Saturday, 21 March 2026

Author: Nura V Lorna

First-time appointees broaden representation in latest Cabinet

KUCHING: The inclusion of first-time appointees in the latest Cabinet reshuffle has been viewed as an effort to broaden leadership representation, though its impact will ultimately depend on how effectively these new faces translate intent into governance outcomes. Political analyst, Professor Dr Novel Lyndon, said the appointments reflected a conscious

Digital connectivity key to improving financial literacy

IMPROVING financial literacy in rural Sarawak should begin with strengthening digital connectivity to overcome geographical and logistical barriers faced by remote communities. Chief Executive Officer of SALIHIN, Shariah Dr Ahcene Lahsasna, said technology, particularly smartphones and online platforms, could serve as a practical channel to deliver financial education to rural

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Cabinet reshuffle recalibrates priorities, strengthens delivery

KUCHING: The latest Cabinet reshuffle was not meant to shake up the government for headlines, but to recalibrate priorities and strengthen delivery within the existing framework. Former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Prof. Datuk Mohd Fadzil Abdul Rahman, said the limited changes showed the Prime Minister had

Sarawak holds out potential to be social finance hub

SARAWAK has the potential to lead Malaysia and Southeast Asia in integrating Islamic social finance with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)-driven development. Chief Executive Officer of SALIHIN, Shariah Dr Ahcene Lahsasna, said Sarawak’s natural resources and diverse cultural heritage placed the state in a strong position to adopt sustainable and ethical

Cabinet reshuffle aims to strengthen unity government’s stability

KUCHING: The Cabinet reshuffle was seen as a move to strengthen the government’s position moving forward, particularly in maintaining stability within the unity government and managing coalition dynamics. Political analyst, Dr Lee Kuok Tiung, said the reshuffle appeared calibrated to stabilise the administration rather than to signal a major policy

Federal Cabinet reshuffle gives greater leverage to Sabah, Sarawak

KUCHING: The Cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim appeared to give Sarawak and Sabah greater leverage within the federal administration, reflecting a strategic emphasis on East Malaysian representation. Political analyst, Prof. James Chin, said the appointment of more Sarawakian and Sabahan ministers and deputy ministers suggested

Cost of living must be top priority after Cabinet reshuffle, says Minos

KUCHING: The new Cabinet reshuffle must place urgent focus on easing the cost of living, which has continued to burden ordinary Malaysians amid rising prices of goods and services. Political observer Datuk Peter Minos said public frustration over household expenses remains high, with many struggling to cope with increasing daily

Islamic finance promotes ethical, sustainable growth beyond religion: Dr Ahcene

KUCHING: Islamic finance should be viewed as an ethical and substance-driven financial system, rather than a framework tied solely to religion, says SALIHIN Shariah chief executive officer (CEO) Dr Ahcene Lahsasna. He said as Sarawak explores sustainable and inclusive economic growth aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Islamic finance

Petronas–Petros talks expected to show progress early next year

KUCHING: Negotiations between Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) are expected to yield results early next year, following ongoing talks between both parties. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof said the negotiations involved an exchange of correspondence and remained focused on reaching a commercial settlement. “There

Budget conference examines fiscal policy and economic strategy

KUCHING: The 2026 Sarawak Budget Conference (SBC) brought together national policymakers, state leaders and industry players to translate fiscal plans into concrete action. Founder and Group Managing Partner of Salihin Datuk Dr Salihin Abang said the second edition of the conference built on the strong response received during its inaugural