Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

education

schools

Mandarin

backlash

debate

language

Harith Iskander

SJKC

Malaysian comedian and television host Harith Iskander has sparked widespread discussion after suggesting that Chinese vernacular primary schools (SJKCs) should be abolished. However, his proposal went beyond the headline-grabbing statement, as he also called for Mandarin to become a compulsory subject in all national schools.
The remarks, shared through a two-minute video on his social media series #ViewOn60, quickly divided opinion online, with many focusing on his comments about SJKCs while overlooking the broader education model he proposed.
Harith Wants A Single Education System For All Malaysians
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In the video, Harith said that if he could redesign Malaysia's education system from scratch, he would prefer all Malaysian children to attend the same schools from their very first day of education.
He stressed that his view was not rooted in opposition to the Chinese community or those who support SJKCs.
"I don't agree with the idea of SJKCs... not because I think the people who support them are bad people. In fact, I completely understand why they exist and why many Malaysian Chinese continue to value them," he explained.
According to Harith, a unified education system would allow children from different ethnic backgrounds to grow up together while sharing the same classrooms and learning environment.
Mandarin Should Be Compulsory In Every National School
While his call to abolish SJKCs attracted the most attention, Harith's proposal also included making Mandarin a compulsory subject in every national school.
Under his vision, Bahasa Malaysia would remain the primary language of instruction, English would continue as a compulsory subject, and Mandarin would also become mandatory for all students.
He said this would enable every Malaysian child to graduate with the ability to communicate confidently in three languages.
"Imagine every Malaysian child leaving school being able to communicate confidently in Bahasa Malaysia, English and also chat away in Mandarin. I think that would be amazing," he said.
Harith maintained that his intention was not to erase Chinese language education, but to ensure all Malaysians could benefit from learning it while studying together in one education system.
He Predicted The Backlash Before Posting
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f59fd3c0c4d03d4f5fba2da8930fea3f5b084d5c259619f8a99ca14a3fc15d37" />
Before sharing his views on SJKCs, Harith spoke about the current state of public discourse, saying people have become more likely to attack individuals than debate ideas.
Near the end of the video, he remarked that he expected many people to react emotionally rather than discuss his proposal objectively.
"Let's see what happens in the comments," he said, questioning whether people would explain why they disagreed with him or simply attack him personally.
As anticipated, much of the online conversation centred on his call to abolish SJKCs, while relatively little attention was given to his proposal of introducing compulsory Mandarin in national schools.
Follow-Up Video: Focus Should Be On Education Quality
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After receiving hundreds of comments and private messages, Harith later released a second video, saying one parent's response had made him reconsider parts of his argument.
The parent explained that sending their child to an SJKC was not a political decision, but one based on the belief that the school offered stronger educational opportunities and better prospects for the future.
Harith said this shifted his perspective.
Rather than asking why parents choose SJKCs, he argued that Malaysians should instead ask what improvements are needed for parents to willingly choose national schools.
According to him, parents ultimately prioritise educational quality and future opportunities over the type of school itself.
He added that no education system should expect automatic loyalty from parents, but should instead earn their trust by consistently delivering quality education.
Debate Over SJKCs Continues
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a090d59ac181211ca0a74d1bfa4aabb6f99de57266e27e68f0e1cae49f9f5523" />
Harith's comments have once again brought long-standing discussions surrounding SJKCs back into the spotlight.
Supporters of a single-stream education system argue that educating children together from a young age could strengthen national unity and reduce segregation between communities.
Meanwhile, supporters of SJKCs maintain that mother-tongue education is an important cultural right protected under Malaysia's Education Act. They argue that SJKCs have played a significant role in preserving Chinese language and culture while producing strong academic outcomes.
The debate has also extended to the quality of national schools, with many pointing out that improving teaching standards, facilities and opportunities would naturally encourage more parents to enrol their children there.
Gerakan: Strengthen National Schools Instead Of Abolishing SJKCs
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7f2b67217d598675957ed442ab97e6321a8f50b63e8e7947c755f56d2e2a7e66" />
Harith's proposal also prompted responses from political figures.
Gerakan Wanita Information Chief Ng Mey Yuan said the government should focus on improving the overall quality and attractiveness of national schools rather than discussing the abolition of SJKCs.
She agreed that Mandarin proficiency should be strengthened in national schools and suggested elevating Chinese language education to a level comparable with English, allowing students to graduate proficient in Bahasa Malaysia, English and Mandarin.
However, she stressed that SJKCs have become an established part of Malaysia's education landscape and should continue to exist.
According to her, parents should remain free to choose between national schools, SJKCs and other education options, with each school competing fairly by offering the best educational outcomes.
More Than A Debate About Language
Although Harith's initial statement generated controversy, his follow-up comments suggested that the broader issue extends beyond language or race.
Instead, he believes the discussion should centre on how Malaysia can build an education system that gives parents confidence while equipping future generations with strong academic foundations and multilingual skills.
His proposal has reignited debate over whether the country's focus should be on preserving separate school streams, creating a unified education system, or improving the quality of education across all schools regardless of their medium of instruction.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Harith Iskander sparks debate with his vision for a trilingual Malaysia, proposing Mandarin as a compulsory subject in national schools.

