With politicians from both sides of the aisle raising concerns on the deal, a hearing will be held next month by the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on International Relations and International Trade.

Malaysia will maintain a ban on the export of raw rare earths to protect its domestic resources, despite signing a critical minerals deal with the United States this week, the trade minister said on Wednesday.

Lynas Rare Earths will build a new heavy rare-earth separation facility in Malaysia to meet demand from buyers looking to source the critical minerals from outside of China.

Malaysia’s improved bilateral relationship with the US has strengthened the Southeast Asian country’s position in its negotiation on potential semiconductor tariffs, according to a minister.

Malaysia is staking its future on becoming an AI Nation as its core growth strategy, weaving AI into the fabric of its economy, governance and urban life.

The budget contains few surprises, putting the country in a good position to face the uncertainty of the current global economic climate.

Norwegian telecom operator Telenor posted quarterly core earnings below market expectations on Wednesday and flagged a negative adjustment of 500 million Norwegian crowns ($49.8 million) related to rising 5G costs in Malaysia.

Malaysia will focus on a mix of solar and gas-fired power generation as it shifts away from coal, the chief executive of state utility Tenaga Nasional (TNB) said on Wednesday, adding that the renewable source would help keep costs down.

The summit and its associated meetings, which will be held during October 26-28, are shaping up as the most significant in years.