His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim signing the instruments of proclamation of office during Tuanku’s swearing-in and oath-taking ceremony as the 17th King of Malaysia at Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur. — Photo courtesy of Sultan Ibrahim’s official Facebook
THE year 2024 saw Malaysia achieving remarkable milestones while navigating significant challenges.
The launch of the national Central Database Hub (Padu) and the official opening of Merdeka 118, the world’s second tallest building, showcased the nation’s progress.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim was installed as Malaysia’s 17th King.
This year also saw the government implementing diesel subsidy reforms.
Other key events included sedition charges against former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, nationwide raids uncovering child abuse in charity homes run by one organisation, and Malaysia’s entry into the BRICS economic bloc.
Meanwhile, the unity government gained momentum with crucial by-election victories, signalling political stability.
The year also witnessed the passing of two influential figures: former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin, and billionaire and philanthropist Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan.
People queueing to register for Padu at Nadi in Saujana Utama, Sungai Buloh. —File pic
Notable events in 2024:
> Padu was launched on Jan 2 as the first consolidated database of socio-economic information for every Malaysian in the country.
> Merdeka 118, the second tallest building in the world, was officially opened by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the time, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, on Jan 10.
> Johor Ruler His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim was installed as the 17th King of Malaysia after taking the oath of office at Istana Negara on Jan 31.
> The government announced the rationalisation of diesel subsidies, resulting in a 56% price increase in diesel from RM2.15 to RM3.35 per litre and subsidising only targeted groups and industries for RM200 monthly.
> Former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was charged with sedition on Aug 27 over remarks made in a speech on Aug 14 at a rally for the Nenggiri by-election. Muhyiddin had reportedly claimed that he was not invited by the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong to take the oath as Prime Minister despite apparently receiving the support from 115 MPs after the 2022 general election.
> On Sept 11, police initiated raids on a number of charity homes nationwide linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) over allegations of child abuse and cult-like indoctrination.
A total of 660 children were rescued in the raids, named Op Global. Hundreds of GISB-linked members were arrested including the GISB chief executive officer and his wife. Investigations are ongoing.
> Malaysia formally applied to become – and became – a partner country of the BRICS economic bloc and geopolitical organisation, which includes the likes of powerhouses Russia, China, India and Brazil, on Oct 24. Twelve other nations also joined BRICS as partner countries: Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkiye, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
> The unity government also gained a much needed confidence boost after achieving victory in three of the four state by-elections throughout 2024.
This includes retaining control of the state seats of Mahkota in Johor and Kuala Kubu Baru in Selangor through comfortable majorities.
The government also won back the Nenggiri state seat in Kelantan with a commanding majority of 9,091 to 5,739 votes after previously losing the seat to PAS during the 2023 state polls.
Meanwhile, Perikatan Nasional managed to retain control of the Sungai Bakap state seat in Penang, which it previously won after beating the incumbent PKR candidate in 2023.
> Former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin passed away on Nov 13 after about a month of hospitalisation.
Daim had served as Malaysia’s finance minister from 1984 to 1991 – a tenure that saw the country going from recession to record economic growth alongside our South-East Asian neighbours.
He was also known for his involvement in mobilising the private sector, rehabilitation of public enterprises, and forming external policies.
> Malaysian billionaire and philanthropist Tan Sri T. Ananda Krishnan passed away at the age of 86 on Nov 28.
Known for his significant contributions to the telecommunications, media and oil sectors as well as his philanthropic efforts in education and healthcare, Ananda left a legacy as one of Malaysia’s most influential business magnates.
Children holding balloons and making drawings at the 10th annual remembrance event for the missing MH370 flight.—File pic
> More than 10 years since Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 went missing, the search is now back on as the Cabinet has agreed in principle to resume search operations.
The Transport Ministry is discussing final terms with Ocean Infinity and it is expected to finalised by early 2025.
The fee is US$70mil if the plane is found, based on a “no find, no fee” principle.
