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The Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election is entering its final stretch ahead of the May 11 vote.
And despite the result having little bearing on a federal or state level, the outcome will be closely watched for indicators of whether support has shifted given the troubled times for the opposition Perikatan Nasional, as well as a string of divisive and pressing issues afflicting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s multi-coalition government.
Among them is the need to get the books balanced. Fuel subsidy cuts are well on their way to being implemented in the coming weeks, although Datuk Seri Anwar and his colleagues have, in the midst of the by-election campaign, said that no date has been finalised.
But in a move seen as a makeweight for impending price hikes, the premier, who is also finance minister, announced a whopping 13 per cent bump in civil service salaries.
Fiscal reforms are just the tip of the iceberg, though. A recent World Bank report highlighted a worrying statistic, showing that Malaysian children are hampered by a lack of access to preschool education, leading to further setbacks later on.
Follow ST’s coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments.
Malaysia to cut fuel subsidies by June in move that will test support for unity government
The earlier-than-expected move will boost government coffers, but may prove unpopular amid rising living costs.
Political parties woo Indian voters in tight Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election
Making up 18 per cent of voters in the constituency, the Indian community could decide the winner on May 11.
Malaysian kids not school-ready enough; more pre-school access needed: World Bank
About one in 10 children between the ages of four and six lacks access to pre-school education.
Malaysia aims to double global market share of overall chip trade by 2029 amid US-China rivalry
Moving beyond production into high-value, front-end design work could be a good thing, say experts.
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The Conscious Traveller: Visit a Johor farm undoing the scars of palm oil cultivation
The farm, located on a former palm oil plantation, holds monthly open day tours for members of the public.
