Iran's oil-reliant economy has been hit badly since President Donald Trump last year pulled the United States out of a 2015 multinational nuclear deal with Tehran and reimposed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-european-countries-join-trump-busting-iran-barter-group-265648">sanctions</a>.

At an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-defends-muslim-summit-shunned-by-saudi-slammed-by-oic-269055">Islamic summit</a> in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-to-visit-japan-amid-heightened-tensions-with-united-states-268703">Rouhani</a> said it was time for the Muslim world to look inwards, including in insurance.

"We understand that today, many of our economic transactions and activities are dependent on foreign insurance, the insurance coming from big countries," he said in a speech that was translated into English.

"This is why we, as Muslim countries, (if) we are able to cooperate in order to set up insurance, particularly and exclusively for Muslim states, particularly in transport and transit, it will save us from dependence on foreigners."

Ships need various forms of insurance, including annual war-risk cover as well as an additional 'breach' premium when entering high-risk areas.

In the banking sector, Rouhani said Muslim countries should transact in their own currencies, a view that was supported by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.

"We have to free <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-bypass-us-sanctions-or-overcome-them-through-negotiations-irans-rouhani-267706">bilateral</a> trade from foreign exchange pressure," Erdogan said at the summit. "Instead of doing trade with foreign currency we would like to do foreign trade with our national currencies."

Iran's oil-reliant economy has been hit badly since President Donald Trump last year pulled the United States out of a 2015 multinational nuclear deal with Tehran and reimposed sanctions.

Iran's oil-reliant economy has been hit badly since President Donald Trump last year pulled the United States out of a 2015 multinational nuclear deal with Tehran and reimposed sanctions. At an Islamic summit in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, Rouhani said it was time for the Muslim world to look inwards, including in insurance. "We understand that today, many of our economic transactions and activities are dependent on foreign insurance, the insurance coming from big countries," he said in a speech that was translated into English. "This is why we, as Muslim countries, (if) we are able to cooperate in order to set up insurance, particularly and exclusively for Muslim states, particularly in transport and transit, it will save us from dependence on foreigners." Ships need various forms of insurance, including annual war-risk cover as well as an additional 'breach' premium when entering high-risk areas. In the banking sector, Rouhani said Muslim countries should transact in their own currencies, a view that was supported by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. "We have to free bilateral trade from foreign exchange pressure," Erdogan said at the summit. "Instead of doing trade with foreign currency we would like to do foreign trade with our national currencies."

Iran calls for transport insurance for Muslim nations

In end of December 2018, Malaysia's inventory recorded a near two-decade high of 2.3 million tonnes, data from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-tax-hike-to-slash-palm-oil-imports-boost-soyoil-sunflower-oil-buying-34770">Malaysian Palm Oil</a> Board (MPOB) showed.

The industry regulator expects the introduction of the B20 biodiesel programme in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/malaysia-offers-to-buy-more-imports-from-india-after-threat-of-palm-oil-curbs-256078">country</a> to increase local consumption to 25% versus the current 18%.

"We will be&nbsp;very happy if the stocks can reduce further to between 1.5 million tonnes to 2.0 million tonnes especially with the implementation of the B20 programme to kick in next year," Ahmad&nbsp;Parveez&nbsp;Ghulam Kadir, MPOB director-general told Bernama.

"It is my wish to see the crude palm oil price trading at RM3,000 per tonne."

Malaysia, the world's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palm-oil-to-blame-for-39-per-cent-of-forest-loss-in-borneo-since-2000-study-250629">second-largest producer</a> of palm oil, increased the proportion of palm oil used in biodiesel to 10% from 7% last December to increase domestic consumption.

It plans to roll out the 20% biodiesel programme in stages next year. Kadir said he expects 70% of oil palm plantation across the tropical Southeast Asian nation to be certified with the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification by February.

Currently, about 60.6% of total oil palm plantation are MSPO certified.

"With our full-fledged MSPO-certified palm oil, after three to four years down the road, Malaysian palm oil productivity will start catching up. But whatever production we produce, I hope stocks are&nbsp;always manageable and&nbsp;the crude palm oil price should not go below $603.78 per tonne," Kadir&nbsp;said.

The MSPO certification, which requires growers to meet certain standards on protecting the environment and workers' rights, is set to be mandatory from January 2020.

WATCH: Gravitas: Indian Traders Boycott Palm Oil From Malaysia

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&nbsp;

In end of December 2018, Malaysia's inventory recorded a near two-decade high of 2.3 million tonnes, data from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) showed. The industry regulator expects the introduction of the B20 biodiesel programme in the country to increase local consumption to 25% versus the current 18%.

In end of December 2018, Malaysia's inventory recorded a near two-decade high of 2.3 million tonnes, data from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) showed. The industry regulator expects the introduction of the B20 biodiesel programme in the country to increase local consumption to 25% versus the current 18%. "We will be very happy if the stocks can reduce further to between 1.5 million tonnes to 2.0 million tonnes especially with the implementation of the B20 programme to kick in next year," Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir, MPOB director-general told Bernama. "It is my wish to see the crude palm oil price trading at RM3,000 per tonne." Malaysia, the world's second-largest producer of palm oil, increased the proportion of palm oil used in biodiesel to 10% from 7% last December to increase domestic consumption. It plans to roll out the 20% biodiesel programme in stages next year. Kadir said he expects 70% of oil palm plantation across the tropical Southeast Asian nation to be certified with the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification by February. Currently, about 60.6% of total oil palm plantation are MSPO certified. "With our full-fledged MSPO-certified palm oil, after three to four years down the road, Malaysian palm oil productivity will start catching up. But whatever production we produce, I hope stocks are always manageable and the crude palm oil price should not go below $603.78 per tonne," Kadir said. The MSPO certification, which requires growers to meet certain standards on protecting the environment and workers' rights, is set to be mandatory from January 2020. WATCH: Gravitas: Indian Traders Boycott Palm Oil From Malaysia ×

Malaysia expects palm oil inventory to end year at 2.1 million tonnes: Report

Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided against participating in this week’s Kuala Lumpur Summit, according to a statement issued on December 17 by the Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia. #Pakistan #NewIslamicDeal

Pakistan pulls out of New Islamic Summit

Pakistan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-on-one-day-trip-to-saudi-arabia-268288">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> has canceled his scheduled visit to Malaysia under pressure from Saudi Arabia, diplomatic sources told Geo News on Tuesday.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan pulls out of New Islamic Summit

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Sources said that the Prime Minister has apprised his Malaysian counterpart over his non-availability for the summit. 
 
Earlier, it was reported that Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was expected to represent his country at the summit instead of Khan. But the diplomat has also canceled his visit to the South Asian country. 
 
The development comes after a meeting between Khan with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman in Riyadh on Saturday wherein matters related to bilateral relations were discussed. 
 
According to media reports Saudi Arabia has not been extended an invitation to attend the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-decided-to-mark-its-absence-at-the-kuala-lumpur-summit-268763">Kuala Lumpur Summit</a> starting tomorrow. 
 
The News International reported that Saudi Arabia had raised serious concerns over the Malaysian prime minister's statement where he had said the Muslim countries at Kuala Lumpur Summit would form a new platform to replace the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) which "had failed to deliver the goods on issues faced by the Muslims across the world." 
 
It is worth noting that the OIC is headed by Saudi Arabia. 
 
Sources further said that Saudi Arabia and its allies, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait and Bahrain were perturbed over the expected presence of Qatari emir, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Iranian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-to-visit-japan-amid-heightened-tensions-with-united-states-268703">Hassan Rouhani</a> at the summit and fear a new but parallel leadership forum is being developed to undermine Saudi Arabia and its allies. 
 
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan while speaking to the media on Monday had said decision regarding PM Imran's visit to Malaysia would be taken keeping in mind the national interest. 
 
The summit is expected to be an important gathering of the Muslim leaders with a shared agenda related to the Muslim world and its collective challenges in a highly interconnected world. 
 
Foreign Office Spokesperson Muhammad Faisal, during his weekly briefing, had said that the summit would provide Pakistan an opportunity to explain views and find solutions to the challenges facing the Muslim world particularly governance, development, terrorism, and Islamophobia.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has canceled his scheduled visit to Malaysia under pressure from Saudi Arabia, diplomatic sources told Geo News on Tuesday. Also Watch: Pakistan pulls out of New Islamic Summit × Sources said that the Prime Minister has apprised his Malaysian counterpart over his non-availability for the summit.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has canceled his scheduled visit to Malaysia under pressure from Saudi Arabia, diplomatic sources told Geo News on Tuesday. Also Watch: Pakistan pulls out of New Islamic Summit × Sources said that the Prime Minister has apprised his Malaysian counterpart over his non-availability for the summit. Earlier, it was reported that Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was expected to represent his country at the summit instead of Khan. But the diplomat has also canceled his visit to the South Asian country. The development comes after a meeting between Khan with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman in Riyadh on Saturday wherein matters related to bilateral relations were discussed. According to media reports Saudi Arabia has not been extended an invitation to attend the Kuala Lumpur Summit starting tomorrow. The News International reported that Saudi Arabia had raised serious concerns over the Malaysian prime minister's statement where he had said the Muslim countries at Kuala Lumpur Summit would form a new platform to replace the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) which "had failed to deliver the goods on issues faced by the Muslims across the world." It is worth noting that the OIC is headed by Saudi Arabia. Sources further said that Saudi Arabia and its allies, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait and Bahrain were perturbed over the expected presence of Qatari emir, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the summit and fear a new but parallel leadership forum is being developed to undermine Saudi Arabia and its allies. Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan while speaking to the media on Monday had said decision regarding PM Imran's visit to Malaysia would be taken keeping in mind the national interest. The summit is expected to be an important gathering of the Muslim leaders with a shared agenda related to the Muslim world and its collective challenges in a highly interconnected world. Foreign Office Spokesperson Muhammad Faisal, during his weekly briefing, had said that the summit would provide Pakistan an opportunity to explain views and find solutions to the challenges facing the Muslim world particularly governance, development, terrorism, and Islamophobia.

