Malaysia Morning News For March 11, 2020

Malaysia’s new Cabinet ‘oversized’, lacks diversity: Pakatan Harapan MPs
The newly-unveiled Malaysian Cabinet is bloated and oversized, said politicians from former ruling coalition Pakatan Harapan (PH) in response to the line-up announced by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.
— CNA

What Does Muhyiddin’s New Cabinet Mean for Malaysia?
While the cabinet lineup suggests a focus on reassurance, the true test will be if it can help the country overcome more fundamental political and economic uncertainties.
— The Diplomat

Selangor taps ex-health minister Dzulkefly to lead Covid-19 special action council
Former health minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad has been appointed the chairman of Selangor’s new special action council for the control and prevention of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), the mentri besar announced.
— Malay Mail

Malaysia’s palm oil stocks fall 4.2% in Feb
Malaysia’s total palm oil stocks fell 4.2 per cent to 1.68 million tonnes in February 2020 from 1.76 million tonnes in January 2020.In a statement today, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) said crude palm oil (CPO) stock dropped by 0.23 per cent to 842,965 tonnes from 844,930 tonnes previously.
— The Sun Daily

Malaysia’s new senators pledge to do their best, ask for more time to be acquainted with Cabinet portfolios
The six new Malaysian senators who were sworn in on Tuesday (Mar 10) have pledged to do their best in their Cabinet roles, while asking for more time to be acquainted with their new portfolios.
— CNA

Malaysia records 12 new Covid-19 cases, bringing tally to 129
Malaysia has recorded another 12 new Covid-19 cases, bringing the country’s tally to 129.
— The Star Online

In Malaysia’s Silicon Valley, fortunes flip as COVID-19 wrecks trade war gains
Tech firms at Malaysia’s one-time Silicon Valley of the East, swimming in orders from customers fleeing trade war-hit China, have seen fortunes turn again in the space of just a year as the COVID-19 outbreak cuts them off from Chinese suppliers.
— Channel NewsAsia

Malaysia’s international reserves to remain steady: Affin Hwang
Malaysia’s international reserves level is expected to remain steady in the coming months despite falling by US$900 million to US$103.4 billion in the two weeks ended Feb 28.
— The Sun Daily

Masks in luggage: How a Malaysian tech firm reopened its China factory
When news of the coronavirus outbreak spread around the world in January, officials of the Malaysian tech company Qdos quickly realised what they needed to do to keep their factory in China running: get enough surgical masks for.
— Malay Mail

No love lost with Kulasegaran, MTUC says hopes for better ties with new HR minister
The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) today expressed its hope for a less thorny relationship with newly appointed Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, while unleashing an unrelenting attack on his.
— Malay Mail

In Malaysia’s Silicon Valley, fortunes flip as COVID-19 wrecks trade war gains
Tech firms at Malaysia’s one-time Silicon Valley of the East, swimming in orders from customers fleeing trade war-hit China, have seen fortunes turn again in the space of just a year as the COVID-19 outbreak cuts them off from Chinese suppliers.
— CNA

New Tourism Minister pledges to put needs of country and people first
Newly appointed Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri has assured that she will give her utmost commitment to put the needs of the country and people first.
— The Borneo Post

RM120 million to revive 1Sulaman Platinum Tower project
The abandoned 1Sulaman Platinum Tower will be revived, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Shafie Apdal.
— The Borneo Post

Pakatan closes ranks to try and stop ‘traitors’ from poaching more lawmakers
Pakatan Harapan (PH) sought to rally all its MPs, assemblymen, and leaders during a close-door event last night in an attempt to prevent more from defecting to Perikatan Nasional, attendees of the “Pertahan Mandat Rakyat.
— Malay Mail

Sarawak party says will judge new portfolio on East Malaysia
Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party (Aspirasi) president Lina Soo claimed that Sarawakians will be watching closely the newly created portfolio of Sabah and Sarawak Affairs for its performance.
— Malay Mail

Cosmos aims to expand presence in Malaysia
Integrated water technology solutions provider Cosmos Technology International Bhd (Cosmos) intends to expand its reach in Malaysia’s water sector with two-pronged initiative of introducing new water digitalisation solutions and expanding its range of fabricated metal products for the water and wastewater industries.
— The Borneo Post

