continue in the longer term. Although the decision could be unpopular, Tengku Zafrul said it is the right decision and it is important that people understand why such a decision needs to be made. The problem when making a tough decision is you do not find the time, and the best way is to communicate this well.

4IR tools and technologies can play a critical role in boosting Malaysia’s manufacturing sector — and driving sustainable, responsible growth. Sustainability Lighthouses demonstrate innovative breakthroughs in environmental improvements while simultaneously boosting productivity and profitability. But some Lighthouses are taking this even further, and becoming Sustainability Lighthouses as a result. However, there are several key components that all Lighthouses have in common that can help other manufacturing players navigate a 4IR transformation. Agile digital studios3.

In response, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) introduced regulations under the Strata Management Act 2013 (SMA) to tackle the growing concerns of affected strata owners. Able to provide skills of both property management (soft people skills) and facilities management (technically competent). Sound up-to-date knowledge of strata issues, prevailing laws and regulations under the Strata Management Act and Strata Title Act. You can search by firm, real estate agent or real estate negotiator. If the owner is unhappy after the exclusive period, which is usually three to six months, he or she can appoint a new exclusive agent.

KUALA LUMPUR: There were 267 new applications received by the Immigration Department for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme between Sept 16, 2021 and June this year, says Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin. “To date, there are 53,356 MM2H Programme and Silver Hair Programme pass holders who are still active,” the Home Minister said in a parliamentary written reply dated Aug 3. Hamzah (PN-Larut) also noted that 1,461 participants have decided to pull out of the programme between September 2021 and June. The Sarawak MM2H programme, however, is unaffected by the change. The requirement to invest in properties worth at least RM600,000 for residential purposes applies only to applicants who are aged between 40 and 50.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Proton X50 has set a monthly sales record of 4,763 units for July 2022 as the best-selling vehicle in Malaysia, and retaining its pole position in the sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment. In a statement, Proton Holdings Bhd said this is also the first time such a vehicle had led in the overall sales. The national carmaker sold a total of 11,477 units across six models in July, of which Proton X50 was the best-seller, followed by the Proton Saga with 4,521 units. The Proton Saga, Proton X70 and Proton X50 are the leading export models, it added. “Proton was no exception and with our parts supply situation continuing to improve, we were finally able to show the true sales potential of the Proton X50.” — Bernama

A rising interest rate environment is always perceived as bad news for everyone (except for interest-earning banks, of course) amid concerns about higher borrowing costs. Contrary to perception, an analysis by The Edge found that they are perhaps not as susceptible to the impact of interest rate hikes as perceived despite their high leverage. If [the rate hike is] done gradually, most can adjust to the normalisation of interest rates,” he tells The Edge. Fixed-rate loans typically cover corporate bonds, although some bank loans have fixed interest rate charges too. Be it bonds or fixed-rate bank loans, the new bond issuance or bank loan will come at a higher cost to match the market.

KUALA LUMPUR: Proposed amendments to the law will make stalking a crime punishable by up to three years in jail and fines. The move to make stalking a crime in Malaysia comes after amendments to the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) were tabled for its first reading in Parliament on Thursday (Aug 4). ALSO READ: Anti-stalking Bill to be tabled this year, says Mas ErmieyatiUnder the Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2022, a new Section 507A will be created for the crime of stalking. Both Bills were tabled by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of Parliament and Law Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin. In 2019, the government formed an anti stalking committee to look at amendments to the law to make stalking a crime in Malaysia.

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 3): Bursa Malaysia closed lower for the second consecutive day on Wednesday (Aug 3) amid mixed performance in regional peers as investors remained in profit-taking mode, said a dealer. Total turnover decreased to 1.91 billion units worth RM1.35 billion from 2.85 billion units worth RM1.59 billion on Tuesday. Main Market volume declined to 1.12 billion shares worth RM1.14 billion against 1.82 billion shares worth RM1.34 billion on Tuesday. Warrants turnover dropped to 282.36 million units valued at RM51.49 million versus 368.32 million units valued at RM58.61 million on Tuesday. ACE Market volume dwindled to 507.42 million shares worth RM162.16 million from 658.3 million shares worth RM192.17 million previously.

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 2): Mah Sing Group Bhd’s wholly-owned unit Capitol Avenue Development Sdn Bhd has been served with winding up petitions for failing to settle RM2.19 million in outstanding amounts. “The Company is not expected to incur any losses from the Petition, as Capitol Avenue is disputing the alleged debt and the Judgement (which forms the basis of the Petition) as mentioned above. Consequently, Capitol Avenue is also disputing the Petition and has sought legal advice on this matter,” the group explained in a local bourse filing on Tuesday (Aug 2). Meanwhile, Mah Sing clarified that the cost of investment and the net tangible asset of Capitol Avenue as at Dec 31, 2021 (FY21) were RM2.50 million and RM2.87 million respectively. Shares in Mah Sing ended one sen or 1.67% lower to 59 sen on Tuesday, giving it a market capitalisation of RM 1.42 billion.

In fact, they may be even more painful in developing countries. Sri Lanka eventually had to import rice at a cost of about US$450 million, more than what it saved from banning synthetic fertiliser imports. But as we’ve seen in California and Sri Lanka, there can be devastating consequences. Rich countries employed (and exploited) development strategies that they now prohibit or strongly discourage developing nations from adopting. We won’t accept this sort of chaos for any branch of our lives, so why should this situation then be reasonable for our ESG transition?

KUALA LUMPUR: To achieve its aim of becoming a developed country, Malaysia must transform itself into a digital nation, be innovative and open towards technology, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. "As I announced during the presentation of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), Malaysia is aiming to become a developed country by the year 2025. "This means that Malaysia needs to continue to change towards becoming a prosperous digital nation that is resilient. ALSO READ: Putting Malaysia on the digital track towards the future"It must accept the use of technology and innovation to achieve effective economic growth. The summit is jointly organised by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Malaysia.

COMPETITION in the convenience store industry is getting much stiffer in view of the number of new entrants in the market. Khoo highlights the potential interest savings of RM40 million to RM50 million a year for the group. “I believe management can focus on the convenience store business with the additional capital,” she adds. Despite heated competition, 7-Eleven says new entrants into the market are able to help grow and shape the convenience store sector in a positive manner. As a first mover in the convenience store market, Khoo is of the view that 7-Eleven has an advantage, particularly the gap with its competitors.