Limited diversification: Kedah has an income problem, mainly due to its narrow economic base that is overly dependent on agriculture. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

WE don’t need a referendum for Penangites to decide if they wish to be placed under Kedah. It is a non-starter.

The latest attempt by Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor to claim his neighbouring state has hardly generated any talk in Penang. No one takes his continued pursuit of a multi-million ringgit “lease payment” for Penang Island and Seberang Jaya seriously.

It’s nothing more than a political stunt to stay in the news. Penang’s sovereignty has long been settled under the Federal Constitution since 1957.

Sanusi has reportedly said Kedah was appointing a team to begin legal action over Penang’s relationship with Kedah, claiming the court action would be based on historical and legal grounds.

Legal and historical arguments aside, Penangites would never want their state to be placed under Kedah for reasons that go far beyond politics.

Identity, economics, governance style, and lived experience all shape how Penangites see themselves – and none of these align naturally with the idea of being administered from Alor Setar.

Penang is multiracial and cosmopolitan while Kedah, with due respect to its people, is near mono-ethnic and inward looking.

Penangites are fiercely proud of their state – to the point of being criticised as parochial – its multicultural heritage, food culture, iconic arts scene, and global reputation as a vibrant, modern city-region.

Penang’s identity is one of Malaysia’s most recognisable brands. To many Penangites, the suggestion of being absorbed into another state is absurd.

We treasure our lifestyles and quality of life. We are comfortable with international tourists, expatriates, and global companies.

Penangites are happy with their cinemas, pubs, cafés, and entertainment outlets, as well as open concerts, which PAS frowns upon.

The state is known for its fiercely independent thinking. Penang is the home of the country’s earliest newspapers, with the Prince of Wales Gazette printed in 1805.

The Penang-based Kwong Wah Yit Poh was founded in 1910 by Chinese revolutionary Dr Sun Yat Sen and is regarded as the oldest surviving Chinese daily.

The Star, too, was born in the state in 1971, as was the now-defunct Straits Echo, which began operations in 1903.

Then we have long-standing non-governmental organisations such as the Consumers’ Associa-tion of Penang (CAP), Aliran, and Sahabat Alam Malaysia, and illustrious leaders like the late SM Mohamed Idris, CAP’s president.

In fact, PAS itself was founded in Butterworth, Penang, on Nov 24, 1951, and was initially known as Persatuan Islam Sa-Malaya.

Penangites have thrown out three chief ministers and every CM knows that they will be placed under scrutiny. Penangites wouldn’t tolerate any half-baked leader with ludicrous suggestions such as “taking back” another state.

For decades, Penang has cultivated a reputation for relatively efficient local governance, economic planning, and progressive urban initiatives.

Penangites, accustomed to active civil society engagement, open debate, and an administration that positions the state as an economic hub, will never exchange that for governance under a completely different political culture, especially under PAS with its religious narratives.

Penang’s economy is powered by high-tech manufacturing, services, tourism, and international investment.

The state’s concerns revolve around maintaining competitiveness in global supply chains, improving public transport, and developing digital infrastructure.

Kedah, on the other hand, is listed among the poorest states in Malaysia and often cited as a state with high poverty, facing similar issues to Kelantan, with few job opportunities and little economic potential.

The state faces poverty due to a combination of factors, including a narrower economic base beyond agriculture, weaker governance, and socioeconomic disparities with limited diversification.

It has also been reported that weak governance is hindering Kedah and other states from attracting the necessary investments needed for development.

Kedah is also reportedly the second poorest state in terms of GDP in 2021, and, seriously, Sanusi should focus on doing a better job as MB.

Putting Penang under Kedah will simply mean being governed under a different economic framework and could slow progress, weaken investor confidence, and alter the direction of a state that is doing well.

Penangites are well aware of the historical connection to Kedah from centuries ago but that ended when the 1957 Federal Consti-tution was passed.

Likewise, there is no longer any requirement for Kedah to send “bunga emas” (golden flowers) to Thailand as a diplomatic tribute every three years, a practice that began in the 14th century and ended in the late 19th century.

Penangites have no time for fantasy claims. Sanusi’s reality check should be the state’s never ending poverty problems.

He has a lot to do to raise his state’s standards. He should be worrying about that, not fantasising about Penang.

Giant greed: According to internal documents reviewed by Reuters, Meta projected that roughly 10% of its 2024 revenue – around US$16bil – came from advertisements tied to scams, banned goods and other fraudulent content. — Reuters

A MONTH ago, I found a video of myself on social media promoting an investment scam promising huge returns.