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Harith Iskander Proposes Abolishing SJKCs, But Says Mandarin Should Be Compulsory In National Schools

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BIllie Eilish UMMY

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Pizza hut Meltz 2026

BTS once again proved their global star power after stage outfits and accessories worn during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show raised more than RM1.2 million at a charity auction, accounting for nearly half of the event's total proceeds.
The online auction, titled "One Goal: An Auction to Benefit the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund", was organised by Christie&rsquo;s in partnership with Global Citizen. Running for seven days before concluding on 29 July, the auction attracted bidders from 24 countries and raised a total of US$652,630 (approximately RM2.66 million) to support educational opportunities and access to football for children in underserved communities worldwide.
Jimin's Shirt Becomes The Auction's Top-Selling Item
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <img src="https://r2.myc.my/73219534372b21ac05f9de384befbfb60d00df5f5224cb36b78af43350381f2b" />&nbsp;
Leading the auction was the custom shirt worn by Jimin during BTS' performance of Dynamite at the World Cup Final halftime show. The piece sold for an impressive US$110,000 (around RM450,000), far exceeding Christie's pre-auction estimate of US$3,000 to US$5,000.
Remarkably, Jimin's shirt matched the final selling price of the official FIFA World Cup Final match ball, making them the joint highest-selling items of the entire auction.
Every BTS Item Surpasses Expectations
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5597f623ddb1076aa211e12e613da113d487a748ffca97cdaa94268576b3cce7" />
Every item worn by the seven BTS members attracted bids well above their estimated values, highlighting the group's immense worldwide appeal.
The final auction prices were:
<ul>
<li>Jimin's shirt &ndash; US$110,000 (RM450,000)</li>
<li>V's scarf &ndash; US$46,200 (RM189,000)</li>
<li>Jungkook's jacket &ndash; US$46,200 (RM189,000)</li>
<li>Suga's trousers &ndash; US$33,000 (RM134,000)</li>
<li>J-Hope's gloves &ndash; US$28,600 (RM117,000)</li>
<li>RM's boots &ndash; US$19,800 (RM80,800)</li>
<li>Jin's belt &ndash; US$16,500 (RM67,400)</li>
</ul>
Collectively, the seven items raised US$300,300 (approximately RM1.23 million), contributing around 46% of the auction's total proceeds.
Other Memorabilia Also Draw Strong Bids
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f5396d97170b2cc047f458562b2210bb1caff7e323407ee9b6c9efd05ab18404" />
While BTS dominated the auction, several other pieces of memorabilia also attracted significant attention from collectors.
An Argentina jersey signed by Lionel Messi sold for US$66,000 (approximately RM269,000), while the official World Cup Final match ball matched Jimin's shirt with a winning bid of US$110,000.
Elsewhere, Madonna's signed fingerless gloves from the halftime show's opening performance fetched US$41,800 (around RM171,000), while Justin Bieber's custom SKYLRK sneakers worn during his acoustic performance sold for US$26,400 (approximately RM108,000). Bieber's fashion label also pledged to match the auction price in full, doubling the donation generated from the shoes.
Other auctioned memorabilia included items from Shakira, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, and several exclusive World Cup collectibles.
Supporting Children Through Football And Education
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a45d0767ffeba14c60dd6736c2d59983d8592e3b3c5eaff4c6aa8c487349f5c5" />
Every dollar raised from the auction will go towards the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a global initiative aiming to raise US$100 million to improve access to quality education and football opportunities for children in underserved communities around the world.
Commenting on the success of the event, Julien Pradels, President of Christie's Americas, described the auction as a victory beyond football.
"This is a wonderful win for an important cause. Competition in our auction was as global and fierce as it was on the World Cup soccer pitch."
The auction demonstrated not only the enduring influence of BTS, but also how the group's worldwide fanbase can drive meaningful support for charitable initiatives. With nearly half of the total funds raised coming from just seven BTS-worn items, the event highlighted the extraordinary demand for memorabilia associated with the K-pop superstars while contributing to a cause that will benefit children across the globe.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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ARMY showed up once again, with BTS memorabilia raising over RM1.2 million for a meaningful cause.