Ongkili says will to do his best, grateful for opportunity to serve Malaysia
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili, who has been appointed as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said he will do his best in the portfolio of overseeing Sabah and Sarawak.
— Malay Mail

Foreign ministry portfolio a big responsibility, says Hishammuddin
Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein described his appointment today as foreign minister, as a big responsibility.
— Malay Mail

FBM KLCI plunges to nine-year low as oil prices crash
The oil price rout triggered panic selling on Bursa Malaysia today, with the FBM KLCI plunging as much as 60.45 points or 4.1% to 1,422.65 points at one stage, the biggest drop since the 2008 global financial crisis.
— The Sun Daily

Southern Cable enlists MIDF Amanah Investment as underwriter for ACE Market IPO
Southern Cable Group Bhd has entered into an underwriting agreement with MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Bhd for its proposed initial public offering (IPO) on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia.
— The Sun Daily

Penang PAS wants new govt to review Transport Master Plan
PAS wants the new government to review the Penang Transport Master Plan project, claiming that is has caused anxiety among villagers and fishermen.
— The Sun Daily

UEM Edgenta sees Indonesia key growth market in next two years
UEM Edgenta Bhd has identified Indonesia as a key growth area for its healthcare and infrastructure divisions in the next two years.
— The Sun Daily

Muhyiddin’s 70 member cabinet is bloated, says Teo Nie Ching
Teo Nie Ching (pix), former Deputy Minister of Education criticised the composition of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s new cabinet.
— The Sun Daily

Group lauds govt’s move to reintroduce Higher Education Ministry
The Malaysian Academic Association Congress (MAAC) has lauded the government’s decision to reintroduce the Higher Education Ministry, saying it can provide for more focused development of local institutions of higher.
— Malay Mail

BookDoc to expand throughout Southeast Asia by 2021
BookDoc, a homegrown online healthcare platform, aims to expand its services throughout Southeast Asia (SEA) by 2021.
— New Sarawak Tribune

Tengku Zafrul’s appointment seen as serious bid to win market confidence
The appointment of banking sector heavyweight Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz as Finance Minister is seen as a serious bid to win market confidence, said OCBC Bank economist (Global Treasury Research & Strategy) Wellian Wiranto.
— New Sarawak Tribune

MMA lauds selection of medical doctors to lead Health Ministry
The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) said the selection of two trained doctors to handle the Health portfolio should lead to better policies for the country’s healthcare.
— Malay Mail

Blackstone in talks to take developer SOHO China private in $4b deal: Sources
Blackstone Group Inc is in exclusive talks to take SOHO China Ltd private in a $4 billion deal, said two sources, in one of its biggest bets yet on the Chinese market and which sent the target’s shares to a 21-month high.
— The Sun Daily

Higher Education Ministry will create focused administration ecosystem: Unimap VC
The reintroduction of the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) with the appointment of Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad (pix) as its minister in the new Cabinet line-up announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday is seen as a smart and proactive step to create a more focused administration ecosystem.
— The Sun Daily

Political party supporters told not to resort to provocative actions
Supporters of political parties are advised to control their emotions and not to resort to provocative actions following the formation of the new Perikatan Nasional (PN) government in Perak.
— The Sun Daily

Covid-19: Sabah bans all travellers from Iran, Italy
The state government’s temporary ban on visitors to Sabah has been extended to those traveling from Iran and Italy. State Secretary Datuk Safar Untong in a statement today said that the temporary ban to contain the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) would take effect immediately.
— The Borneo Post

No place in PKR for leaders who turn back on Pakatan principles, says Anwar
PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said leaders who did not want to close ranks and fight for Pakatan Harapan (PH) principles should leave the party immediately.
— Malay Mail

In Malaysia’s Silicon Valley, fortunes flip as virus wrecks trade war gains
Tech firms at Malaysia’s one-time Silicon Valley of the East, swimming in orders from customers fleeing trade war-hit China, have seen fortunes turn again in the space of just a year as the coronavirus outbreak cuts them off from Chinese suppliers.
— The Sun Daily

Moody’s Analytics sees lower oil prices for rest of 2020
Moody’s Analytics expects low oil prices for the rest of 2020 after the collapse in cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Russia triggered a plunge in prices, the biggest fall since 1991.
— The Sun Daily