I was flabbergasted and horrified. The content looked like a TV interview I had given sometime back.

The difference was that my voice had been altered, using artificial intelligence (AI) skills, to talk about investment opportunities.

The original content was on human capital and the importance of training. The modified content, using the AI version of my voice, sounded just like the real thing. It was so good it was hard to tell the difference.

I do not know why I was chosen by these scammers as I do not see my unsolicited endorsement to be of any real value.

But this is the story. I filed a complaint with Facebook on Oct 1 and they replied on Oct 8, thanking me for the report.

“We use a combination of technology and human reviewers and identify content that goes against our Community Standards. In this case, we did not remove the content that you reported,” the reply said.

As I wrote this article, I re-checked and found the content still floating around on FB, promising that “every Malaysian who invests from RM1,200 is guaranteed to earn at least RM210,000 in the first month!” It adds: “Limited spots available.”

In short, Facebook owner Meta did not see anything wrong with the fake content using my face and voice to cheat people. Meta’s reply was mind-boggling and made me feel helpless about combating such fraud.

Last week, Datuk Seri Michael Chong cautioned the public against fraudulent schemes that employ AI to replicate the faces and voices of the Prime Minister and Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dupe unsuspecting individuals.

The MCA Public Service and Complaints Bureau chief said he had identified two online advertisements featuring the PM and King. When they were reported, the ads were removed, but the syndicate had re-uploaded similar content, this time using the faces of an MP and a prominent business figure.

Using AI, the syndicate created investment advertisements requiring a payment of RM1,100 while promising returns of up to RM200,000.

Why did Facebook fail to act?

Well, we may know now. An investigation by Reuters has cast a harsh light on the business practices of Meta Platforms Inc, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

According to internal documents reviewed by Reuters, Meta projected that roughly 10% of its 2024 revenue – around US$16bil (RM66.72bil) – came from advertisements tied to scams, banned goods, and other fraudulent content.

What is deeply troubling is that the documents suggest that Meta’s enforcement efforts against these bad actors were intentionally limited, constrained by “revenue guardrails” and automated systems that only block ads when there is at least a 95% certainty of fraud.

For Malaysia and for users of social media everywhere, the implications are profound.

This is not just about one tech giant’s failure; it is about the structural tensions between platform profit models and user protection, and the regulatory void that allows serious harm to happen.

In Malaysia, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has already expressed alarm, noting that some of that revenue could stem from Malaysian-market ads, and has summoned Meta for answers.

Allowing platforms to be used for such scams and profiting from it makes Meta an accomplice to such cybercrimes.

These platforms should be held to account for the content they host and monetise.

If a platform is earning money from fraud-linked ads, that raises questions of complicity, not just oversight failure.

When a company’s business model allows or even subtly incentivises questionable advertisers, that means it does not value ethics.

It has been reported that Meta internally estimated the scale of “high-risk” scam advertisements at US$15bil (RM61.9bil) of such ads per day across its platforms.

The company’s justification is that it will only block advertiser accounts when automated systems are 95% sure the advertiser is engaging in fraud.

If it is not absolutely certain, it just charges them higher ad rates – effectively profiting from uncertainty.

In my case, despite my protest, we can assume that Meta did not find enough evidence that it was a fraud.

It was a case of “looks like you, sounds like you but we are not sure it’s a fraud despite your complaint”.

A Reuters report on Nov 11 said that “Meta knowingly profits off of them” – meaning the social media giant knew about ads for fake products and scam posts and projected that it could earn up to US$16bil from running these ads featuring banned goods or scamming posts.

Meta is so powerful that it can snub protests and calls from regulators requiring it to publish clear data on scam advertising volumes and the ad revenue derived from them.

If the company doesn’t have any ethics why would it care two hoots about accountability? It knows the world is addicted to its products.

Responsibility does not seem to exist in the company statement.

The only way out is to teach Malaysians how to identify scam ads, report suspicious content, and hold platforms and advertisers to account.

Digital literacy is a frontline defence, and also, simply stop being greedy. If it sounds too good to be true, then it’s a scam.

Meta knows we are hooked on WhatsApp, Instagram and Face-book, and the world will not function a day without these products. It is untouchable.

We have miserably consented and surrendered all our personal data to Meta to use these products for free.

Now you know why and how these scammers get our details. Meta is enriching itself, and each time regulators want to haul it up, it cries that it’s an assault on the platforms.

