Nikkei Asian Review (22/02/2018) - ( KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 22) -- Here's a roundup of local news:

*Final version of Trans-Pacific trade deal released, rules pushed by U.S. on ice

The final version of a landmark deal aimed at cutting trade barriers in some of Asia-Pacific's fastest-growing economies was released on Wednesday, signaling the pact was a step closer to reality even without its star member the United States. More than 20 provisions have been suspended or changed in the final text ahead of the deal's official signing in March, including rules around intellectual property originally included at the behest of Washington. The original 12-member deal was thrown into limbo early last year when President Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement to prioritize protecting U.S. jobs. The 11 remaining nations, led by Japan, finalized a revised trade pact in January, called the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. It is expected to be signed in Chile on March 8. The deal will reduce tariffs in economies that together amount to more than 13 percent of global GDP - a total of $10 trillion. With the United States, it would have represented 40 percent. - Reuters

*Malaysia eyes Brexit trade deal as it demands UK's support in palm oil row with EU

The UK has come under pressure to support Malaysia in a looming trade row with the EU over palm oil, in what could become a hurdle to the two countries quickly signing a free trade deal after Brexit. The Telegraph understands that senior Malaysian officials flew to London last week, where they reminded the British government of its close trade ties with Malaysia and hinted at sanctions if the ban came into effect. The British government is reportedly split on whether to support the EU's palm oil ban, which risks souring relations with Malaysia even as the UK seeks to radically enhance its trading relations beyond Europe. - The Telegraph

*Cagamas issues RM305m papers to purchase home loans

Cagamas has issued RM305 million in three-month Islamic commercial papers to fund the purchase of Islamic home financing from the financial system. Its chief executive officer Chung Chee Leong said the ICP represents the national mortgage corporation's second issuance in 2018. "Despite subdued market activity leading up to the Chinese New Year festivities, the ICP was successfully priced at parity with the current three-month Kuala Lumpur Interbank Offer Rate," said Chung in a statement. - The Edge Markets

*Al-Salam REITs net profit falls to RM40.61m

Al-salam Real Estate Investment Trust's net profit fell to RM40.61 million in the financial year ended Dec 31 from RM46.67 million in FY16. Revenue, however, rose to RM80.03 million from RM76.14 million previously. Al-salam REIT attributed the weaker profit to lower fair value gain on investment properties of RM5.1 million versus RM10.6 million in 2016, while the higher revenue emanated from bigger contribution from its retail and office building segments. - New Straits Times

*Hibiscus 2Q net profit up 3.4% on higher revenue

Hibiscus Petroleum saw its net profit for the second quarter ended Dec 31 rise 3.4% to RM11.04 million from RM10.68 million a year ago, thanks to higher revenue and lower expenses, but offset by absence of foreign exchange (forex) gains incurred in the same quarter a year ago. Quarterly earnings per share stood at 0.72 sen, against 0.76 sen in 2QFY18, according to its filing with Bursa Malaysia. It was the eighth consecutive profitable quarter for Hibiscus since the oil and gas outfit acquired its first producing asset - Anasuria Cluster - two years ago, the company said in a separate statement. - The Edge Markets

Read more at https://asia.nikkei.com/Markets/Nikkei-Markets/MALAYSIA-PRESS-News-Headlines-On-Thursday-February-22?page=1 & https://asia.nikkei.com/Markets/Nikkei-Markets/MALAYSIA-PRESS-News-Headlines-On-Thursday-February-22?page=2