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BTS’ World Cup Halftime Show Outfits Raise Over RM1.2 Million At FIFA Charity Auction

The declassified Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report into Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) has uncovered a troubling picture of how the country's pilgrimage fund continued paying generous staff bonuses and declaring high hibah (profit distributions) despite being in a weak financial position.
Released four years after it was completed, the 211-page report examined TH's management and governance between 2014 and 2020, highlighting governance failures, questionable investment decisions, creative accounting practices and political interference that ultimately placed the institution under severe financial strain.
Bonuses Continued Despite Mounting Losses
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2cd6482fe4c6d0875e3991d0a4424931047fbc8579d8304e614fb85b516f054d" />
Among the report's most striking findings was that TH continued rewarding employees with substantial bonuses even as its finances deteriorated.
Between 2010 and 2017, staff received bonuses ranging from one to 13 months' salary. In 2014 alone, TH reportedly set aside RM74 million for staff bonuses, comprising an 11-month performance bonus and a two-month special bonus.
However, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), which later reviewed TH's financial position, concluded that the fund had already been operating with an asset-liability deficit since 2014.
The RCI found there was no justification for such generous payouts while the institution was effectively losing money, recommending that the practice be discontinued and that improperly approved bonuses be recovered where appropriate.
The report also highlighted bonus payments made by TH Properties Sdn Bhd in 2017 and 2018, amounting to RM1.15 million and RM1.05 million respectively. According to the commission, these payments breached the Companies Act 2016 as they were approved without the necessary shareholder resolutions and by a committee lacking the authority to do so.
Profits Reported Despite Underlying Losses
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7c80e03d2184410a156ed4d52f5ee7c3278b924f849c7e73bc68628dba8f74f7" />
The commission found that TH's financial position appeared significantly healthier than it actually was.
For the 2017 financial year, depositors were informed that TH had recorded a profit of RM3.4 billion. However, after applying the appropriate accounting standards, the RCI concluded the fund should instead have reported a loss of approximately RM1.4 billion &mdash; a difference of around RM4.8 billion.
Much of the discrepancy stemmed from the failure to recognise impairment losses on investments whose value had fallen substantially.
PwC estimated that TH had accumulated losses of roughly RM10 billion by 2017, with the fund remaining in deficit for several years before the financial problems became publicly known.
'Creative Accounting' Used To Maintain Hibah Payments
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3eb9a262180575587c8e21d5fc2accfae136a921d5baa6c28fbb15a3cb715708" />
Despite the deteriorating financial position, TH continued distributing attractive hibah returns to depositors.
Under Section 22 of the Tabung Haji Act 1995, hibah can only be declared if the fund's assets exceed its liabilities.
Instead of relying on audited asset values, however, the RCI found that TH management used a higher internal valuation known as the Realisable Asset Value (RAV), allowing the institution to satisfy the legal requirement on paper while avoiding the recognition of significant impairment losses.
The commission described this as "creative accounting", concluding that TH's 2017 hibah distribution of 4.5%, together with an additional 1.75% haj hibah costing RM2.75 billion, should never have been declared under the audited financial position.