Pakistan: Imran Khan cancels Malaysia summit under Saudi diplomatic pressure

Proton X70, a premium sports vehicle, was handed over to Abdul Razzak Dawood, the commerce adviser of the prime minister, at a ceremony held at the Malaysian High Commission in Islamabad today, Express Tribune reported.

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2/2 This gift is a demonstration of the love &amp; respect between the two countries and will further consolidate the excellent bilateral relations. <a href="https://twitter.com/ansukhera?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ansukhera</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aliya_hamza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aliya_hamza</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MYHCIslamabad?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MYHCIslamabad</a> <a href="https://t.co/GBCRfMJdeG">pic.twitter.com/GBCRfMJdeG</a>
— Abdul Razak Dawood (@razak_dawood) <a href="https://twitter.com/razak_dawood/status/1206448352218558464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Malaysian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-pm-mahathir-mohamad-suggests-he-could-stay-in-office-beyond-2020-268284/amp">prime minister</a> had announced the gift to Khan in March during Mohammad's three-day visit to Islamabad as a chief guest on the occasion of Pakistan Day parade.

Malaysia has also announced to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-malaysia-agree-to-elevate-their-bilateral-relation-to-strategic-level-204997">set up</a> a Proton car manufacturing unit in Pakistan, which will start production in June next year. It will be a joint venture between the Malaysian carmaker and its local partner Alhaj Automotive. This would be the company's first assembly plant set up in any South Asian country.

The Malaysian-based corporation, Proton was established in 1983 and has so far sold three million cars. Proton cars are sold in more than 25 countries, including Britain, Singapore, and Australia.

Proton X70, a premium sports vehicle, was handed over to Abdul Razzak Dawood, the commerce adviser of the prime minister, at a ceremony held at the Malaysian High Commission in Islamabad today, Express Tribune reported.

Proton X70, a premium sports vehicle, was handed over to Abdul Razzak Dawood, the commerce adviser of the prime minister, at a ceremony held at the Malaysian High Commission in Islamabad today, Express Tribune reported. 2/2 This gift is a demonstration of the love & respect between the two countries and will further consolidate the excellent bilateral relations. @ansukhera @aliya_hamza @MYHCIslamabad pic.twitter.com/GBCRfMJdeG — Abdul Razak Dawood (@razak_dawood) December 16, 2019 × The Malaysian prime minister had announced the gift to Khan in March during Mohammad's three-day visit to Islamabad as a chief guest on the occasion of Pakistan Day parade. Malaysia has also announced to set up a Proton car manufacturing unit in Pakistan, which will start production in June next year. It will be a joint venture between the Malaysian carmaker and its local partner Alhaj Automotive. This would be the company's first assembly plant set up in any South Asian country. The Malaysian-based corporation, Proton was established in 1983 and has so far sold three million cars. Proton cars are sold in more than 25 countries, including Britain, Singapore, and Australia.

Imran Khan receives Proton X70 as gift from Malaysian counterpart

Pak PM Imran has cancelled his scheduled visit to Malaysia and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will be representing Pakistan on his place at the Kuala Lumpur Summit. #KualaLumpurSummit #MalaysiaSummit #PakPM #ImranKhan

Pak decided to mark it's absence at the Kuala Lumpur Summit

China has protested against Malaysia filing a submission with the United Nations last week seeking to establish the limits of Malaysia's continental shelf in the northern part of the disputed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-code-of-conduct-consultation-should-be-finished-in-3-years-china-177007">South China Sea</a>, the South China Morning Post reported on Tuesday.

Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, any country can claim exclusive economic zone up to 200 nautical miles from their shoreline. China, however, claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $3.4 trillion worth of goods are transported every year.

As a result, Malaysia said in its submission dated Dec. 12 that there were areas of potential overlapping claims beyond its own exclusive economic zone.

China said Malaysia's submission had "seriously infringed on China’s sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the South China Sea", the South China Morning Post said quoting a diplomatic note sent by China to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

"China has historic rights in the South China Sea," the Hong Kong newspaper quoted China's permanent mission to the United Nations as saying in the note.

Malaysia's foreign ministry, the Chinese embassy in Kuala Lumpur and China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to queries from Reuters.

Malaysia and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnam-says-deeply-concerned-about-developments-in-south-china-sea-244942">Vietnam </a>in 2009 made a joint submission for a portion of the two countries' continental shelf in the southern part of the South China Sea.

A senior Vietnam official said last month it could explore legal action, among various options, in its territorial dispute with China over the waters.

On Tuesday, Vietnam said it hoped China would show restraint in the South China Sea next year after a Chinese oil survey vessel and its escorts spent months within Vietnam's exclusive economic zone in what Hanoi called a blatant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-makes-foray-inside-vietnamese-water-239247">violation</a> of its sovereignty.

Vietnam, the region's most forceful challenger of China's extensive maritime claims to the busy waterway, will take on the rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-ready-to-work-with-asean-for-south-china-sea-peace-259624">ASEAN</a>) in 2020.

The U.N. Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf said Malaysia's partial submission on the northern part would be included in the provisional agenda of its fifty-third session to be held in New York in 2021.

Malaysia had been critical of China's South China Sea position but has been less outspoken recently, especially after China pumped billions of dollars into infrastructure projects under its Belt and Road Initiative.

But Malaysia's foreign minister said in October the country needed to boost its naval capabilities to prepare for possible conflict in the South China Sea.

China has protested against Malaysia filing a submission with the United Nations last week seeking to establish the limits of Malaysia's continental shelf in the northern part of the disputed South China Sea, the South China Morning Post reported on Tuesday.

China has protested against Malaysia filing a submission with the United Nations last week seeking to establish the limits of Malaysia's continental shelf in the northern part of the disputed South China Sea, the South China Morning Post reported on Tuesday. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, any country can claim exclusive economic zone up to 200 nautical miles from their shoreline. China, however, claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $3.4 trillion worth of goods are transported every year. As a result, Malaysia said in its submission dated Dec. 12 that there were areas of potential overlapping claims beyond its own exclusive economic zone. China said Malaysia's submission had "seriously infringed on China’s sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the South China Sea", the South China Morning Post said quoting a diplomatic note sent by China to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "China has historic rights in the South China Sea," the Hong Kong newspaper quoted China's permanent mission to the United Nations as saying in the note. Malaysia's foreign ministry, the Chinese embassy in Kuala Lumpur and China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to queries from Reuters. Malaysia and Vietnam in 2009 made a joint submission for a portion of the two countries' continental shelf in the southern part of the South China Sea. A senior Vietnam official said last month it could explore legal action, among various options, in its territorial dispute with China over the waters. On Tuesday, Vietnam said it hoped China would show restraint in the South China Sea next year after a Chinese oil survey vessel and its escorts spent months within Vietnam's exclusive economic zone in what Hanoi called a blatant violation of its sovereignty. Vietnam, the region's most forceful challenger of China's extensive maritime claims to the busy waterway, will take on the rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2020. The U.N. Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf said Malaysia's partial submission on the northern part would be included in the provisional agenda of its fifty-third session to be held in New York in 2021. Malaysia had been critical of China's South China Sea position but has been less outspoken recently, especially after China pumped billions of dollars into infrastructure projects under its Belt and Road Initiative. But Malaysia's foreign minister said in October the country needed to boost its naval capabilities to prepare for possible conflict in the South China Sea.

China objects to Malaysia's UN submission on South China Sea

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-mahathir-pledges-to-step-down-for-anwar-but-not-before-november-267441">Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad</a> suggested on Saturday he may seek to stay in power after 2020, just four days after he promised to make way for his anointed successor Anwar Ibrahim.

Asked at the Doha Forum in Qatar if he would step down in 2020, the world's oldest prime minister said he wanted to fix problems that he said had been left by the previous government before resigning.

"I promised I would step down once I resolve some of the major problems that have been left by the previous government. I promised I would step down and give the leadership to a candidate named by the coalition," he said.

Mahathir, 94, did not say when he intended to leave office.

On Tuesday, he promised to hand over power to Anwar, in spite of new sexual assault allegations against him, and that he could be ready to do that after a summit of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) countries that Malaysia is to host in November 2020.

Asked if Anwar was the best person to succeed him as prime minister and if he would endorse him, Mahathir said he could not guarantee who would be the best person because of past bad experiences.

"I have named my successors and then they took over and did different things."

Mahathir was unexpectedly elected in 2018 as the head of a coalition government whose largest party is led by Anwar, 72, who has been jailed twice on separate counts of sodomy and for corruption - charges he said were political.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad suggested on Saturday he may seek to stay in power after 2020, just four days after he promised to make way for his anointed successor Anwar Ibrahim.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad suggested on Saturday he may seek to stay in power after 2020, just four days after he promised to make way for his anointed successor Anwar Ibrahim. Asked at the Doha Forum in Qatar if he would step down in 2020, the world's oldest prime minister said he wanted to fix problems that he said had been left by the previous government before resigning. "I promised I would step down once I resolve some of the major problems that have been left by the previous government. I promised I would step down and give the leadership to a candidate named by the coalition," he said. Mahathir, 94, did not say when he intended to leave office. On Tuesday, he promised to hand over power to Anwar, in spite of new sexual assault allegations against him, and that he could be ready to do that after a summit of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) countries that Malaysia is to host in November 2020. Asked if Anwar was the best person to succeed him as prime minister and if he would endorse him, Mahathir said he could not guarantee who would be the best person because of past bad experiences. "I have named my successors and then they took over and did different things." Mahathir was unexpectedly elected in 2018 as the head of a coalition government whose largest party is led by Anwar, 72, who has been jailed twice on separate counts of sodomy and for corruption - charges he said were political.

Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad suggests he could stay in office beyond 2020

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-roller-coaster-life-of-malaysias-anwar-ibrahim-137700">Anwar&nbsp;Ibrahim</a>, in line to take&nbsp;over&nbsp;Malaysia's&nbsp;premiership, will be called in for&nbsp;questioning&nbsp;over&nbsp;allegations that he had&nbsp;sexually&nbsp;assaulted a former male aide,&nbsp;police&nbsp;said on Wednesday.

Anwar&nbsp;has denied the accusation by the aide, Muhammed Yusoff Rawther, describing it as "politics at its worst".

Muhammed Yusoff is being represented by a lawyer who counts Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/goldman-sachs-has-done-wrong-things-in-1mdb-case-pm-mahathir-mohamad-176997">Mahathir Mohamad</a> among his clients. On Tuesday, Mahathir promised to hand&nbsp;over&nbsp;power to rival-turned-ally&nbsp;Anwar&nbsp;in spite of the latest allegations against him.

Muhammed Yusoff said last week that&nbsp;Anwar&nbsp;had attempted to force him to have sex in September 2018.

Police&nbsp;recorded Muhammed Yusoff's statement on Monday, criminal investigations department director Huzir Mohamed said in a statement.

"Statements from&nbsp;Anwar&nbsp;Ibrahim and several related witnesses will be taken as soon as appropriate appointment times are set," Huzir said.

In a statement to media,&nbsp;Anwar&nbsp;said he was grateful to&nbsp;police&nbsp;for speeding up investigations into the "latest defamatory allegations" against him.

"I would like to stress that I am ready to give my statement to the&nbsp;police&nbsp;immediately to assist in the investigation."

Anwar&nbsp;has spent nearly a decade in jail on two separate counts of sodomy and for corruption, charges that he and his supporters maintain were aimed at ending his political career.

Muhammed Yusoff's lawyer, Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla, denied a conflict of interest in taking on a case against the prime minister's planned successor.

"The prime minister is still my client but that does not mean I should not take on cases just because they involve his ministers or people in his administration," Mohamed Haniff told Reuters.

"I did not speak to (Mahathir) before taking on this case, but we did talk about it afterward. He was surprised but he understood."

Mahathir's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Mohamed Haniff denied charges of a political conspiracy in the allegations against&nbsp;Anwar, saying Muhammed Yusoff stood by his statement.

"It's time to let the&nbsp;police&nbsp;investigate," he said.

Same-sex acts are illegal in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-malaysians-muslims-handed-jail-terms-for-skipping-friday-prayers-266178">Muslim-majority Malaysia</a> and carry penalties of up to 20 years in jail if convicted.

A former deputy premier,&nbsp;Anwar&nbsp;was first sacked and then jailed in 1999 during Mahathir's first 1981-2003 tenure as prime minister.

Mahathir and&nbsp;Anwar&nbsp;mended fences in 2016, joining forces to lead the opposition to an unexpected election victory last year.

&nbsp;

Anwar Ibrahim, in line to take over Malaysia's premiership, will be called in for questioning over allegations that he had sexually assaulted a former male aide, police said on Wednesday.

Anwar Ibrahim, in line to take over Malaysia's premiership, will be called in for questioning over allegations that he had sexually assaulted a former male aide, police said on Wednesday. Anwar has denied the accusation by the aide, Muhammed Yusoff Rawther, describing it as "politics at its worst". Muhammed Yusoff is being represented by a lawyer who counts Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad among his clients. On Tuesday, Mahathir promised to hand over power to rival-turned-ally Anwar in spite of the latest allegations against him. Muhammed Yusoff said last week that Anwar had attempted to force him to have sex in September 2018. Police recorded Muhammed Yusoff's statement on Monday, criminal investigations department director Huzir Mohamed said in a statement. "Statements from Anwar Ibrahim and several related witnesses will be taken as soon as appropriate appointment times are set," Huzir said. In a statement to media, Anwar said he was grateful to police for speeding up investigations into the "latest defamatory allegations" against him. "I would like to stress that I am ready to give my statement to the police immediately to assist in the investigation." Anwar has spent nearly a decade in jail on two separate counts of sodomy and for corruption, charges that he and his supporters maintain were aimed at ending his political career. Muhammed Yusoff's lawyer, Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla, denied a conflict of interest in taking on a case against the prime minister's planned successor. "The prime minister is still my client but that does not mean I should not take on cases just because they involve his ministers or people in his administration," Mohamed Haniff told Reuters. "I did not speak to (Mahathir) before taking on this case, but we did talk about it afterward. He was surprised but he understood." Mahathir's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mohamed Haniff denied charges of a political conspiracy in the allegations against Anwar, saying Muhammed Yusoff stood by his statement. "It's time to let the police investigate," he said. Same-sex acts are illegal in Muslim-majority Malaysia and carry penalties of up to 20 years in jail if convicted. A former deputy premier, Anwar was first sacked and then jailed in 1999 during Mahathir's first 1981-2003 tenure as prime minister. Mahathir and Anwar mended fences in 2016, joining forces to lead the opposition to an unexpected election victory last year.

Police to question Malaysia's Anwar over sexual assault claim

A three-month-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-ruling-party-makes-fresh-push-for-anwar-to-take-over-as-pm-266959">Malaysian infant</a> has been diagnosed with polio, the first case reported in the country in nearly three decades, a top health official said on Sunday.

The baby boy from Tuaran in Malaysia's Sabah state on Borneo island tested positive for polio on Friday after being admitted to hospital with a fever and muscle weakness, Director General of Health Noor Hisham Abdullah said in a statement.

"The patient is being treated in an isolation ward and is in stable condition, but still requires assistance to breathe," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-pushes-for-two-term-limit-for-prime-ministers-265975">Malaysia was declared polio-free in 2000</a>, after reporting its last known case of the disease in 1992. Its resurgence comes just months after the Philippines, north of Borneo, reported its first cases of polio since 1993 in September.

Noor Hisham said tests showed the child was infected with a polio strain that shared genetic links with the virus detected in the Philippine cases.

Checks in the area where the baby lived showed 23 of 199 children between 2 and 15 had not received the polio vaccine, he said.

"This is a worrying situation as the spread of the disease ... can only be stopped with polio immunisation," he said, adding vaccination rates needed to be above 95% to prevent infection.

There is no cure for polio, which invades the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis within hours, but it can be prevented with vaccines.

The virus spreads rapidly among children, especially in unsanitary conditions in underdeveloped or war-torn regions where healthcare access is limited.

Afghanistan and Pakistan are the last countries where the disease is endemic.

Noor Hisham said faecal samples from the infected child's close contacts and his surroundings had been collected in a bid to detect the poliovirus.

The authorities have also stepped up monitoring of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases, a common sign of acute polio, he said.

Noor Hisham advised parents to ensure their children were fully vaccinated.

In recent years, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-malaysians-muslims-handed-jail-terms-for-skipping-friday-prayers-266178">Malaysia has faced a challenge</a> convincing some parents to immunise their children. In 2016, five children died from diphtheria, a vaccine-preventable disease, prompting an outcry&nbsp;among health officials.

A three-month-old Malaysian infant has been diagnosed with polio, the first case reported in the country in nearly three decades, a top health official said on Sunday.

A three-month-old Malaysian infant has been diagnosed with polio, the first case reported in the country in nearly three decades, a top health official said on Sunday. The baby boy from Tuaran in Malaysia's Sabah state on Borneo island tested positive for polio on Friday after being admitted to hospital with a fever and muscle weakness, Director General of Health Noor Hisham Abdullah said in a statement. "The patient is being treated in an isolation ward and is in stable condition, but still requires assistance to breathe," he said. Malaysia was declared polio-free in 2000, after reporting its last known case of the disease in 1992. Its resurgence comes just months after the Philippines, north of Borneo, reported its first cases of polio since 1993 in September. Noor Hisham said tests showed the child was infected with a polio strain that shared genetic links with the virus detected in the Philippine cases. Checks in the area where the baby lived showed 23 of 199 children between 2 and 15 had not received the polio vaccine, he said. "This is a worrying situation as the spread of the disease ... can only be stopped with polio immunisation," he said, adding vaccination rates needed to be above 95% to prevent infection. There is no cure for polio, which invades the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis within hours, but it can be prevented with vaccines. The virus spreads rapidly among children, especially in unsanitary conditions in underdeveloped or war-torn regions where healthcare access is limited. Afghanistan and Pakistan are the last countries where the disease is endemic. Noor Hisham said faecal samples from the infected child's close contacts and his surroundings had been collected in a bid to detect the poliovirus. The authorities have also stepped up monitoring of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases, a common sign of acute polio, he said. Noor Hisham advised parents to ensure their children were fully vaccinated. In recent years, Malaysia has faced a challenge convincing some parents to immunise their children. In 2016, five children died from diphtheria, a vaccine-preventable disease, prompting an outcry among health officials.

Malaysia records first case of polio after three decades

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-malaysians-muslims-handed-jail-terms-for-skipping-friday-prayers-266178">Leaders of&nbsp;Malaysia's</a> ruling party on Sunday renewed a push for Anwar Ibrahim to lead the country, as Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad dithers on the timing of the planned power transition he had promised to his former rival-turned-ally.

Mahathir, elected to power in May 2018, had promised to hand over the reins to Anwar, 72, soon after laying the groundwork for a new administration.

But Mahathir has said he may need more time to repair the damage left by the scandal-tainted government of his predecessor, Najib Razak, while Anwar grapples with deep-seated factionalism within his own People's Justice Party (PKR), the largest member of the ruling coalition.

"As far as I am concerned there has been clarity (that it will happen), except for the time," Anwar told a news conference after PKR's annual congress in Malacca, about 150 km from the country's capital Kuala Lumpur.

"But let us work out an acceptable formula so that the transition is smooth and orderly."