Malaysia first: After having three prime ministers in four years leading up to the 2022 General Election, the country is finally on a firmer footing with Anwar and his Madani government. — Bernama

AS Malaysia wraps up its role as Asean Chair, much is being said about Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s role in setting a higher benchmark for the regional group.

There have been plenty of accolades for how he steadily maintained the group’s neutrality in a world compli-cated by political turbulence and economic uncertainty arising from geopolitical rivalries.

He also managed to win over US President Donald Trump, whose mood swings are legendary.

But there is one reason why Anwar has been able to do all this, a reason which many Malaysians take for granted: After having three prime ministers in four years leading up to the 2022 General Election, Malaysia is finally on a firmer footing.

When Anwar took office in late 2022, many wondered whether his unity government could hold. The oft asked question was, will the unity government collapse?

Three years later, the answer is clear: stability has prevailed, the government is going strong, and even his most ardent critics would admit he has handled things well.

His political critics have not managed to get the numbers to table a vote of no confidence to topple him in Parliament.

No doubt there are still grumblings that many promised reforms have not taken off fast enough, but let’s not forget that the unity government has 21 political partners.

In fact, Anwar’s party, PKR, does not even have the biggest chunk of the seats. It’s akin to running a company with many substantial shareholders.

This is a first in our political history.

To make things worse, his constant critics include Members of Parliaments who are from his unity government, with one party, which has only one MP, openly hinting it is considering pulling out from Barisan Nasional.

However, after the recent Asean Summit, many people feel that they are finally standing proud as Malaysians again. This has been widely reflected in comments posted on social media.

After the global shame of the 1MDB financial scandal with a jailed former PM, and then three PMs failing one after another, confidence at home has been restored and the nation’s standing abroad elevated.

Malaysia’s leadership has again been given recognition and respect. The world also re-looked at Malaysia differently but positively.

As Malaysia and the US concluded a trade agreement, uneasy investors have been assured that Malaysia will continue to do business with the US, our third biggest trade partner, with bilateral trade in 2024 totalling RM325bil.

Malaysia’s exports to the US are valued at RM198.65bil. In the first nine months of this year, exports to the US exceeded RM166.36bil.

It is important that we assure all parties, including international investors, that they will continue to compete on a level playing field.

No trade agreement would be allowed to undermine Malay-sia’s right to implement economic policies that serve national interests.

Our sovereignty on international political and economic matters has never changed. PMs come and go but our sovereignty remains.

All this is possible because of the power of stability. If we cannot even take care of our own country, no country is going to answer any calls from a Malaysian PM.

If the Malaysian PM could not bring his own people together, we would have been a laughing stock when we offered to mediate the dispute between Thai-land and Cambodia.

But Anwar succeeded in that tough mission.

And the international community has taken notice. Anwar’s engagements with leaders from China, the US, the Middle East, and Asean neighbours have signalled Malaysia’s renewed confidence as a bridge-builder in global affairs.

The PM’s incessant calls for fairness in international trade, support for the Palestinian cause, and emphasis on multipolar cooperation have resonated widely, reflecting Malaysia’s independent yet principled foreign policy tradition.

For a while, many Malaysian businessmen, especially the non-Malays, were worried about Anwar’s strong stand on Palestine and whether Malaysia, a small country, would be punished economically by the US.

Then some Muslim businessmen were uneasy about Malay-sia becoming too close to China – but now some are paradoxically asking why Malaysia has become close to the US, even demanding to know if the country has sold off its sovereign rights.

Anwar’s success lies in his ability to navigate Malaysia’s famously complex political landscape while maintaining an emphasis on governance, inclusivity, and diplomacy.

“His pragmatic approach – anchored in reformist ideals yet tempered by political realism – has reassured both domestic stakeholders and international observers,” one article reported.

“The unity government, though broad in composition, has avoided paralysis, instead channelling its diversity into consensus-building.

“This steadiness has allowed Malaysia to focus on long-term priorities: economic resilience, green growth, and social equity,” it said.

Anwar has positioned himself as a voice of moderation. He became the country’s first PM from a multiracial political party.

We can criticise him for many shortcomings to do with cost of living pressures, bureaucratic inertia, and political rivalries still testing the government’s durability. And a few of his Cabinet ministers have not lived up to our expectations, and certainly, many challenges remain.

But under Anwar’s leadership, political uncertainty continues to recede while investor confidence has risen.

The government’s Madani framework – emphasising good governance, sustainability, and human dignity – has provided a clear policy direction.