Crime analyst Kamal Affandi Hashim said such accounting practices could indicate deliberate criminal conduct rather than simple administrative mistakes, arguing that manipulating financial statements to conceal losses may expose both those directly involved and those responsible for oversight to potential legal liability.
Warning Signs Were Ignored
The RCI found that several warning signs emerged years before TH's financial issues became public.
Bank Negara Malaysia reportedly issued multiple warning letters to TH between 2014 and 2015 regarding its financial position.
In 2017, international consultancy Roland Berger also warned that TH had been depleting its reserves to maintain hibah payouts and cautioned that the adoption of new accounting standards would expose billions of ringgit in unrealised losses.
However, the report found no evidence that these findings were ever presented to TH's board before the 2018 General Election.
Costly Investments Added To Financial Pressure
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/aa65353e162e04c1fd3b4ddef81393dfbc7e7e9a5bd704331f492dd74a37d03d" />
The commission identified 14 investments that should undergo forensic audits due to governance concerns and significant losses.
Among the largest was TH's investment in FGV Holdings, which resulted in an unrealised loss exceeding RM1.06 billion after the value of its shares fell sharply following the company's 2012 listing.
Other major losses included:
<ul>
<li>RM364.31 million impairment involving Trurich Resources.</li>
<li>RM278 million impairment linked to TH Marine.</li>
<li>RM225 million loss from the Deru Semangat plantation project after environmental issues affected buyers' confidence.</li>
<li>RM170 million impairment involving TH Plantations.</li>
</ul>
According to the RCI, investment decisions were often made through weak coordination and excessive reliance on recommendations from TH's own management, while ministers approved proposals without obtaining independent external advice.
Governance Failures And Political Influence
The report also highlighted broader governance weaknesses within TH.
Political appointments to the board between 2014 and 2018 were said to have undermined public confidence, while several senior executives simultaneously held numerous directorships across TH subsidiaries, creating potential conflicts of interest and reducing oversight.
The commission also criticised the growing financial burden of haj subsidies, which had been funded using TH's investment returns, placing additional pressure on its long-term financial sustainability.
Investigations To Continue
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/95c2c7b5e168ddaaf2459237f03410d72d4fbfb01384e1d504062f1b1db895ba" />
The RCI recommended 25 reforms, including stronger governance measures, forensic audits into selected investments, stricter board appointment criteria and limiting political involvement in TH's management.
It also called for immediate follow-up on police reports and referrals to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) involving allegations of corruption, document falsification and financial misconduct.
The Cabinet has since ordered enforcement agencies to continue investigations and take legal action against any parties found to have breached the law.
In response, Tabung Haji said the issues identified in the report related to the period before 2018 and maintained that significant improvements had since been implemented. According to TH, approximately 75% of the RCI's recommendations have already been carried out, with the remaining reforms currently underway.
The pilgrimage fund added that it has rebuilt its financial position, restored its reserves and recently announced a 3.5% profit distribution for the 2025 financial year &mdash; its highest hibah rate in eight years &mdash; while reaffirming its commitment to strengthening governance, protecting depositors and restoring public confidence.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Big bonuses, mounting losses and serious governance concerns take centre stage in the latest RCI findings.