Hundreds of delegates were seen holding "Anwar PM-8" placards at Sunday's congress, a year after he was elected the party's president. PKR was formed 20 years ago to carry on Anwar's reform agenda after he was first jailed on what he has said were trumped-up charges of corruption and sodomy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/malaysia-to-examine-ringgits-fall-as-import-costs-sting-mahathir-265493">Anwar, who would be the country's eighth premier should he take power</a>, has been jailed twice, receiving a second sodomy conviction in 2015. He was granted a royal pardon last May.

Last week, Anwar denied fresh allegations that he had sexually assaulted a former male aide, describing the accusation as "politics at its worst".

"This is not an ordinary annual conference. It is an important platform for Anwar to legitimise his position as the successor to Mahathir," said Adib Zalkapli, a&nbsp;Malaysia&nbsp;director with political risk consultancy Bower Group Asia.

"He won the party leadership last year. This year, Anwar has to show that he is still in control of the party."

But on Saturday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-pushes-for-two-term-limit-for-prime-ministers-265975">Anwar's party deputy</a> and perceived rival, Azmin Ali, led a walkout after delegates hit out at the president's critics for allegedly trying to destabilise the party and challenge Anwar.

Azmin denied it was a boycott of the three-day meeting, insisting that their message was for the party to focus on governance and not be hung up on the power transition.

"When the people voted us in, the people wanted us to reform...that should be the focus of the new government," Azmin told reporters.

Leaders of Malaysia's ruling party on Sunday renewed a push for Anwar Ibrahim to lead the country, as Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad dithers on the timing of the planned power transition he had promised to his former rival-turned-ally.

Leaders of Malaysia's ruling party on Sunday renewed a push for Anwar Ibrahim to lead the country, as Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad dithers on the timing of the planned power transition he had promised to his former rival-turned-ally. Mahathir, elected to power in May 2018, had promised to hand over the reins to Anwar, 72, soon after laying the groundwork for a new administration. But Mahathir has said he may need more time to repair the damage left by the scandal-tainted government of his predecessor, Najib Razak, while Anwar grapples with deep-seated factionalism within his own People's Justice Party (PKR), the largest member of the ruling coalition. "As far as I am concerned there has been clarity (that it will happen), except for the time," Anwar told a news conference after PKR's annual congress in Malacca, about 150 km from the country's capital Kuala Lumpur. "But let us work out an acceptable formula so that the transition is smooth and orderly." Hundreds of delegates were seen holding "Anwar PM-8" placards at Sunday's congress, a year after he was elected the party's president. PKR was formed 20 years ago to carry on Anwar's reform agenda after he was first jailed on what he has said were trumped-up charges of corruption and sodomy. Anwar, who would be the country's eighth premier should he take power, has been jailed twice, receiving a second sodomy conviction in 2015. He was granted a royal pardon last May. Last week, Anwar denied fresh allegations that he had sexually assaulted a former male aide, describing the accusation as "politics at its worst". "This is not an ordinary annual conference. It is an important platform for Anwar to legitimise his position as the successor to Mahathir," said Adib Zalkapli, a Malaysia director with political risk consultancy Bower Group Asia. "He won the party leadership last year. This year, Anwar has to show that he is still in control of the party." But on Saturday, Anwar's party deputy and perceived rival, Azmin Ali, led a walkout after delegates hit out at the president's critics for allegedly trying to destabilise the party and challenge Anwar. Azmin denied it was a boycott of the three-day meeting, insisting that their message was for the party to focus on governance and not be hung up on the power transition. "When the people voted us in, the people wanted us to reform...that should be the focus of the new government," Azmin told reporters.

Malaysia: Ruling party makes fresh push for Anwar to take over as PM

Six Malaysian Muslims have reportedly been handed one-month jail terms for skipping prayers in violation of Islamic laws, sparking fresh concern Wednesday about rising religious conservatism in the multi-ethnic country.

Attending Friday prayers is obligatory for Muslim men in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-pushes-for-two-term-limit-for-prime-ministers-265975">Malaysia</a>, but it is rare for such harsh punishments to be meted out for missing them.

Aged 17 to 35, the men had been caught having a picnic by a waterfall instead of taking part in prayers on a Friday, the holiest day of the week for Muslims, newspaper Harian Metro reported.

They were also fined between 2,400 and 2,500 ringgit ($575-$600) each after pleading guilty Sunday in a sharia court in the conservative northeastern state of Terengganu.

They are still free on bail while they appeal the sentences. They could had been jailed for a maximum of two years under Muslim-majority Malaysia's sharia laws.

"The alleged failure to attend Friday prayers is a personal matter," Zaid Malek, from rights group Lawyers for Liberty, said in a statement.

"While such acts may be considered improper by some in Muslim society, criminal punishment is excessive and not the way to address them."

He also said the sentences ran counter to pledges from the religious affairs minister to focus on rehabilitation of criminals, rather than punishment.

Critics said the case highlighted that a traditionally tolerant brand of Islam in Malaysia was being eroded, and it came weeks after four men were caned for having gay sex in violation of sharia laws.

Malaysia has a dual-track legal system, with sharia courts handling some cases for Muslim citizens.

Some 60 per cent of Malaysia's 32 million people are ethnic Malay Muslims and the country is also home to substantial ethnic Indian and Chinese communities, who do not usually follow Islam.

Six Malaysian Muslims have reportedly been handed one-month jail terms for skipping prayers in violation of Islamic laws, sparking fresh concern Wednesday about rising religious conservatism in the multi-ethnic country.

Six Malaysian Muslims have reportedly been handed one-month jail terms for skipping prayers in violation of Islamic laws, sparking fresh concern Wednesday about rising religious conservatism in the multi-ethnic country. Attending Friday prayers is obligatory for Muslim men in Malaysia, but it is rare for such harsh punishments to be meted out for missing them. Aged 17 to 35, the men had been caught having a picnic by a waterfall instead of taking part in prayers on a Friday, the holiest day of the week for Muslims, newspaper Harian Metro reported. They were also fined between 2,400 and 2,500 ringgit ($575-$600) each after pleading guilty Sunday in a sharia court in the conservative northeastern state of Terengganu. They are still free on bail while they appeal the sentences. They could had been jailed for a maximum of two years under Muslim-majority Malaysia's sharia laws. "The alleged failure to attend Friday prayers is a personal matter," Zaid Malek, from rights group Lawyers for Liberty, said in a statement. "While such acts may be considered improper by some in Muslim society, criminal punishment is excessive and not the way to address them." He also said the sentences ran counter to pledges from the religious affairs minister to focus on rehabilitation of criminals, rather than punishment. Critics said the case highlighted that a traditionally tolerant brand of Islam in Malaysia was being eroded, and it came weeks after four men were caned for having gay sex in violation of sharia laws. Malaysia has a dual-track legal system, with sharia courts handling some cases for Muslim citizens. Some 60 per cent of Malaysia's 32 million people are ethnic Malay Muslims and the country is also home to substantial ethnic Indian and Chinese communities, who do not usually follow Islam.

Six Malaysian Muslims handed jail terms for skipping Friday prayers

Malaysia's government on Tuesday tabled a parliamentary bill seeking to set a two-term limit for the premiership, as Prime Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/goldman-sachs-has-done-wrong-things-in-1mdb-case-pm-mahathir-mohamad-176997"> Mahathir Mohamad</a>'s administration seeks to fulfill an election pledge aimed at preventing potential abuses of power.

Last May, Mahathir's Pakatan Harapan coalition won a shock election victory on the back of popular anger over high living costs and perceptions of rampant corruption, particularly allegations that billions of dollars were plundered from state fund 1MDB that was founded by former premier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-najib-razaks-corruption-trial-means-for-malaysia-and-the-region-207838">Najib Razak</a>.

The bill seeks to amend the federal constitution to specify a maximum of two terms for a prime minister and would require support from two-thirds of the 222 elected members of parliament to pass.

It is scheduled to be debated in March next year.

The constitutional amendment was among a raft of election pledges that Mahathir's coalition made, aiming to root out corruption and limit the powers of the prime minister.

Najib, who held power for nearly three terms, faces dozens of graft and money laundering charges over allegations that he received about $1 billion in funds from 1Malaysia Development Berhad. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Mahathir, who is in his second stint as prime minister, holds the record for Malaysia's longest-serving premier at 22 years after first holding the post from 1981 until 2003.

Malaysia's government on Tuesday tabled a parliamentary bill seeking to set a two-term limit for the premiership, as Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's administration seeks to fulfill an election pledge aimed at preventing potential abuses of power.

Malaysia's government on Tuesday tabled a parliamentary bill seeking to set a two-term limit for the premiership, as Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's administration seeks to fulfill an election pledge aimed at preventing potential abuses of power. Last May, Mahathir's Pakatan Harapan coalition won a shock election victory on the back of popular anger over high living costs and perceptions of rampant corruption, particularly allegations that billions of dollars were plundered from state fund 1MDB that was founded by former premier Najib Razak. The bill seeks to amend the federal constitution to specify a maximum of two terms for a prime minister and would require support from two-thirds of the 222 elected members of parliament to pass. It is scheduled to be debated in March next year. The constitutional amendment was among a raft of election pledges that Mahathir's coalition made, aiming to root out corruption and limit the powers of the prime minister. Najib, who held power for nearly three terms, faces dozens of graft and money laundering charges over allegations that he received about $1 billion in funds from 1Malaysia Development Berhad. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Mahathir, who is in his second stint as prime minister, holds the record for Malaysia's longest-serving premier at 22 years after first holding the post from 1981 until 2003.

Malaysia pushes for two-term limit for prime ministers

Gravitas: The Plight Of Shia Muslims In Malaysia

China is not the only country that seems to be discriminating against Muslim minorities.

In recent times, dozens of Shias have been detained in multiple raids in Malaysia.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/malaysia-targets-shia-minority-in-the-country-264465/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Malaysia is a Sunni Muslim majority country and the Shias fear that religious authorities have stepped up the crackdown against the minorities.

