By The Straits Times | Created at 2024-11-27 05:30:59 | Updated at 2024-11-27 07:36:15
3 hours ago
Published
Nov 27, 2024, 12:30 PM
Asian Insider: Malaysia Edition helps you connect the dots on the biggest stories playing out in Malaysia every week. Sign up here to get the newsletter in your inbox.
Race and privilege remain ever-present issues in Malaysia’s policy debates, not least because the multicultural country practises affirmative action in favour of the Malay majority.
Two of our offerings this week touch on ethnic relations. The first is our special feature on Malay youths, who tell our correspondents why they think their community’s special rights should be continued. The second is the furore between politicians within the ruling government over a clampdown on signage in Kuala Lumpur that display Chinese wording prominently, and whether this stirs up racial sentiments.
Turning to foreign relations, we are just weeks away from the next Singapore-Malaysia annual leaders’ retreat, and expectations are high for a progress report on negotiations for the Special Economic Zone in Johor.
Ahead of the retreat, read our exclusive interview with Second Finance Minister Amir Hamzah Azizan who tells us why the High-Speed Rail project is less a priority now, and how plans to draw family offices to Forest City are aimed at a different segment from those domiciled in Singapore.
Follow ST’s coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments.
‘I wouldn’t be where I am without bumiputera rights’
A recent survey showed that most young Malay respondents are not in favour of equal rights for all races.
HSR decision still pending as existing projects are a ‘priority’: Malaysia minister
Focus is on completing existing transport links to support economic development and growth.
Clampdown on Chinese signboards in Kuala Lumpur sparks debate
Tourism minister claims the crackdown hurts tourism which is set to rake in $30.2 billion in 2024.
Plan for wage boost in Johor-S’pore SEZ needs to be backed by mandatory law or incentives: Experts
The higher wages must be attractive enough to stop workers in Johor from moving across the border.
‘We need to talk’: Artist surprised to see his iconic Penang mural on AirAsia plane
Artist Ernest Zacharevic says AirAsia did not seek his consent for using his Children On A Bicycle artwork.
No more excuse for not performing Friday prayers: Johor’s top Islamic official
Officials will carry out enforcement to make sure all Muslim men in the state attend Friday prayers.