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RCI Reveals Tabung Haji Paid Generous Bonuses Despite Financial Losses

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing growing opposition after unveiling a controversial proposal to sell minority stakes in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup and other major tournaments to private investors.
The plan, which would create a new commercial entity known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), has drawn fierce criticism from UEFA, national football associations, politicians and supporters, many of whom argue that football's biggest competition should not become an investment vehicle.
With FIFA's 211 member associations given until 19 September to decide whether to support the proposal, the debate has quickly become one of the biggest governance issues in world football.
What Is FIFA Proposing?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f3262b4559bdbcfa36b0ea81633d95f00b890266dad84b32110c02fd588da3d6" />
Under the proposal, FIFA would establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a separate company responsible for managing the commercial operations of the World Cup, Women's World Cup, Club World Cup and other FIFA competitions.
FFE would oversee areas such as broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, licensing and event operations.
Although FIFA says it would retain majority ownership and continue to control football governance, competition formats, regulations and the international match calendar, it intends to sell up to 21% of the company to private investors, raising approximately US$4.2 billion.
The governing body values FFE at around US$20 billion, with investment firm Thrive Capital, led by Joshua Kushner, expected to head the investor group. Global banking giant JP Morgan is serving as FIFA's financial adviser on the project.
Infantino Promises Billions For Member Associations
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f05414b81f9778aabc3ec7ae4bad1ff021c9dae8636c276f8c9364357c359762" />
Infantino has framed the proposal as a way to "democratise football" by redistributing more of the sport's commercial wealth to national football associations.
In a letter sent to all 211 FIFA member associations, he said countries that approve the proposal by 19 September could receive development funding worth up to US$40 million each during the 2027-2030 cycle.
This includes an immediate US$20 million payment from January 2027 through a new FIFA Fast-Forward Programme, alongside another US$20 million through FIFA's expanded Forward development programme.
Overall, FIFA says the initiative would unlock more than US$10 billion in football development funding over the coming years.
However, Infantino also warned that if the proposal is rejected, member associations would instead receive only the previously planned US$2.7 billion development package, amounting to around US$10 million per association.
The financial incentive has led critics to argue that member associations are effectively being pressured into backing the proposal.
UEFA Leads Fierce Opposition
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/63eb451756bbed1fecba81bda0c9e33648ea5a5c9edec080ff5aba81f6ce8c88" />
The strongest resistance has come from UEFA, which accused FIFA of crossing a line by attempting to commercialise football's most prestigious competitions.
In a strongly worded statement, UEFA said football's governance and heritage "are not assets to trade", adding that "none of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA's to sell."
European football's governing body also criticised the lack of transparency surrounding the proposal, saying major stakeholders were not properly consulted before the plans became public.
UEFA has since convened discussions with its 55 member associations, with reports suggesting that some European nations are even considering the possibility of a boycott should the proposal proceed.
National Associations And Politicians Raise Concerns
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/22aafc594021d0e9b037197f26a895f1430c86ec4cdddbe87971745f10443852" />
Several national football associations, including the Football Association (FA) of England, said they had received virtually no information before news of the proposal emerged publicly.
The FA described itself as "deeply concerned" about both the process and governance behind the plan, saying it would reserve judgement until FIFA provides full details.
Similar concerns have been voiced by the Football Association of Wales, the Irish FA, CONCACAF, the Asian Football Confederation and numerous European football organisations.
Politicians have also entered the debate.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0a5f737a1583ed8d016acc32139c0a0d0c6900ba6406429ee8bdb69c80f15cdc" />
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham argued that football belongs to supporters rather than investors, insisting that the World Cup "was never anyone's to sell".
La Liga president Javier Tebas similarly criticised the proposal, accusing Infantino of prioritising commercial interests over the sport itself.
Why Critics Are Worried
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/19ea94ced861132bc4d9a37b3dc61e068870623f03097b26a278c11e779f893c" />
Although FIFA insists that outside investors would only own minority stakes and have no control over football decisions, many critics believe commercial pressures could eventually influence how tournaments are organised.
There are concerns that investors seeking maximum returns may push FIFA to expand tournaments further, stage the World Cup more frequently, prioritise commercially attractive host nations or introduce additional revenue-generating changes.
Critics also argue that once private capital becomes financially invested in football's flagship competitions, protecting investor returns could gradually become a greater priority than preserving sporting integrity.
The involvement of Thrive Capital has also attracted scrutiny due to founder Joshua Kushner's family ties to US President Donald Trump, while Infantino's increasingly close relationship with Trump has further fuelled concerns about transparency.
Why Many Believe The Plan Could Still Pass
Despite the backlash across Europe, Infantino is still widely expected to secure enough support for the proposal.
Since becoming FIFA president in 2016, he has significantly increased development funding distributed to football associations across Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas.
Many smaller associations rely heavily on FIFA grants and could view the additional funding as too significant to reject.
Because FIFA proposals only require support from a simple majority of its 211 member associations, Infantino may have enough backing outside Europe for the proposal to succeed.
A Defining Moment For Football Governance
The proposal has become one of the most controversial initiatives of Infantino's presidency, raising wider questions about the future ownership and commercialisation of football.
Supporters argue that attracting private investment could generate unprecedented funding for football development around the world.
Opponents, however, believe football's greatest competition should never become an asset partly owned by investment firms, warning that commercial interests could eventually outweigh the interests of players, clubs and supporters.
With FIFA members set to vote by 19 September, the outcome could reshape how the World Cup is funded and managed for decades to come.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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A billion-dollar proposal has sparked football's biggest backlash yet.

872fa6b64472e0d094874e901e9375c5d4a0e4a2fd84aeb0da27b3ede9a0faa9

FIFA's World Cup Sell-Off Plan Sparks Global Backlash As Infantino Pushes Multi-Billion-Dollar Proposal

