Good morning. Wishing our Hindu readers a Happy Thaipusam.

Here's what you should know today.

Key Highlights

  • Graft perception not improving

  • Unemployment dropping, except in Sabah

  • Puspakom alternatives' experience questioned

Graft perception not improving

Malaysia remains on the 57th spot in the 2024 Corruption Perception Index and has again scored 50 out of 100 points.

Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) believes that the ranking might have been affected by a series of “discounts” and discharges not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) given in high-profile court cases.

They warned that the ongoing corruption scandal in Sabah may affect Malaysia’s ranking for 2025.

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Unemployment dropping, except in Sabah

Unemployment rates in the country dropped to 3.1 percent in Dec 2024, the lowest since May 2015.

However, one state continues to struggle with high unemployment - Sabah.

The land below the wind recorded unemployment at 7.7 percent as it struggled to get back to the pre-pandemic levels of below 7 percent.

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Puspakom alternatives’ experience questioned

The Transport Ministry’s pick of three companies to provide vehicle inspection services has come under scrutiny.

PAs member Nurul Islam Mohammed Yusoff is questioning how the companies were picked when they did not have relevant or related experience.

While it’s true that no local company has experience with vehicle inspections due to Puspakom’s monopoly, Nurul Islam said companies selected should at least have some experience in automotive-related fields as required by the ministry.

The Transport Ministry's response thus far, has focused on the companies’ financial stability.

HIGHLIGHTS

Indian authorities foil second wildlife smuggling attempt from KL in a week
Customs Dept baffled by reports of wildlife smugglers from KLIA
Anwar wants Customs Dept to enhance integrity, combat corruption

Views that matter

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By Mahathir Mohd Rais
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By Shanon Shah
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A team at crossroads: Over-reliance on Anwar
By Zareen Sejahan

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