Here's a roundup of the latest political news from Malaysia, covering topics ranging from corruption convictions to government responses to allegations of bias and ongoing investigations into international fraud.
Corruption Conviction Upheld
A former newspaper staff member has had their appeal dismissed in a corruption case. The Court of Appeal affirmed the original conviction, finding no merit in the appeal. The individual was initially imprisoned for accepting RM20,000 in bribes. This case underscores the ongoing efforts to combat corruption at all levels.
PM Denies Bias in Handling Sensitive Issues
Prime Minister (PM) has strongly refuted allegations that the government is biased in handling issues related to race and religion. According to the PM, these accusations are a "malicious attempt" by certain parties to distort public perception and sow discord within the community. The PM reiterated the government's commitment to fairness and equality for all citizens, regardless of race or religious belief.
Malaysia Investigates Nvidia AI Chip Fraud Claims
The Malaysian government has launched a probe into a fraud case involving Nvidia AI chips. Minister Tengku Zafrul stated that, as of now, there are no reports indicating a Malaysian link to the alleged fraud. "We are taking this matter seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation to determine if any Malaysian entities are involved," the minister stated.
Increased Funding for State Governments
In other news, the federal government has increased the capitation grant allocation to state governments by 25%. This increase is intended to help improve public services across the country. This move by Putrajaya signifies a commitment to strengthening the relationship between the federal and state governments and ensuring efficient service delivery to all Malaysians.
Police Pledge Impartiality in 3R Investigations
Saifuddin Nasution has affirmed that the police are committed to impartiality in their investigations, particularly in cases related to race, religion, and royalty (3R). Nasution emphasized that there are no double standards or favouritism applied in these investigations. "The police are dedicated to upholding the law fairly and equally for everyone," Nasution said.
These recent developments highlight the diverse range of issues currently shaping the political landscape in Malaysia.