A PKR lawmaker has urged the government to suspend Chinese e-commerce platform Pinduoduo&rsquo;s operations in Malaysia until a proper cross-border anti-dumping framework is introduced, arguing that the platform&rsquo;s business model could put local businesses at a disadvantage.
Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing called on the government to consider removing Pinduoduo from app stores and delaying its operations until stronger regulations are established to ensure fair competition.
According to Tan, Pinduoduo&rsquo;s factory-to-consumer (F2C) model allows overseas manufacturers to sell directly to Malaysian consumers at prices that local businesses struggle to match. While Malaysian companies must bear costs such as taxes, product certifications, safety requirements, warehouse expenses and other regulatory obligations, overseas sellers can often operate with lower costs.
He warned that unchecked growth of cross-border e-commerce platforms could place pressure on local manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors, potentially affecting businesses, jobs and the wider economy.
What Is Pinduoduo And Why Is It So Cheap?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/bc5e669073f084aef63bd0cb786d7c078573ece6bdd9872d424dda19ef67d536" />
Pinduoduo is one of China&rsquo;s largest e-commerce platforms, connecting consumers directly with manufacturers through a factory-to-consumer model. By reducing the number of middlemen involved in the supply chain, sellers are able to offer products at significantly lower prices compared with traditional retail channels.
For example, a household product sold by a Malaysian retailer for around RM13 could reportedly be listed on Pinduoduo for as little as RM2, including delivery from China.
Unlike platforms such as Shopee and Lazada, which mainly operate as marketplaces where local and international sellers run their own online stores, Pinduoduo focuses heavily on direct factory sales, bulk manufacturing and aggressive pricing strategies.
All three platforms offer products ranging from electronics and fashion to household goods and daily necessities. However, Pinduoduo&rsquo;s competitive advantage comes from its close connection with manufacturers, allowing consumers to purchase goods closer to factory prices.
While this benefits consumers looking for affordable products, some local businesses worry that they will struggle to compete against prices that may be difficult for domestic retailers to sustain.
Tan Claims Local SMEs Face An Uneven Playing Field
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/855fd062c172ed299944e7eb6903f416c2cde8f3081626ffff6579c23ef30be7" />
Tan argued that the issue goes beyond cheaper prices, claiming local businesses face higher compliance costs compared with some overseas sellers.
He said Malaysian companies are required to comply with regulations involving product certification, taxation, quality control and other operational requirements, while certain foreign platforms may not face the same level of obligations.
To address these concerns, Tan proposed several measures, including requiring overseas platforms to store Malaysian users&rsquo; data locally and encouraging partnerships with local manufacturers, suppliers and logistics companies.
He said such requirements could help ensure foreign platforms contribute to Malaysia&rsquo;s economy through technology transfer, industry development and support for local small and medium enterprises (SMEs), rather than only benefiting from Malaysian consumer spending.
Some Figures Cited By MP Face Scrutiny
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/1eed72f844944ff81f1c0c4fba1fae004f60809dcac27f343a8d58148a3f8dbc" />
While many agree that local businesses face growing pressure from low-cost overseas platforms, some statistics cited by Tan have been questioned.
Tan stated that SMEs make up 98% of Malaysian businesses and contribute &ldquo;nearly half&rdquo; of the country&rsquo;s GDP.
However, figures from SME Corp Malaysia show that SMEs account for around 96.1% of businesses nationwide, while contributing 39.5% of GDP. The figure closer to half relates to employment, with SMEs accounting for 48.7% of the workforce.
Tan also criticised cross-border platforms for avoiding taxes, although Malaysia introduced a 10% Low Value Goods (LVG) Tax on eligible imported online purchases from 1 January 2024.
The tax was introduced to reduce the gap between local and overseas sellers. However, concerns remain over differences in areas such as product certification, consumer protection requirements and regulatory compliance.
Debate Over Cross-Border E-Commerce Expected To Continue
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0815cd06ee1eeee6023024669da35489d3e79e3412c648107591ab39e4d4fdff" />
Despite questions surrounding some of the figures used, Tan&rsquo;s concerns highlight a wider debate over how Malaysia should regulate rapidly expanding cross-border e-commerce platforms.
He stressed that his proposal is not aimed at rejecting foreign investment or digital platforms, but rather creating a fairer environment for local businesses to compete.
As platforms offering ultra-low prices continue to grow in Malaysia, policymakers will need to balance consumer demand for affordable goods with the need to protect local businesses and maintain a sustainable domestic retail ecosystem.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Could Pinduoduo be banned in Malaysia? PKR MP pushes for suspension over fair competition concerns.