About 60 per cent of Malaysia’s 32 million people are Muslim and the country is also home to substantial minorities of Hindus and Christians, and the different communities have largely co-existed harmoniously.

In September, officers raided Shias gatherings as they were commemorating Ashura, a festival marking the killing prophet Mohammed's grandson.

No one was detained for long. None of them was charged by the court.

But, the minority group worries that this is just a tactic to frighten them from worshipping.

Such raids have been happening since 2010.

In 2016, Shia activist Amri Che Mat was abducted, with witnesses claiming he was snatched after his vehicle was boxed in by other cars.&nbsp;

An inquiry last year by Malaysia’s official human rights body concluded he was taken by police.

A lot of the Shias fear to identify themselves. But observers believe there are between 100,000 and 500,000.

Shias say that they have been persecuted since a top Islamic body issued a fatwa against them in 1996.

China is not the only country that seems to be discriminating against Muslim minorities. In recent times, dozens of Shias have been detained in multiple raids in Malaysia.

China is not the only country that seems to be discriminating against Muslim minorities. In recent times, dozens of Shias have been detained in multiple raids in Malaysia. Watch: Malaysia is a Sunni Muslim majority country and the Shias fear that religious authorities have stepped up the crackdown against the minorities. About 60 per cent of Malaysia’s 32 million people are Muslim and the country is also home to substantial minorities of Hindus and Christians, and the different communities have largely co-existed harmoniously. In September, officers raided Shias gatherings as they were commemorating Ashura, a festival marking the killing prophet Mohammed's grandson. No one was detained for long. None of them was charged by the court. But, the minority group worries that this is just a tactic to frighten them from worshipping. Such raids have been happening since 2010. In 2016, Shia activist Amri Che Mat was abducted, with witnesses claiming he was snatched after his vehicle was boxed in by other cars. An inquiry last year by Malaysia’s official human rights body concluded he was taken by police. A lot of the Shias fear to identify themselves. But observers believe there are between 100,000 and 500,000. Shias say that they have been persecuted since a top Islamic body issued a fatwa against them in 1996.

Malaysian Shias get 'Holocaust' like treatment in their own country

Malaysia is a Sunni Muslim majority country and the Shia community fears that religious authorities have stepped up the crackdown against the minorities. In recent times, dozens of Shias have been detained in multiple raids in Malaysia

Malaysia targets Shia minority in the country

The last Sumatran rhinoceros in Malaysia died on Saturday, leaving the smallest species of rhino, which once roamed across Asia, surviving in small numbers mostly in Indonesia.

The last Sumatran rhinoceros in Malaysia died on Saturday, leaving the smallest species of rhino, which once roamed across Asia, surviving in small numbers mostly in Indonesia. The 25-year-old female rhino, named Iman, who has been cared for in a wildlife reserve since her capture in 2014, died of cancer in the state of Sabah on the island of Borneo. "Iman's death came rather sooner than we had expected, but we knew that she was starting to suffer significant pain," said Augustine Tuuga, director of the Sabah Wildlife Department. The Sumatran rhino was declared extinct in the wild in Malaysia in 2015. Malaysia's last male Sumatran rhino died in May this year. The species has now almost disappeared from the wild, and conservationists estimate that only about 30 to 80 Sumatran rhinos survive, mostly on the Indonesian island of Sumatra and on the Indonesian side of Borneo. Their isolation, caused by habitat loss and poaching, means they rarely breed and may become extinct in a matter of decades, according to conservation group International Rhino Foundation. Since 2011, Malaysia has tried to breed the species in captivity through in-vitro fertilization, but without success.

Malaysia's last Sumatran rhinoceros dies

Watch in WION Dispatch: A new turn of Malaysia Airlines' MH-17 crash investigation. Watch this video to find out more in the detail. #WIONDispatch #WION

WION Dispatch: A new turn of Malaysia Airlines' MH-17 crash investigation

Almost 700 Chinese nationals were arrested in Malaysia when authorities raided a building and busted a major online investment scam operation, immigration officials said Thursday.

With a fairly open visa regime and relatively developed telecommunications infrastructure, Malaysia has become a hotspot for foreigners looking to set up centres to run online scams.

Some suspects attacked security officials while others fled as a huge team from the immigration department launched a dramatic early morning raid on the six-storey premises south of the capital Kuala Lumpur.

Photos from Wednesday's raid showed people standing behind rows of desks mounted with computers, hands held behind their heads, while others sat huddled together on the floor.

Officials seized more than 8,000 phones and almost 1,000 computers&nbsp;used to run the scam, which targeted victims in China by offering fast profits in return for investments.

About 100 suspects managed to escape from the building, and officials are trying to track them down.

Those captured, 603 men and 77 women, had entered Malaysia on a type of visa intended for tourists or visiting friends, but not for work, said immigration chief Khairul Dzaimee Daud.

Acting on a public tip-off, he said officials conducted surveillance on the building for almost a month before the raid.

Almost 700 Chinese nationals were arrested in Malaysia when authorities raided a building and busted a major online investment scam operation, immigration officials said Thursday.

Almost 700 Chinese nationals were arrested in Malaysia when authorities raided a building and busted a major online investment scam operation, immigration officials said Thursday. With a fairly open visa regime and relatively developed telecommunications infrastructure, Malaysia has become a hotspot for foreigners looking to set up centres to run online scams. Some suspects attacked security officials while others fled as a huge team from the immigration department launched a dramatic early morning raid on the six-storey premises south of the capital Kuala Lumpur. Photos from Wednesday's raid showed people standing behind rows of desks mounted with computers, hands held behind their heads, while others sat huddled together on the floor. Officials seized more than 8,000 phones and almost 1,000 computers used to run the scam, which targeted victims in China by offering fast profits in return for investments. About 100 suspects managed to escape from the building, and officials are trying to track them down. Those captured, 603 men and 77 women, had entered Malaysia on a type of visa intended for tourists or visiting friends, but not for work, said immigration chief Khairul Dzaimee Daud. Acting on a public tip-off, he said officials conducted surveillance on the building for almost a month before the raid.

Malaysia arrests almost 700 Chinese over cyber scam

Malaysian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mahathir-warns-of-possible-trade-sanctions-on-malaysia-257152">Mahathir Mohamad</a> said on Wednesday he would consider a cabinet reshuffle to address growing public discontent over his young government's handling of the country, days after a stinging by-election loss.

His Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition suffered its worst electoral defeat on Saturday since coming to power last May when the opposition scored a more than 15,000-vote majority in a by-election for the Tanjung Piai parliamentary seat.

Mahathir said leaders in his Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) outfit, which contested the by-election under the PH banner, felt a cabinet reshuffle was needed to address public complaints on issues such as high living costs and the economy.

"As the prime minister, I am responsible for a cabinet reshuffle. I have listened to their views, and I will consider their position on having a cabinet reshuffle," Mahathir said at a news conference broadcast on the party's Facebook page.

"But it won't be today or tomorrow, but after we study and consider the achievements and abilities of our current ministers. After that, then we will discuss the possibility of having a cabinet reshuffle."

Saturday's loss was the worst of four by-election setbacks for the ruling coalition, which has been struggling with waning public approval over its management of the country and economy in the past year and a half.

Its popularity plunged to 41 per cent&nbsp;in July, well below the 64 per cent&nbsp;rate recorded when it took over power, according to a survey by independent pollster Merdeka Center.

However, Mahathir said he might not be keen on shaking up his cabinet line-up if it ends up derailing the policies that his government had set out to implement - and especially if it got in the way of Malaysia hosting next year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

"The act of reshuffling itself is not a solution. It may be a problem, even. There is still a lot of work to be done," Mahathir said. "Next year we face a big issue in that we are the hosts of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-offer-to-host-apec-not-a-good-idea-malaysia-260620">APEC meeting</a>. We can't take this lightly...We want to prepare ourselves as best as possible."

Violent street protest forced Chile to back out of hosting this year's APEC summit. The US&nbsp;and Chilean governments are discussing co-hosting the gathering in the United States in January, but Malaysia does not support the idea.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Wednesday he would consider a cabinet reshuffle to address growing public discontent over his young government's handling of the country, days after a stinging by-election loss.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Wednesday he would consider a cabinet reshuffle to address growing public discontent over his young government's handling of the country, days after a stinging by-election loss. His Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition suffered its worst electoral defeat on Saturday since coming to power last May when the opposition scored a more than 15,000-vote majority in a by-election for the Tanjung Piai parliamentary seat. Mahathir said leaders in his Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) outfit, which contested the by-election under the PH banner, felt a cabinet reshuffle was needed to address public complaints on issues such as high living costs and the economy. "As the prime minister, I am responsible for a cabinet reshuffle. I have listened to their views, and I will consider their position on having a cabinet reshuffle," Mahathir said at a news conference broadcast on the party's Facebook page. "But it won't be today or tomorrow, but after we study and consider the achievements and abilities of our current ministers. After that, then we will discuss the possibility of having a cabinet reshuffle." Saturday's loss was the worst of four by-election setbacks for the ruling coalition, which has been struggling with waning public approval over its management of the country and economy in the past year and a half. Its popularity plunged to 41 per cent in July, well below the 64 per cent rate recorded when it took over power, according to a survey by independent pollster Merdeka Center. However, Mahathir said he might not be keen on shaking up his cabinet line-up if it ends up derailing the policies that his government had set out to implement - and especially if it got in the way of Malaysia hosting next year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. "The act of reshuffling itself is not a solution. It may be a problem, even. There is still a lot of work to be done," Mahathir said. "Next year we face a big issue in that we are the hosts of the APEC meeting. We can't take this lightly...We want to prepare ourselves as best as possible." Violent street protest forced Chile to back out of hosting this year's APEC summit. The US and Chilean governments are discussing co-hosting the gathering in the United States in January, but Malaysia does not support the idea.

