Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is confident that the new United States leadership under President Donald Trump will not affect the visa-waiver programme for Malaysia.
The visa-waiver initiative was implemented by the U.S. State Department and the inauguration of Trump recently would unlikely influence the policy.
However, Ahmad Zahid also said that, Malaysia has yet to meet one of the stipulated conditions programme which is rejection of application was less than three per cent.
At the moment, the rate of visa rejection for Malaysia stood at 3.7 per cent and Malaysia was confident of fulfilling the three per cent condition by September 2018.
“We are very positive that this programme will continue to be executed,” he said.
.
“We also hope that the condition will be fulfilled and continue to be recognised to the new U.S. administration,” said Ahmad Zahid at the People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) members from the Home Ministry Top Management Council held here today.
Prior to that, Ahmad Zahid had received a courtesy call from US Ambassador to Malaysia, Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, at his office here today.
This initiative is a collaboration by all quarters including the Internal Affairs Ministry and the consulate office with several awareness campaigns and talks organised for the benefit of Malaysian tourism agencies,” he said.
Malaysia expressed its desire to participate in the 'US Visa Waiver Programme' during talks between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and the-then US President Barack Obama when he visited Malaysia in April 2014
The programme will enable Malaysians to enter and stay in the United States without a visa for a maximum of 90 days for tourism and business.
On other matters discussed at their meeting, Ahmad Zahid said Lakhdhir would return to Washington D.C to get an input on the new US policies and to meet all the newly appointed ambassadors.
Ahmad Zahid expressed optimism that the matters he had discussed with Lakhdhir would see continuation although President Trump would be introducing new policies.
Rahimah Abdullah
Fri Jan 27 2017
Ahmad Zahid received a courtesy call from Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, at his office here today. - Photo Astro AWANI/SHAHIR OMAR
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.