60dd69e0559b27c2ecd698497d6e09f73738dd4bf33724b4ee92f6b38740d757

PKR MP Calls For Pinduoduo To Be Suspended Until Malaysia Introduces Anti-Dumping Safeguards

Global K-pop sensation BTS has announced that it will not submit any of its music for consideration at the 69th Annual Grammy Awards, a decision widely viewed as a response to the Recording Academy&rsquo;s newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
The seven-member group shared a joint statement across their individual social media accounts on Wednesday (29 July), saying they had chosen to sit out next year&rsquo;s awards despite being expected to receive several major nominations.
&ldquo;We have decided not to submit to the Grammys this year. We hope music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.&rdquo;
The group also thanked their global fanbase, ARMY, and supporters for standing by them throughout their career.
Decision Comes After New Grammy Category Announcement
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/547d9f11ce26b7b22e6bc9a63557c057401f81eb622de86f22412bfb1ace54db" />
Although BTS did not directly mention the Recording Academy&rsquo;s new category, the timing of the announcement has led many fans and industry observers to interpret the move as a protest.
The Recording Academy unveiled the Best Asian Pop Music Performance award in June as part of several new categories for the 2027 Grammys. The category is intended to recognise artistic excellence in Asian pop music, including K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, for performances featuring meaningful use of one or more Asian languages.
According to the Recording Academy, the category was introduced to create more opportunities to celebrate different genres and artists from across Asia.
However, its introduction immediately sparked debate online, with critics arguing that it risks separating Asian artists from the main Grammy categories instead of recognising them alongside other global acts.
Fans Fear Asian Artists Are Being Boxed Into Separate Categories
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/fcd48bdea1b6a1d2d15c6669df3d179078fbc577df5555e1b01148d9a845b0a8" />
Many BTS fans believe the new category could unintentionally sideline Asian artists from prestigious awards such as Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.
Supporters have argued that artists should compete based on the quality of their music rather than their nationality or language, echoing BTS' statement that music should not be defined by geographical or linguistic boundaries.
Some also questioned why a separate Asian Pop category was introduced now, particularly as BTS returned this year following the completion of their military service and were widely tipped to be strong contenders in several major Grammy categories.
A Strong Comeback Year For BTS
<iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/3ukkRHDHbN8tNRPKsGZR1h?utm_source=generator&amp;si=e470903e77a44abd" width="100%" height="352" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe>
The announcement comes despite one of the biggest years of BTS' career.
The group's comeback album, Arirang, released in March, became a major commercial success, topping the Billboard 200 chart and earning widespread critical acclaim. Lead single Swim also enjoyed significant chart success, with many predicting it would be among the frontrunners for Grammy nominations.
BTS has also been selling out its world tour, with concerts across South Korea, North America and Europe attracting overwhelming demand. Earlier this year, the group also won Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards, beating several international stars.
BTS' Grammy Journey
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/55bc67cb8c1d5cb9672a859181692ba901b70a0a8de667105966ac6da04d5730" />
BTS became the first K-pop group to receive a Grammy nomination in 2021 with Dynamite, marking a significant milestone for Korean music on the global stage.
Since then, the group has received multiple Grammy nominations across both group and solo projects and has performed at the awards ceremony several times. However, despite their international success, they have yet to win a Grammy.
The seven members are also voting members of the Recording Academy.
HYBE Denies Boycott Claims
Following the announcement, HYBE clarified that BTS' decision was not part of a wider company boycott of the Grammys.
Instead, the label said the group made the decision collectively in order to "protect the status and pride of the K-pop industry as a whole."
The Recording Academy has yet to issue an official response to BTS' decision.
While BTS will not be competing at the 2027 Grammy Awards, their announcement has reignited discussions about how international artists are recognised by major Western award ceremonies and whether music should continue to be categorised by region or language.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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BTS are sitting out the 2027 Grammys, with many viewing the move as a stand against the Recording Academy's new Asian Pop category.

c86b7b877e6b509cc0e8857b85eb5a0125a217fdc9e692bfe2774d9211e34979

BTS Decline Grammy 2027 Consideration Following Introduction Of New ‘Best Asian Pop’ Category