Malaysia's Mahathir says cabinet reshuffle on cards after by-election loss

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/malaysia-offers-to-buy-more-imports-from-india-after-threat-of-palm-oil-curbs-256078">Malaysia</a>, the second-biggest producer and exporter of palm oil after Indonesia, will enforce regulations to ensure that by 2021 its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-palm-oil-executive-arrested-over-journalist-killings-260987">palm oil </a>meets new food safety standards under consideration by the European Union, a minister said on Tuesday.

The EU is considering setting new limits by an as-yet-unspecified date on food contaminants in refined fats and oils and is discussing imposing a safety level for so-called 3-MCPD esters found in palm oil.

The European Food Safety Authority has said the esters raise potential health concerns.

"The palm oil industry in Malaysia has been instructed (by the government) to adhere to the EU-prescribed level of 3-MCPDE of 2.5 ppm for food products by 2021," Malaysia's minister of primary industries, Teresa Kok, told an industry event, referring to contaminants in milligrams per kilo of oil.

"We are now in the process of enforcing several regulations to ensure that palm oil produced meets the acceptable safety level for 3-MCPDE."

Malaysia last month said new EU rules could hurt demand for palm oil in food - which accounts for nearly 70 per cent of&nbsp;global consumption of the oil, and where it is used in products such as bread and chocolate spread.

The $60 billion palm industry is often blamed for stripping tropical rainforest, and the EU this year introduced a law to phase out palm oil from renewable fuel by 2030 due to deforestation concerns. Malaysia and Indonesia have said they plan to challenge the law at the World Trade Organisation.

The EU biodiesel market is worth an estimated 9 billion euros ($10 billion) a year.

"Despite our best efforts, if certain importing countries choose to impose discriminatory trade barriers against palm oil-producing countries, we must not keep silent nor hesitate to take countermeasures," Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said at the same event on Tuesday.

Kok said 60 per cent&nbsp;of the country's total oil palm planted area had received the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, which requires growers to meet certain standards regarding environmental protection and workers' rights.

The Southeast Asian country aims for 70 per cent&nbsp;oil palm areas to have received MSPO certification by February, Kok said.

She reiterated the Malaysian Palm Oil Board's warning of legal action or licence cancellation if palm mills and growers with plantations of 100 acres and more are not certified by January&nbsp;1.

Kok said on Monday certification among smallholder farmers, who account for nearly 40 per cent&nbsp;of Malaysia's total palm oil production, was particularly low because of concerns they would not be able to recover the high costs of complying with the regulations.

Malaysia, the second-biggest producer and exporter of palm oil after Indonesia, will enforce regulations to ensure that by 2021 its palm oil meets new food safety standards under consideration by the European Union, a minister said on Tuesday.

Malaysia, the second-biggest producer and exporter of palm oil after Indonesia, will enforce regulations to ensure that by 2021 its palm oil meets new food safety standards under consideration by the European Union, a minister said on Tuesday. The EU is considering setting new limits by an as-yet-unspecified date on food contaminants in refined fats and oils and is discussing imposing a safety level for so-called 3-MCPD esters found in palm oil. The European Food Safety Authority has said the esters raise potential health concerns. "The palm oil industry in Malaysia has been instructed (by the government) to adhere to the EU-prescribed level of 3-MCPDE of 2.5 ppm for food products by 2021," Malaysia's minister of primary industries, Teresa Kok, told an industry event, referring to contaminants in milligrams per kilo of oil. "We are now in the process of enforcing several regulations to ensure that palm oil produced meets the acceptable safety level for 3-MCPDE." Malaysia last month said new EU rules could hurt demand for palm oil in food - which accounts for nearly 70 per cent of global consumption of the oil, and where it is used in products such as bread and chocolate spread. The $60 billion palm industry is often blamed for stripping tropical rainforest, and the EU this year introduced a law to phase out palm oil from renewable fuel by 2030 due to deforestation concerns. Malaysia and Indonesia have said they plan to challenge the law at the World Trade Organisation. The EU biodiesel market is worth an estimated 9 billion euros ($10 billion) a year. "Despite our best efforts, if certain importing countries choose to impose discriminatory trade barriers against palm oil-producing countries, we must not keep silent nor hesitate to take countermeasures," Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said at the same event on Tuesday. Kok said 60 per cent of the country's total oil palm planted area had received the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, which requires growers to meet certain standards regarding environmental protection and workers' rights. The Southeast Asian country aims for 70 per cent oil palm areas to have received MSPO certification by February, Kok said. She reiterated the Malaysian Palm Oil Board's warning of legal action or licence cancellation if palm mills and growers with plantations of 100 acres and more are not certified by January 1. Kok said on Monday certification among smallholder farmers, who account for nearly 40 per cent of Malaysia's total palm oil production, was particularly low because of concerns they would not be able to recover the high costs of complying with the regulations.

Malaysian palm oil to meet new European Union food safety levels by 2021: Minister

&nbsp;A Malaysian court on Monday ordered former Prime Minister Najib Razak to present his defence against seven counts of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power in a case linked to a scandal surrounding state fund 1MDB.

Najib, who lost a general election last year, faces dozens of criminal charges over accusations that $4.5 billion was stolen from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), which he co-founded in 2009.

In the first case facing him, Najib has pleaded not guilty to three counts of criminal breach of trust, three counts of money laundering and one count of abuse of power for allegedly receiving illegal transfers of 42 million ringgit ($10 million) from SRC International, a former 1MDB unit.

"SRC has been wrongfully deprived of the 42 million," Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali said. "As such, I now call upon the accused to enter his defence on all seven charges."

Najib told the court he would take the stand in his defence. The defence case will start on Dec. 3.

If convicted, Najib could face hefty fines and jail terms ranging from 15 to 20 years on each charge.

Prosecutors wrapped up their SRC case against Najib after testimony from 57 witnesses. In his closing statement, Attorney-General Tommy Thomas said Najib had orchestrated graft at 1MDB "like an emperor".

A Malaysian court on Monday ordered former Prime Minister Najib Razak to present his defence against seven counts of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power in a case linked to a scandal surrounding state fund 1MDB.

A Malaysian court on Monday ordered former Prime Minister Najib Razak to present his defence against seven counts of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power in a case linked to a scandal surrounding state fund 1MDB. Najib, who lost a general election last year, faces dozens of criminal charges over accusations that $4.5 billion was stolen from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), which he co-founded in 2009. In the first case facing him, Najib has pleaded not guilty to three counts of criminal breach of trust, three counts of money laundering and one count of abuse of power for allegedly receiving illegal transfers of 42 million ringgit ($10 million) from SRC International, a former 1MDB unit. "SRC has been wrongfully deprived of the 42 million," Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali said. "As such, I now call upon the accused to enter his defence on all seven charges." Najib told the court he would take the stand in his defence. The defence case will start on Dec. 3. If convicted, Najib could face hefty fines and jail terms ranging from 15 to 20 years on each charge. Prosecutors wrapped up their SRC case against Najib after testimony from 57 witnesses. In his closing statement, Attorney-General Tommy Thomas said Najib had orchestrated graft at 1MDB "like an emperor".

Malaysian court orders ex-PM Najib to defend himself in 1MDB-linked case

Cambodian opposition figurehead Sam Rainsy arrived in Malaysia on Saturday as he sought to return home to rally his supporters against strongman Hun Sen, while security was beefed up at the kingdom's borders and in Phnom Penh.

Rainsy, who has lived in self-exile in France since 2015 to avoid jail for convictions he says are politically motivated, had long promised a dramatic return on November 9, Cambodia's Independence Day.&nbsp;

But Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia since 1985, vowed to bar him and other figures from his party,&nbsp;which was outlawed ahead of much-criticised elections last year.

After being blocked from getting on a France-Thailand flight on Thursday, Rainsy boarded a plane a day later and arrived at the main airport serving the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, according to an AFP journalist.

Cambodian opposition figurehead Sam Rainsy arrived in Malaysia on Saturday as he sought to return home to rally his supporters against strongman Hun Sen, while security was beefed up at the kingdom's borders and in Phnom Penh.

Cambodian opposition figurehead Sam Rainsy arrived in Malaysia on Saturday as he sought to return home to rally his supporters against strongman Hun Sen, while security was beefed up at the kingdom's borders and in Phnom Penh. Rainsy, who has lived in self-exile in France since 2015 to avoid jail for convictions he says are politically motivated, had long promised a dramatic return on November 9, Cambodia's Independence Day. But Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia since 1985, vowed to bar him and other figures from his party, which was outlawed ahead of much-criticised elections last year. After being blocked from getting on a France-Thailand flight on Thursday, Rainsy boarded a plane a day later and arrived at the main airport serving the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, according to an AFP journalist.

Cambodian opposition figurehead Rainsy arrives in Malaysia

An offer by the United States to host a Pacific rim summit in America in 2020 after Chile abruptly cancelled this year's event was "not a good idea", Malaysia's foreign minister said Thursday.

The sharp retort comes days after most southeast Asian leaders snubbed a meeting with US officials in Thailand when President Donald Trump failed to show.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crisis-wracked-chile-pulls-out-as-apec-climate-meet-host-259009">Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation</a> (APEC) summit had been scheduled for November 16-17 in Chile, but President Sebastian Pinera pulled out of hosting it because of ongoing civil unrest in the country.

According to Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called him during a meeting of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders in Bangkok last week.

Pompeo told him that "because Chile is not able to host APEC this November... the US is thinking of hosting APEC somewhere in January in the US", and asked for Malaysia's position.

Saifuddin said he told US officials in Bangkok that "we don't think it is a good idea".

US President Donald Trump skipped the ASEAN summit and instead sent US national security advisor Robert O'Brien and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to lead the US delegation.

Most of the ASEAN leaders snubbed a meeting with the US delegation, sending more junior officials instead.

Saifuddin said he was aware of a letter sent by Trump to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad "about an invitation to something in the US".

Malaysia is at the centre of talks for any replacement summit as it is next year's chair of APEC, a trade-focused grouping of 21 Pacific Rim economies stretching from China to Chile and the United States.