Flying high: While MAS has improved its financial performance, it needs to keep yields up and interfering in the amenities it offers – especially in the premium classes – is not the way to go.

HERE we go again. Every now and then we can expect PAS politicians to bring up the issue of alcohol. And like clockwork, they are back.

The question of whether Malaysia Airlines should continue serving alcohol on its flights has resurfaced once again.

It is understandable that there are cultural and religious sensitivities when it comes to the serving of alcohol.

The argument is that people choose to fly MAS not because of the availability of liquor but because of its services, safety record, and flight time punctuality.

It is a valid argument, but let’s not forget that MAS is not a budget airline. It is a full-service airline competing for premium travellers who pay a lot for first and business class seats.

We are up against Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines, all of which many Malaysians and other nationalities often use for their connecting flights to key destinations.

Many premium travellers expect to be served a glass of champagne as a welcome drink as well as a good choice of wine to accompany their food. That is standard fare.

Not serving liquor would be a strategic misstep that could weaken the airlines’ international competitiveness and brand appeal.

Travellers expect a full-service luxury experience. Even how their seats are positioned and choice of flight entertainment are compared. These are regarded as expected standards and not optional frills for the well-heeled.

It is a flaw to compare MAS with Ariana Afghan Airlines, Iran Air, Iraqi Airways, Kuwait Airways, and Pakistan International Airlines. Seriously, with due respect, how many of us would want to fly on these airlines?

It would not be wrong to note that many who want MAS to emulate these carriers have never flown on those planes. Let’s not downgrade our national carrier by comparing them with these airlines.

We should be comparing MAS with Emirates, Etihad Airways, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines, which are world-class brand names. These carriers serve alcohol on long-haul flights, although they do not serve them on flights to Saudi Arabia.

Garuda Indonesia, too, serves wine and beer on its long-haul flights. As does Bahrain’s Gulf Air.

How is it that none of these PAS politicians are making comparisons with these airlines from Muslim countries or talking about the open sale of liquor in Dubai or Istanbul airports?

Malaysia does not need to pander to the demands of PAS politicians who are known for their obsession with liquor, dress codes, and concerts.

They wasted everyone’s time in Parliament asking if Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was wearing Indonesian batik while he was tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan in August. Kuala Terengganu MP Datuk Ahmad Amzad Hashim subsequently apologised for his mistake.

In October, Hulu Terengganu MP Datuk Rosol Wahid questioned Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said about her dressing – she was wearing a round-neck top with a blazer. It was ruled that the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) had complied with the dress code.

Like I said, these politicians can’t seem to think very far beyond clothes and alcohol.

MAS has improved its financial performance and its management must be commended for a job well done. While the work is not over, it is on the right track with its post-pandemic recovery, shifting focus to premium segments and rebuilding networks.

It needs to keep yields up, add new routes, deliver new aircraft, manage costs, and avoid major disruptions.

Many of us do not realise that the premium and business class seats are the best paying ones for any airline. Even if the economy class is fully booked, it is these high-paying seats that really matter. The premium seats are a lifeline to profitability.

MAS has to maintain competitiveness in this segment.

Emirates even boasts of serving a generous amount of quality caviar in its first class section, which high-flyers expect – never mind if most of us Malaysians don’t fancy it, the rich customers expect it and do make comparisons.

Emirates and Singapore Airlines offer shower facilities on board for certain destinations, which MAS doesn’t have.

These are the battles that MAS has to face and fight.

The Malaysia Hospitality brand is our winner because the smiles and warmth of our crew are genuine and the best, especially for Malaysians returning home after a long time away. And the satay on board is top notch, no question about it.

The recruitment of more non-Muslim and international flight attendants can be a way out instead of stopping the serving of liquor on board.

But let’s leave this to MAS management, who know best about commercial competition and not these politicians.

To remove liquor service from MAS cabins would be perceived not as a nod to national values but as a cutback in quality.

It will be quickly used by rivals as a way to downgrade MAS in the premium experience for which passengers are paying top dollar. In an era where reputation and passenger satisfaction drive loyalty, MAS cannot afford to be seen as offering less for more.

Let the figures speak. Malaysia is the top tourist destination in Asean, having surpassed Thailand in 2025, and welcoming over 10.1 million international tourists in the first quarter, and 28.24 million from January to August, with the majority of visitors coming from Singapore, China, and Indonesia.

We have to give credit to Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing for the job he has done, although the Sarawak politician himself was caught in a backlash over the serving of alcohol at a gala dinner connected to Tourism Malaysia’s Global Travel Meet.

