SNAPSHOT | MACC grills Rafizi; Lynas assures safety of M'sian operation

SNAPSHOT | What’s going on in the news today, with updates at 9am, 2pm, 6pm, and 9pm.

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Rafizi exits MACC after 9-hour questioning; Dzulkefly seeks re-evaluation of MOH budget cut

2pm

Graft

• MACC is grilling former economy minister Rafizi Ramli today over his involvement in Putrajaya’s RM1.1 billion deal with semiconductor giant Arm Holdings.

  Rafizi arrived at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya at 9.30am and is still there as of writing.

  

  He has said that he expects to be charged soon, but that it would be an interesting trial as multiple ministers, including Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, will have to testify.

• Arm Holdings declined to comment when contacted by Malaysiakini today.

  Malaysiakini had enquired via email whether the Malaysian authorities had summoned the tech firm to assist in investigations, and whether the deal with Putrajaya is still in effect.

Lynas

• Lynas Rare Earths Ltd has reiterated that its operations in Malaysia are safe, citing four independent scientific reviews, including two by the International Atomic Energy Agency, which found low risks and thorough compliance with laws and international standards.

  “The plant operates under and adheres to strict safety and environmental management requirements, which are enforced by the appropriate regulators.

  “Regular monitoring is undertaken by Lynas, independent experts, and regulators to provide assurance of compliance.

  

  “Lynas has never been involved in an incident resulting in harm to public health or the environment, reflecting the strength of our processes and policies,” the company said in a statement to Malaysiakini.

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  READ MORE: Mapim raises environmental, ethical concerns over Lynas in memo to Australia

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  It was responding to a memorandum submitted by the Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisation last week, expressing concerns about its plant in Gebeng, Pahang.

Energy supply 

• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the country’s oil and gas supply remains secure, but rising global fuel prices continue to strain government finances as it maintains the RON95 price at RM1.99 to protect the majority.

  According to Bernama, Anwar said disruptions and risks to international trade routes due to conflicts in West Asia have led to higher shipping and insurance costs, which in turn are affecting fuel prices.

  However, Anwar added that Malaysia is still able to ensure sufficient domestic supply through its good relations with Iran and other producing countries, including Russia, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

  

  “So, fuel supply is assured, but prices are rising. This is not a problem originating from us, but from external factors. That is why we are compelled to face the challenge of rising fuel prices,” he said during the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya today.

• Anwar stressed that Malaysia adopts a balanced approach in economic diplomacy, prioritising national interests, including energy security.

  He said trade negotiations with strategic partners such as Australia are conducted on a reciprocal basis, taking into account Malaysia’s need to import raw materials such as phosphate for fertiliser production while exporting urea.

  

  He further said Malaysia will continue to strengthen economic cooperation with key trading partners, including China and the United States, despite differences on geopolitical issues.

  “We can trade, but we will not allow others to dictate our policies. If we dismantle or overhaul these policies, it could create domestic political tensions that we cannot control. So there are limits,” he said, as reported by Bernama.

• The government has decided that B15 biodiesel will be produced by 19 licensed plants from June 1, in a move aimed at lowering diesel prices.

  Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said production would be introduced in stages, beginning with B15 before progressing to B20, with the potential to reach B50 within the next two to three years.

  

  “This phased approach is intended to ensure that crude palm oil prices do not place pressure on biodiesel production costs,” he said, according to Bernama, at the ministry’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya today.

  Zahid said palm oil-based biodiesel could serve as a new catalyst for the rural economy, beyond supporting the national energy agenda.

Negeri Sembilan crisis

• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the situation in Negeri Sembilan should be viewed in the context of respecting the royal institution and maintaining administrative stability.

  As such, the Harapan chairperson said the statement by Negeri Sembilan Umno chief Jalaluddin Alias that the party is prepared to become the state opposition should not be overplayed.

  “The (Negeri Sembilan) Umno statement is not yet clear. I do not wish to comment on it.

  “At present, if the issue concerns the royal institution, I have personally heard from Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir,” he said.

  

  “So the issue does not arise, as we abide by the ruler’s decree, which calls for stability and for the menteri besar (Aminuddin Harun) to continue (his duties),” he told reporters in Putrajaya. 

Press freedom

• DAP lawmaker Lim Lip Eng has urged Putrajaya to explain the country’s slide in the Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index, from the 88th place last year to 95th.

  The Kepong MP said the decline is a “serious setback” from last year’s gain and reflects poorly on Malaysia’s commitment to press freedom after being ranked behind Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and Thailand.

  

  “I am appalled and disappointed that there has been no direct response from top government leaders, and equally troubling, silence from the opposition.

  “Press freedom is not optional. It is the backbone of accountability. Continued silence only gives the impression that this decline is being tolerated,” the Kepong MP said in a statement.

Post-maternity leave allowance

• The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) has raised concerns about Putrajaya’s plan to introduce a post-maternity leave policy, which allows up to 30 days of additional leave after the 98-day maternity leave period.

  While the government is proposing a post-maternity leave allowance that can help ease the wage burden on employers, ACCCIM said it would still incur additional costs.

  

  “Employers will continue to bear indirect and operational costs, including workforce replacement, training, workflow adjustments, and productivity management.

  “These challenges are particularly significant for small and medium enterprises, which operate with limited manpower flexibility,” it said.

  The organisation urged Putrajaya to engage the business community for consultations before implementing the policy.

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