Chairmanship includes hosting meetings that typically culminate in a summit of the leaders around November.

A Southeast Asian diplomat who asked not to be named confirmed that Washington is sounding out countries about an APEC summit in January and had offered Las Vegas as a possible venue, but would not give other details.

Another source, a delegate who was supposed to attend the cancelled APEC meeting in Chile, did not sound enthusiastic about a summit in the US.

"I don't see the point, what for?" he told AFP. "A summit for the sake of having a summit?"

Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping were supposed to meet in Chile to sign a partial deal in a bid to ease a bruising trade war.

Trump said Thursday that an alternative location for the signing will be "announced soon".

An offer by the United States to host a Pacific rim summit in America in 2020 after Chile abruptly cancelled this year's event was "not a good idea", Malaysia's foreign minister said Thursday.

An offer by the United States to host a Pacific rim summit in America in 2020 after Chile abruptly cancelled this year's event was "not a good idea", Malaysia's foreign minister said Thursday. The sharp retort comes days after most southeast Asian leaders snubbed a meeting with US officials in Thailand when President Donald Trump failed to show. The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit had been scheduled for November 16-17 in Chile, but President Sebastian Pinera pulled out of hosting it because of ongoing civil unrest in the country. According to Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called him during a meeting of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders in Bangkok last week. Pompeo told him that "because Chile is not able to host APEC this November... the US is thinking of hosting APEC somewhere in January in the US", and asked for Malaysia's position. Saifuddin said he told US officials in Bangkok that "we don't think it is a good idea". US President Donald Trump skipped the ASEAN summit and instead sent US national security advisor Robert O'Brien and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to lead the US delegation. Most of the ASEAN leaders snubbed a meeting with the US delegation, sending more junior officials instead. Saifuddin said he was aware of a letter sent by Trump to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad "about an invitation to something in the US". Malaysia is at the centre of talks for any replacement summit as it is next year's chair of APEC, a trade-focused grouping of 21 Pacific Rim economies stretching from China to Chile and the United States. Chairmanship includes hosting meetings that typically culminate in a summit of the leaders around November. A Southeast Asian diplomat who asked not to be named confirmed that Washington is sounding out countries about an APEC summit in January and had offered Las Vegas as a possible venue, but would not give other details. Another source, a delegate who was supposed to attend the cancelled APEC meeting in Chile, did not sound enthusiastic about a summit in the US. "I don't see the point, what for?" he told AFP. "A summit for the sake of having a summit?" Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping were supposed to meet in Chile to sign a partial deal in a bid to ease a bruising trade war. Trump said Thursday that an alternative location for the signing will be "announced soon".

US offer to host APEC 'not a good idea': Malaysia

Malaysia has detained Cambodian former minister Mu Sochua, rights groups said on Thursday, after Phnom Penh sought her arrest on grounds that she and other self-exiled members of the banned opposition were plotting a coup in trying to return home.

The detention came as Sam Rainsy, the founder of the opposition party, prepared to fly from Paris to Bangkok, vowing to return to Cambodia on Saturday to lead demonstrations against the one-party rule of longtime Prime Minister Hun Sen.

It was unclear if any of the opposition figures abroad would reach Cambodia. Thailand has said it will not allow transit for Sam Rainsy, and Malaysia this week detained two other opposition leaders who were trying to fly to Thailand.

A dual US-Cambodian citizen and former women's minister, Mu Sochua, 65, is vice president of the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) and one of the highest-profile opposition leaders detained in Hun Sen's efforts to prevent their return.

Thailand had denied her entry.

On Wednesday, she held a news conference in Indonesia to denounce a crackdown by Cambodian authorities, who have arrested dozens of opposition activists at home and deployed troops along the borders ahead of the leaders' planned return.

"What do they fear?" she asked. "They totally fear the determination of the people of Cambodia, who are responding positively to our appeal, which is that together we will build a better Cambodia."

Sochua later flew to Malaysia, only to be detained. She was being held at the airport in its capital, said Jerald Joseph, an official of the Malaysian Human Rights Commission.

Joseph said he had spoken with Sochua, who had been told she would not be deported to Cambodia. It was not immediately clear where authorities would send her next.

Malaysia's immigration department did not immediately respond to questions from Reuters.

Sochua had fled Cambodia in 2017 under threat of arrest amid a mass crackdown on the opposition. The party's leader, Kem Sokha, was arrested on treason charges and remains under house arrest. The Supreme Court later dissolved the CNRP.

Sochua's news conference in the Indonesian capital was interrupted by the Cambodian ambassador, who urged that she should not be given a forum.

The Cambodian embassy asked Indonesia, as a fellow member of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-discusses-sustainable-development-with-asean-leaders-259811">Association of Southeast Asian Nations</a> (ASEAN) grouping, to detain her.

The embassy sought her deportation to Cambodia "in the true spirit of ASEAN," it said in a statement, adding that similar requests had been made to neighbouring countries.

Instead, Sochua flew to Malaysia, where she said she knew she could also be arrested.

"They will follow me, they will follow us, all the way," she said on Wednesday.

Sochua has been charged in a plot to topple the Cambodian government, national police spokesman Chhay Kim Khoeun said.

"There is an arrest warrant for her, we really want her but we don't know what is Malaysia's position," he added.

Sochua's detention in Malaysia is unacceptable, said New York-based <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-rights-watch-report-on-uighurs-full-of-prejudice-says-china-164872">Human Rights Watch (HRW)</a>.

"She's done nothing wrong and should be immediately released and allowed to undertake the consultations she planned with the Malaysia government and civil society groups," said Phil Robertson, the group's deputy director for Asia.

Malaysia has detained Cambodian former minister Mu Sochua, rights groups said on Thursday, after Phnom Penh sought her arrest on grounds that she and other self-exiled members of the banned opposition were plotting a coup in trying to return home.

Malaysia has detained Cambodian former minister Mu Sochua, rights groups said on Thursday, after Phnom Penh sought her arrest on grounds that she and other self-exiled members of the banned opposition were plotting a coup in trying to return home. The detention came as Sam Rainsy, the founder of the opposition party, prepared to fly from Paris to Bangkok, vowing to return to Cambodia on Saturday to lead demonstrations against the one-party rule of longtime Prime Minister Hun Sen. It was unclear if any of the opposition figures abroad would reach Cambodia. Thailand has said it will not allow transit for Sam Rainsy, and Malaysia this week detained two other opposition leaders who were trying to fly to Thailand. A dual US-Cambodian citizen and former women's minister, Mu Sochua, 65, is vice president of the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) and one of the highest-profile opposition leaders detained in Hun Sen's efforts to prevent their return. Thailand had denied her entry. On Wednesday, she held a news conference in Indonesia to denounce a crackdown by Cambodian authorities, who have arrested dozens of opposition activists at home and deployed troops along the borders ahead of the leaders' planned return. "What do they fear?" she asked. "They totally fear the determination of the people of Cambodia, who are responding positively to our appeal, which is that together we will build a better Cambodia." Sochua later flew to Malaysia, only to be detained. She was being held at the airport in its capital, said Jerald Joseph, an official of the Malaysian Human Rights Commission. Joseph said he had spoken with Sochua, who had been told she would not be deported to Cambodia. It was not immediately clear where authorities would send her next. Malaysia's immigration department did not immediately respond to questions from Reuters. Sochua had fled Cambodia in 2017 under threat of arrest amid a mass crackdown on the opposition. The party's leader, Kem Sokha, was arrested on treason charges and remains under house arrest. The Supreme Court later dissolved the CNRP. Sochua's news conference in the Indonesian capital was interrupted by the Cambodian ambassador, who urged that she should not be given a forum. The Cambodian embassy asked Indonesia, as a fellow member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grouping, to detain her. The embassy sought her deportation to Cambodia "in the true spirit of ASEAN," it said in a statement, adding that similar requests had been made to neighbouring countries. Instead, Sochua flew to Malaysia, where she said she knew she could also be arrested. "They will follow me, they will follow us, all the way," she said on Wednesday. Sochua has been charged in a plot to topple the Cambodian government, national police spokesman Chhay Kim Khoeun said. "There is an arrest warrant for her, we really want her but we don't know what is Malaysia's position," he added. Sochua's detention in Malaysia is unacceptable, said New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW). "She's done nothing wrong and should be immediately released and allowed to undertake the consultations she planned with the Malaysia government and civil society groups," said Phil Robertson, the group's deputy director for Asia.

Malaysia detains Cambodian opposition leader Mu Sochua

Saudi Aramco has approached Malaysian state energy company Petronas&nbsp;to participate in Aramco's initial public offering (IPO), Petronas said on Wednesday, as the Middle Eastern oil giant seeks cornerstone investors for the listing.

The Saudi government plans to sell 2 per cent&nbsp;of state-run <a href="http://13.235.153.162/business-economy/saudis-scramble-to-raise-cash-for-aramco-share-sale-260106">Aramco</a>, the world's most profitable company, in a domestic listing on December&nbsp;11, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The approach comes as Petronas, officially known as Petroliam Nasional Bhd, nears the start of commercial operations at a $27 billion refinery and the petrochemical project built jointly with Aramco in southern Malaysia.

"We have been recently approached by representatives of Saudi Aramco to consider Petronas' participation in its initial public offering exercise," Petronas, the Malaysian government's cash cow, told Reuters.

"However, we will not be providing any further comments on this matter at this time."

Aramco's much-vaunted IPO was delayed as deal advisers said they needed more time to lock in cornerstone or anchor, investors such as sovereign wealth funds. In 2016, state-owned Postal Savings Bank of China&nbsp;sold 77 percent&nbsp;of its $7.4 billion&nbsp;IPO to such backers.

Reuters reported in September that Aramco had approached Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Singapore's GIC and other sovereign wealth funds to invest in the domestic leg of its listing.

Abu Dhabi's state investor Mubadala Investment Co has also been approached by Aramco's advisers.