Incoming finance minister hopes politics won’t get in way of his work
Newly appointed Finance Minister Senator Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz hopes that the country’s political situation will not have any adverse impact on his work.
— Malay Mail

Senior ministers in Muhyiddin’s Cabinet can be seen as deputy prime ministers, says political analyst
The four senior ministers in the Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyddin Yassin’s Cabinet can be seen as four deputy prime ministers, said political analysts Prof Dr Jayum Jawan Empaling.
— The Borneo Post

Ringgit remains weaker against US dollar in early trade
The ringgit remained weaker against the US dollar in the early session today on lingering concerns on COVID-19 and the plunging global oil prices, dealers said.
— The Sun Daily

Saifuddin new Minister of Communications and Multimedia
Former Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah (pix) is the new Communications and Multimedia Minister in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin that was announced yesterday.
— The Sun Daily

Netizens swarm Health Ministry’s FB to demand locations where Covid-19 patients visited
Facebook page Tentera Troll Kebangsaan Malaysia (TTKM) continued its campaign demanding the Health Ministry to reveal locations where Covid-19 patients visited.
— The Sun Daily

Will the new Women’s Ministry fight underage marriage, asks Hannah
Former deputy minister Hannah Yeoh took a swipe at the new appointees for the ministry in which she formerly served.
— The Sun Daily

Junz to work with all ministers from Sabah
The appointment of Members of Parliament from Sabah and Sarawak in the federal cabinet seems to be fair to both states, Sabah Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Junz Wong said.
— The Borneo Post

Cabinet appointment signals PM’s trust in MCA, says Ka Siong
Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has described his appointment as transport minister as a sign of the Prime Minister’s acknowledgement and trust in MCA.
— Malay Mail

Naming of ‘senior ministers’ instead of DPM a wise move, pundits say of Muhyiddin’s Cabinet
Several political observers have lauded Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s decision to name four senior ministers instead of a deputy, saying it is a wise move to safeguard against political rifts.
— Malay Mail

Kelantan’s Annuar Musa makes a comeback, appointed FT minister
With extensive experience in the world of politics and nearly 10 years in government administration, newly minted Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa is no stranger to Malaysians.
— Malay Mail

Najib congratulates Perikatan Nasional Cabinet line-up
Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak sent his best wishes to the cabinet line-up of Perikatan Nasional as announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin this evening.
— Malay Mail

Market turmoil puts oil & gas players at risk of bankruptcy
The breakdown in relations between Russia and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) is expected to have serious implications for the oil and gas (O&G) sector, with companies going into bankruptcy or receivership in the worst-case scenario.
— The Sun Daily

Khalid congratulates PN’s new Religious Affairs Minister
Former Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad (pix) took to Twitter to congratulate Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri for being appointed as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.
— The Sun Daily

Rosmah’s trial: Witness claims Mahdzir prepared letter to PM Najib to skip MoF rules to approve payment to company handling RM1.25b contract
Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid as education minister was the one who had prepared a 2017 letter to then prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to allow a company providing diesel for Sarawak rural schools to collect payment from.
— Malay Mail

Higher Education Ministry will create focused administration ecosystem
The reintroduction of the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) with the appointment of Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad as its minister in the new Cabinet line-up announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday is seen as a smart and proactive step to create a more focused administration ecosystem.
— New Sarawak Tribune

Tengku Zafrul gears up to tackle economic challenges
Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, who was sworn in as a senator following his appointment as the Finance Minister, today expressed his commitment to address the economic challenges facing the country.
— The Borneo Post

Perak Sultan accepts Ahmad Faizal’ resignation, to name new MB soon
Perak’s Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah has accepted Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu’s resignation as his mentri besar.
— Malay Mail

Covid-19: PM visits, chairs meeting at CPRC
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today visited the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) at the Ministry of Health (MoE) here, to learn about the latest development on Covid-19 situation in Malaysia.
— The Sun Daily

Feature photo Travelers Muse

This week’s Malaysia morning news feature photo focuses on the Hindu Holi festival of colours, March 9-10.

Find our previous morning news feature photos in the AEC News Today Morning News Feature Photos gallery where you will find a pictorial display of daily life throughout the Asean Economic Community (AEC).

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