Hal Swindall

Malaysia’s government and public opinion show closeness to civilians affected by the conflict in the Gaza Strip. Israel and its US ally are accused of "atrocities". Editorials and articles back the Palestinian cause. Indonesia rejects the Israeli military’s claim that the Indonesian hospital in Gaza is used by Hamas.

The new NIMP 2030 industrial master plan will for the first time run for seven years instead of 10. In addition to revitalising traditional sectors of the country's economy such as manufacturing, it looks at digital with the intention of attracting semiconductor production lines and increasing workers' wages.

Founded in 1996 by a US US Christian activist and his wife, the NGO sends food, medicine and necessities to poor North Koreans. Via an “underground route”, it gets escapees out to safety in neighbouring countries. Its Christian ethic attracts volunteers, including non-believers.

The government’s 10-year plan to boost English proficiency has come in for major criticism, especially in relation to science and mathematics. Dual language teaching programmes have also been targeted. A module promoted by Prime Minister Ibrahim mixes religion with education.

Sunday 30 July is World Anti-Trafficking Day. In South-East Asia, the US State Department recently reported some improvements in Malaysia, where the phenomenon is also sadly widespread among rubber and palm oil workers. But according to local NGOs, the government's efforts still do not meet the minimum standards for eliminating the scourge.

The Ministry of Sport and Youth brings back Rakan Muda, a programme for those aged 15 to 30. Set up in 1994, it fell out of favour for a while. Its goal is to promote leadership skills, contact with nature and physical education. Other ministries and private sector are also involved.

In force since 2013, the MUCP aims to promote sustainable development, preserve cultural heritage and foster knowledge and innovation.

The National Association of Skilled Workers slams the Malaysian government for not doing enough to get high school graduates into vocational training to meet the needs of local industry. For the country’s deputy prime minister, the government has a plan to coordinate Malaysia's 1,260 vocational schools to eliminate competition and improve training. The UN development goals include “inclusive and equitable quality education”.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, 4.38 million foreign tourists arrived in Malaysia in the first quarter of 2023. The goal now is to attract 16.1 million visitors from Asia and Europe by the end of the year, generating around US$ 10.7 billion in revenue. Several government programmes are in place to this end.

The latest case involves the "Metaga Terbang" film crew, which has been the target of vandalism, intimidation and death threats. Even with the new premier Anwar Ibrahim, the situation does not seem to be improving. The work of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia to protect freedoms. From human trafficking to child labor and gender equality, there are many unresolved issues.

An enquiry by the New Straits Times newspaper disputes the government's optimistic figures: there are said to be one million drug addicts with an explosion in consumption among teenagers. Liquids for electronic cigarettes, sold at ever lower prices, are also among the spreading forms.

The tangled history dates back to an 1878 agreement between the sultan of a territory that stretched between Borneo and the Philippines and two European merchants. Malaysia in 2013 suspended payments due to an attack in 2013 and is refusing to pay the $15 billion owed to the suitors, who began targeting the overseas assets of Petronas, the state oil company.