Asked about its interest in the Aramco IPO, Malaysian sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Bhd told Reuters it "does not have any investments in the oil and gas sector".

Saudi Aramco has approached Malaysian state energy company Petronas to participate in Aramco's initial public offering (IPO), Petronas said on Wednesday, as the Middle Eastern oil giant seeks cornerstone investors for the listing.

Saudi Aramco has approached Malaysian state energy company Petronas to participate in Aramco's initial public offering (IPO), Petronas said on Wednesday, as the Middle Eastern oil giant seeks cornerstone investors for the listing. The Saudi government plans to sell 2 per cent of state-run Aramco, the world's most profitable company, in a domestic listing on December 11, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The approach comes as Petronas, officially known as Petroliam Nasional Bhd, nears the start of commercial operations at a $27 billion refinery and the petrochemical project built jointly with Aramco in southern Malaysia. "We have been recently approached by representatives of Saudi Aramco to consider Petronas' participation in its initial public offering exercise," Petronas, the Malaysian government's cash cow, told Reuters. "However, we will not be providing any further comments on this matter at this time." Aramco's much-vaunted IPO was delayed as deal advisers said they needed more time to lock in cornerstone or anchor, investors such as sovereign wealth funds. In 2016, state-owned Postal Savings Bank of China sold 77 percent of its $7.4 billion IPO to such backers. Reuters reported in September that Aramco had approached Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Singapore's GIC and other sovereign wealth funds to invest in the domestic leg of its listing. Abu Dhabi's state investor Mubadala Investment Co has also been approached by Aramco's advisers. Asked about its interest in the Aramco IPO, Malaysian sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Bhd told Reuters it "does not have any investments in the oil and gas sector".

Aramco approaches Malaysia's Petronas to participate in IPO

The Malaysian financier at the heart of the massive 1MDB graft scandal has struck a settlement to forfeit assets worth $700 million including a Beverly Hills hotel and a private jet, the US Justice Department said Wednesday.

Jho Low will relinquish the assets under the largest ever US civil forfeiture, intended to recover cash allegedly stolen in the 1MDB scandal which helped topple Malaysia's corruption-plagued former regime.

"A staggering amount of money embezzled from 1MDB at the expense of the people of Malaysia was laundered through the purchase of big-ticket assets in the US and other nations," said United States Attorney Nick Hanna.

"Thanks to this settlement, one of the men allegedly at the center of this massive scheme will lose all access to hundreds of millions of dollars."

Low, a flamboyant, jet-setting playboy known for partying with Hollywood A-listers, was a former unofficial adviser to 1Malaysia Development Berhad -- a fund established with the ostensible aim of boosting Malaysia's economy.

Billions of dollars were looted from the investment vehicle between 2009 and 2014 and spent on everything from yachts to expensive artwork, in a fraud allegedly involving disgraced Malaysian ex-premier Najib Razak and his cronies.

Tens of millions of dollars in stolen money was used by Najib's stepson, an aspiring film producer, to fund the Hollywood film "The Wolf of Wall Street," starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Low allegedly used funds "to engage in extravagant spending sprees, acquiring one-of-kind artwork and luxury real estate, gambling freely at casinos, and propping up his lavish lifestyle," said assistant attorney-general Brian Benczkowski.

"This settlement agreement forces Low and his family to relinquish hundreds of millions of dollars in ill-gotten gains that were intended to be used for the benefit of the Malaysian people," he added.&nbsp;

The settlement allows for the release of $15 million to Low's counsel to pay for legal fees and costs. It was filed in California on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Combined with previous settlements covering a $120 million superyacht, a New York hotel and other assets, it brings the total amount recovered by the US to more than $1 billion.

Low, who denies wrongdoing, still faces criminal charges in the case.

A statement issued by Low on Wednesday welcomed the "landmark comprehensive, global settlement," but added that the agreement "does not constitute an admission of guilt, liability or any form of wrongdoing by me or the asset owners."

The Malaysian financier at the heart of the massive 1MDB graft scandal has struck a settlement to forfeit assets worth $700 million including a Beverly Hills hotel and a private jet, the US Justice Department said Wednesday.

The Malaysian financier at the heart of the massive 1MDB graft scandal has struck a settlement to forfeit assets worth $700 million including a Beverly Hills hotel and a private jet, the US Justice Department said Wednesday. Jho Low will relinquish the assets under the largest ever US civil forfeiture, intended to recover cash allegedly stolen in the 1MDB scandal which helped topple Malaysia's corruption-plagued former regime. "A staggering amount of money embezzled from 1MDB at the expense of the people of Malaysia was laundered through the purchase of big-ticket assets in the US and other nations," said United States Attorney Nick Hanna. "Thanks to this settlement, one of the men allegedly at the center of this massive scheme will lose all access to hundreds of millions of dollars." Low, a flamboyant, jet-setting playboy known for partying with Hollywood A-listers, was a former unofficial adviser to 1Malaysia Development Berhad -- a fund established with the ostensible aim of boosting Malaysia's economy. Billions of dollars were looted from the investment vehicle between 2009 and 2014 and spent on everything from yachts to expensive artwork, in a fraud allegedly involving disgraced Malaysian ex-premier Najib Razak and his cronies. Tens of millions of dollars in stolen money was used by Najib's stepson, an aspiring film producer, to fund the Hollywood film "The Wolf of Wall Street," starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Low allegedly used funds "to engage in extravagant spending sprees, acquiring one-of-kind artwork and luxury real estate, gambling freely at casinos, and propping up his lavish lifestyle," said assistant attorney-general Brian Benczkowski. "This settlement agreement forces Low and his family to relinquish hundreds of millions of dollars in ill-gotten gains that were intended to be used for the benefit of the Malaysian people," he added. The settlement allows for the release of $15 million to Low's counsel to pay for legal fees and costs. It was filed in California on Wednesday. Combined with previous settlements covering a $120 million superyacht, a New York hotel and other assets, it brings the total amount recovered by the US to more than $1 billion. Low, who denies wrongdoing, still faces criminal charges in the case. A statement issued by Low on Wednesday welcomed the "landmark comprehensive, global settlement," but added that the agreement "does not constitute an admission of guilt, liability or any form of wrongdoing by me or the asset owners."

US agrees $700 million settlement including luxury hotel, jet over 1MDB

Indian traders decided to boycott purchasing Malaysian palm oil after it's anti-India stand on Kashmir. Indian buyers are purchasing palm oil from Indonesia now. This put the bad impact on the Malaysian economy. Watch this video to know more.

India boycotts purchase of Malaysian palm oil after it's anti-India stand on Kashmir

India & Malaysia Are Lock In A Major Diplomatic Spat Malaysia's anti-India stance on Kashmir at the U.N.G.A & elsewhere could cost the country dearly.

Gravitas: Indian Traders Boycott Palm Oil From Malaysia

Malaysia is in talks with India and other countries to urge them to continue buying Malaysian palm oil, its trade minister said on Thursday

'Trying to end spat with Indian palm oil traders' says Malaysia

Malaysian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-mahathir-says-hong-kong-leader-should-step-down-253709">Mahathir Mohamad</a> said on Monday his exports-reliant country could be hit with trade sanctions amid rising protectionism highlighted by the United States-China tariff war.

Mahathir did not mention the source of possible sanctions on the Southeast Asian country but said he was disappointed that proponents of free trade were now indulging in restrictive trade practices on a "grand scale".

"Unfortunately, we are caught in the middle," he told a conference in the capital Kuala Lumpur, referring to the US-China trade war.

"Economically we are linked to both markets, and physically we are also caught in between for geographical reasons. There is even suggestion that we ourselves would be a target for sanctions."

The United States and China were two of the three biggest export destinations for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-mahathir-meet-zakir-naik-revocation-of-article-370-discussed-247711">Malaysia</a> between January and August this year. Singapore was the top destination.

To cushion the impact of the collision between the superpowers, Mahathir said Malaysia was collaborating more with its regional neighbours.

Mahathir also complained of being bullied by powerful nations, referring to a campaign by European countries against Malaysia's agricultural mainstay of palm oil. The edible oil contributed 2.8 per cent&nbsp;of Malaysia's gross domestic product last year and 4.5 per cent&nbsp;to total exports.

"Having cleared most of their forests and refusing to reduce their noxious emissions, they now try to impoverish the poor by preventing them from clearing their forest for living space and earning a living," he said.

The European Union passed an act earlier this year to phase out palm oil from renewable fuel by 2030 due to deforestation concerns.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Monday his exports-reliant country could be hit with trade sanctions amid rising protectionism highlighted by the United States-China tariff war.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Monday his exports-reliant country could be hit with trade sanctions amid rising protectionism highlighted by the United States-China tariff war. Mahathir did not mention the source of possible sanctions on the Southeast Asian country but said he was disappointed that proponents of free trade were now indulging in restrictive trade practices on a "grand scale". "Unfortunately, we are caught in the middle," he told a conference in the capital Kuala Lumpur, referring to the US-China trade war. "Economically we are linked to both markets, and physically we are also caught in between for geographical reasons. There is even suggestion that we ourselves would be a target for sanctions." The United States and China were two of the three biggest export destinations for Malaysia between January and August this year. Singapore was the top destination. To cushion the impact of the collision between the superpowers, Mahathir said Malaysia was collaborating more with its regional neighbours. Mahathir also complained of being bullied by powerful nations, referring to a campaign by European countries against Malaysia's agricultural mainstay of palm oil. The edible oil contributed 2.8 per cent of Malaysia's gross domestic product last year and 4.5 per cent to total exports. "Having cleared most of their forests and refusing to reduce their noxious emissions, they now try to impoverish the poor by preventing them from clearing their forest for living space and earning a living," he said. The European Union passed an act earlier this year to phase out palm oil from renewable fuel by 2030 due to deforestation concerns.

Mahathir warns of possible trade sanctions on Malaysia

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