It is easy for these PAS politicians to score political brownie points via race and religious issues, but how about speaking up against corruption and making proposals to stimulate the economy to help Malaysia for a change?

Trying to do their best: It’s time to prioritise the teaching profession. Teachers are not mere government civil servants, they are thought leaders, nation-builders, and motivators. — Posed photo/123rf

THE nation continues to debate whether those under 16 should be banned from having social media accounts, if CCTV and security detectors should be installed in schools, and about mental health counselling training for teachers.

Sadly, no one has come out to talk about support for our teachers.

More work has been loaded on them as they become surrogate parents the minute children are dropped off at school gates.

If the kids are top scorers, parents take the credit and bask in reflected glory, but if they are under performers, the teachers get the blame.

In the staff room, teachers are becoming data entry clerks, filing endless meaningless reports to schools and education departments.

The once-feared disciplinary teachers, many of whom we older people remember until today, have lost their power in the present day school system.

They can even be charged in the courts for whacking ill-behaved kids.

Many of us from the older generation would never dare tell our parents then that we had been given a beating in school by these teachers, who roamed the corridors with canes in hand.

If our parents came to know, we usually ended up getting another round of punishment. Now, kids run to their overprotective parents to whine. The parents, in turn, run to their lawyers and the media, to make exaggerated allegations.

No wonder we keep hearing about teachers opting to retire early. The reported main reasons for their decisions include a loss of interest in teaching (67%), followed by family problems (about 17%) and health issues (around 7.7%).

Other factors include a heavy workload, administrative burdens and difficulty adapting to changes in the profession. They also struggle with inconsistent policies, syllabus density, and overly hierarchical school management and structures.

Recently, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said 19,179 primary and secondary school teachers opted for early retirement between 2022 and May this year, with most citing loss of interest in teaching.

He said the ministry had outlined seven measures aimed at reducing teachers’ workloads, including scrapping low-impact school events and appointing members of the public as examination invigilators.

He also said the ministry had introduced teaching assistants at schools with more than 1,500 students to help reduce teachers’ administrative workloads.

It is good to read that the grievances of teachers have been heard and plans are being made to help them.

Teachers are more than educators. They shape the minds and character of the next generation. They have made a difference in many lives.

They are often the first role models outside the family, the ones who nurture dreams, spark curiosity, and guide children towards a better future.

I’m sure all of us, regardless of our age, still remember the names of teachers who made an impact on our lives. Of course, the bad ones are still etched in our minds too, but I believe many of us from the older generation had mostly good experiences.

Yet, despite their indispensable role, Malaysian teachers continue to be undervalued, underpaid, and underappreciated.

We call them “heroes” every Teacher’s Day, and when they retire, especially the headmasters, they are accorded a grand send off. Tears are shed, sometimes. But once the speeches and photo ops are over, very little changes.

During the national day parade, we see Malaysians getting excited over the muscled Abang Bomba and even the police canines. Certainly, we should consider giving our teachers just as prominent a role during the National Day march past.

For far too long, our teachers have carried the nation on their shoulders without receiving the recognition and perks they truly deserve. The respect they deserve has faded, with teaching no longer seen as a noble, well-paid profession. Malaysia will never attract the best minds if we continue down this path.

Teaching has never been a simple job but it is now harder than ever. Beyond delivering lessons, teachers are expected to be counsellors, administrators, event organisers, exam invigilators, medical officers, disciplinarians, and surrogate parents.

In the recent school stabbing case, they even had to apprehend a boy walking around with knives.

Their jobs don’t end after the long school hours either – there’s grading papers, preparing lesson plans, or attending meetings too. Now, they even have to learn about artificial intelligence and STEM to keep up with modern lesson modules.

Our teachers deserve better. For many, salaries are barely enough to match the rising cost of living.

Promotion opportunities can be limited and bureaucratic, and the allowances or perks they receive do not reflect the magnitude of their responsibilities.

Let’s not forget those who are posted to rural schools with few facilities. They literally live in hardship.

It is unfair that here teaching is regarded as a “safe government job with pensions’’ as the reality is in many other countries, including neighbouring Singapore, teaching is a prestigious, well-paid career that attracts top talent.

Teachers are not mere civil servants, they are thought leaders, nation builders and motivators.

Countries that prioritise education understand that quality teaching is the single most powerful tool to break cycles of poverty, foster innovation, and build a competitive economy, as one report put it.

Our Malaysian teachers deserve better.

A Japanese proverb sums it up perfectly: “Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.”