Hassan welcomes new 12-party coalition, says good for democracy
Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim said Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin's announcement earlier today marked a 'positive development' for Malaysian democracy as the country heads towards the 16th general election, expected within two to three years.
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The Star
44 minutes ago
- The Star
A path for foreign parents
A SPECIAL criteria is being drawn up to allow non-citizen spouses separated from their Malaysian partners but who have children with Malaysian citizenship, to be considered for an entry permit. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said this move will support the family institution. 'It ensures that foreign spouses will not be separated from their children who have Malaysian citizenship,' he said in a written parliamentary reply. He said foreign nationals married to Malaysian citizens are entitled to have a Long Term Social Visit Pass allowing them to reside in Malaysia. The pass, he said, can be used to apply for an entry permit from the Immigration Department and later present an application for Permanent Resident (PR) status. 'If the marriage ends either due to the spouses' death or separation, the pass will no longer be given,' he added. Saifuddin Nasution said the ministry has taken several steps to overcome challenges in applying for the entry permit and reduce the difficulty in getting it once a foreign national separated from their Malaysian partner. This includes resolving the backlog of 19,205 entry permit applications between 2013 and 2023. Of the number, 14,918 comprised wives to Malaysian citizens while 4,287 comprise husbands. 'The criteria for entry permits has also been updated where foreign wives of Malaysian citizens can submit their applications after being married for three years and held a spouse visa for at least one year. 'For foreign husbands of Malaysian citizens, applications may be submitted after the applicant has been married for five years and has held a spouse visa for five years,' he said. The minister said a six-month timeframe will also be introduced to consider and make decisions on entry permit applications. 'This new SOP will take effect from Sept 1 this year,' he told Dr Taufiq Johari (PH-Sungai Petani) who asked if the ministry was considering a special avenue allowing foreign nationals with Malaysian children to obtain PR status.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
PKR sec-gen to be consulted on objection letter
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he would consult PKR secretary-general Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh on Umno's letter objecting to the admission of its former members into other parties within the unity government. 'We received the letter some time ago. I will check with the secretary-general,' he said after attending the Finance Ministry's monthly assembly yesterday. On Aug 17, PKR information chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed receipt of the letter, adding that the party's central leadership council was expected to deliberate on it by the end of the month. The objection came in the wake of Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz confirming his membership in PKR last week after leaving Umno. Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki was reported as saying that the letter was a symbolic protest, warning that such moves could strain ties within the fragile ruling coalition. The controversy erupted after Tengku Zafrul, who quit Umno in May and relinquished his posts as Kota Raja division chief and supreme council member, announced his membership in PKR's Ampang division. His application was formally accepted by the PKR leadership last month. Several Umno leaders had previously urged PKR not to admit the former finance minister, arguing that it would undermine trust among coalition partners. Earlier, in his address at the assembly, Anwar defended the appointment of Datuk M. Kumar as Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director, stressing that it is not a racial issue but one based on merit and the individual's ability to shoulder responsibility. 'There were even criticisms in Parliament, with some opposition MPs questioning how nearly 90% of personnel in the police's criminal division are Malays. 'Their chief is Kumar, an Indian. Whoever is capable should be given the space. The IGP is Malay, the deputy IGP is Malay and most of the directors are Malay. To me, this is not an issue.'
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Fighting fear with even greater love for country
Handle with care: Juraidah, an Orang Asli woman, preparing to put up a large Jalur Gemilang at her stall in Tanjung Harapan, Port Klang. — KK SHAM/The Star PORT KLANG: Wanting to create a festive environment to welcome the country's upcoming 68th National Day, a fishing village here has decorated its common area with the Jalur Gemilang and Selangor flags. Bagan Hailam headman Loo Cheng Boon, 57, said in previous years, the entire village used to be covered in flags, but this year, many had wanted the common gathering area to be decorated instead. 'Many residents fear being persecuted if something goes wrong, like the two recent incidents where flags were accidentally affixed upside down. 'Most of our elderly villagers, who own the homes here, have limited education and exposure, so they are easily intimidated by what they read in the media.' Recently, two incidents of the Jalur Gemilang being displayed upside down had courted controversy, with Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh initiating a gathering over the matter. The Malaysian flag was first accidentally flown upside down in a primary school in Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan, followed by another incident at a hardware shop in Kepala Batas, Penang. Meanwhile, Loo said with the common gathering area decorated with flags, residents could go there to usher in the National Day on Aug 31. The flags are also checked and monitored daily to ensure they are in the right order and condition. Another Bagan Hailam resident, who declined to be named, said he has put up a 'Merdeka' corner near his front door instead of putting up regular-sized flags like last year and in previous years. The decorated area consists of three small flags on a table with small potted plants. 'I used to fly the bigger flags but because we are by the sea; it is very windy here. 'I worry the winds may turn my flag around or cause some problems, and if someone sees it and puts it up on social media, it will mean trouble for me,' said the 65-year-old. Bagan Hailam receives many local tourists daily. Sia Swee Chu, one of the Hainanese fishing village's almost 400 residents, said it is important for all Malaysians to fly the Jalur Gemilang without any fear. 'We were all born here and will die here. This is our country. 'We have to show our appreciation for our nation during events like this,' she said. Sia said she feels a sense of warmth and belonging when people come together to bask in the National Day celebrations. The 57-year-old urged everyone not to fear negative perceptions and do what is necessary as loyal Malaysians. 'No need to be frightened of anyone. Just fly the Malaysian flag. It belongs to all of us,'' she said.
