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Foreign affairs dominated Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s agenda this week.
The rebuilding of Gaza topped discussions he had with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was on an official trip to Malaysia from Feb 10-11. The two leaders have consistently voiced their support for Palestinians and Hamas and offered alternative plans to United States President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the US take over the strip and turn it into the “Riviera of the Middle East”.
Over the past two years, Datuk Seri Anwar has also tried to shift Kuala Lumpur’s geopolitical stance to a position he claims is more neutral, but many observers view his embrace of China and Russia as implicitly anti-West. Now, faced with Mr Trump’s hawkish trade ambitions, Mr Anwar has said Malaysia will attempt to soften the blow by building trade relations with other powers.
On the home front, Malaysia has enjoyed excellent investment figures but such growth in economic activity, especially resource-hungry data centres, has come home to roost. The national water regulator is setting stricter rules for water supply to data centres, and Mr Anwar finally confirmed, more than five weeks since national electricity company Tenaga announced it, that power tariffs are set to rise.
Follow ST’s coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments.
Gaza tops talks between Malaysia and Turkey during Erdogan’s visit to KL
Mr Erdogan gifted a made-in-Turkey Togg electric vehicle to Mr Anwar as a symbol of solidarity and friendship.
Malaysia ditches controversial plan for guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events
The Cabinet has scrapped the idea following fierce backlash from various groups, said PM Anwar.
Water regulator to set strict rules for data centres as number grows
The guidelines call for the use of alternative sources instead of drinking water for their operations.
PM Anwar confirms ‘slight increase’ in electricity tariffs for industry sector
What’s stopping more drivers in Malaysia from buying EVs
Tax exemptions and cost savings draw more to EVs, but affordability is restricted by a high floor price.
Firefly adds more direct flights to Singapore, Sarawak from Selangor
Penang residents bid tearful farewell to 200-year-old kampung up for development
The courts have determined that the landowners have the legal right to develop the land.