Tesla owners in Malaysia will now have to pay to use the brand&rsquo;s Destination Chargers after nearly three years of complimentary charging, while the government has confirmed there is currently no price ceiling on public EV charging rates.
Beginning 28 July 2026, Tesla has introduced a flat charging fee of RM0.88 per kWh across its nationwide network of Destination Chargers, marking the end of one of the key ownership perks offered since the company entered the Malaysian market.
The announcement comes as the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) confirmed that public EV charging operators are free to determine their own pricing, with no government-imposed cap currently in place.
Tesla Destination Chargers No Longer Free
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/aa42a2b0bd65cab98fdc527fe530651579276aa1f182176d943fb6ff394d4d34" />
Tesla&rsquo;s Destination Chargers are AC charging points typically located at shopping malls, hotels and commercial buildings, allowing owners to top up their vehicles while parked for several hours.
Since the network was launched in Malaysia in late 2023, charging at these stations had been free for Tesla owners. That has now changed, with all 75 Destination Chargers across 18 locations nationwide now charging RM0.88 per kWh.
Locations affected include popular destinations such as Pavilion Bukit Jalil, The Gardens Mall, IOI City Mall Putrajaya, Bangsar Shopping Centre, Sunway Velocity, Pavilion Damansara Heights, Quayside Mall and several others.
Still Cheaper Than Most Public AC Chargers
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/13cc31c7bb098f7aa782bceb23424b5648bec8046ec2c7f076edb9a8582b8fbc" />
Although charging is no longer complimentary, Tesla's new pricing remains competitive.
At RM0.88 per kWh, it is still slightly below the current market rate for public 11kW AC chargers, which generally ranges between RM1.00 and RM1.10 per kWh, with some operators charging even more.
Tesla's Superchargers, which provide significantly faster DC charging, are priced separately under a time-based pricing structure. Depending on the location and time of day, charging at a Supercharger can even cost less than RM1.00 per kWh during off-peak hours.
For those looking for the lowest charging costs, home charging remains the most economical option. Under Tenaga Nasional Berhad's domestic electricity tariff, charging at home typically costs around RM0.50 per kWh, depending on household electricity usage.
A Move That Could Reduce Charger Hogging
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d82457cbfd3c727bc23651e7e2544cdbb3bc926d97a66c39bf505c80ec8712bd" />
The introduction of charging fees is also expected to improve charger availability.
When Destination Chargers were free, some owners reportedly left their vehicles plugged in long after charging had finished, effectively using the charging bays as reserved parking spaces for extended periods.
By attaching a cost to charging, Tesla is hoping drivers will be more likely to move their vehicles once charging is complete, allowing more owners to access the facilities when needed.
Government Confirms There Is No Price Ceiling
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7088a625d51b2096f50cd3c9bccb2ee2920dd902b4c1d477111280177934fc91" />
The pricing change comes as MITI clarified that Malaysia does not currently regulate public EV charging fees.
In a written reply in the Dewan Negara, the ministry confirmed that charging rates are determined entirely by individual charging point operators based on their own commercial considerations. The response was given after Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew asked whether EV charging prices were subject to government regulation or a pricing framework.
While operators are free to set their own charging fees, MITI stressed that charging infrastructure must still comply with technical standards, safety requirements and licensing rules enforced by the ministry, the Energy Commission and relevant local authorities.
Malaysia's EV Charging Network Continues To Expand
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ea4a907ebdf3c26a9b593c915d20257e3df2c6112147dba4e7e5e3d918f3774a" />
MITI also revealed that Malaysia had 6,416 public EV chargers nationwide as of 31 May 2026.
Of these:
<ul>
<li>2,143 units (33.4%) are DC fast chargers.</li>
<li>4,273 units (66.6%) are AC chargers.</li>
</ul>
The vast majority are located in Peninsular Malaysia, which accounts for 6,176 chargers, while Sarawak has 208 and Sabah has 32.
The government said allowing operators to determine their own prices is intended to encourage greater private sector investment and competition, helping accelerate the rollout of charging infrastructure across the country.
A Regulatory Framework May Still Be Introduced
Although charging prices remain unregulated for now, MITI said it is working with the Energy Commission and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) to develop a regulatory framework for EV charging fees in the future.
The ministry added that it aims to strike a balance between maintaining an attractive environment for private investment while ensuring wider access to public charging infrastructure.
For the time being, however, EV charging prices remain entirely at the discretion of individual operators, meaning companies such as Tesla can determine their own charging rates without government-imposed price controls.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Tesla has ended complimentary Destination Charging in Malaysia, with no government cap currently in place for public EV charging rates.

Harith Iskander Proposes Abolishing SJKCs, But Says Mandarin Should Be Compulsory In National Schools

Harith Iskander sparks debate with his vision for a trilingual Malaysia, proposing Mandarin as a compulsory subject in national schools.

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