GRS to meet soon on state election: CM
Published on: Thursday, June 05, 2025
Published on: Thu, Jun 05, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji and others inspect the sacrificial cows handed over to recipients on Thursday. - Pic by CMD TUARAN: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin's remarks on only considering cooperation with GRS after the 17th State Election were merely the latter's personal opinion. He added that GRS had not made any decisions and its Supreme Council would meet soon to discuss seat allocation, coalition partners, and overall strategy for the election.
Advertisement Earlier, Hajiji presented 200 sacrificial cows in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha at the Bajau Samah Cultural Centre in Kampung Lok Batik. The recipients included representatives of mosques and suraus here, NGOs, and state and district agencies. Hajiji said the ritual symbolises not only devotion to God but also unity, sincerity, and mutual care within the Muslim community. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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Daily Express
35 minutes ago
- Daily Express
Federal recognition sought: Also Federal leaders participation in Double Six remembrance events
Published on: Saturday, June 07, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 07, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey, Lorena Binisol Text Size: Kota Kinabalu: Two Sabah leaders called for greater federal participation and recognition of the Double Six tragedy, which claimed the lives of 11 people in a Nomad plane crash on 6.6.1976, including Chief Minister Tun Fuad Stephens and half of his newly-elected Berjaya Cabinet. State Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin suggested that representatives from the Federal Government be invited to future memorials, particularly the 50th anniversary next year. Advertisement He was representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at the event, Friday. Speaking at a press conference after the memorial ceremony on Friday, Ellron said broader involvement from the national level would reflect the importance of the tragedy not only to Sabah but also the nation's political history. The secrecy imposed on the findings into the crash was lifted by both the Malaysian and Australian governments after 46 years in 2022 by consent of the Anwar administration following a special series of investigative reports by Daily Express, which won for its Editor James Sarda and Senior reporter Sherell Jeffrey the naugural National Investigative Journalism Award by the Malaysian Press Institute. A special Youtube video documentary was also produced by Dexter Yeh, on behalf of Daily Express. The findings pointed to pilot error and overloading as likely causes. It also confirmed that Johari Stephens, a son of Fuad, was in the co-pilot seat, despite it being a VVIP flight. Two major events that followed almost immediately after the tragedy was the signing of the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) with Sabah being the final signatory. It vested ownership of Sabah's oil and gas resources on Petronas and the state receiving 5pc royalty from the sales. Secondly, the status of Sabah and Sarawak was also reduced from that of equal partners with Malaya and Singapore at the time of Malaysia's formation to that of one of the 14 states. However, the equal status was restored by the administration of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri through a federal constitution amendment in 2022. Both controversial measures were effected during the Tun Hussein Onn administration. Ellron also called for greater youth engagement, saying young people should be made aware of the sacrifices and history tied to the tragedy. This year, a poetry competition was held as part of the commemoration which drew 132 entries from budding writers. 'It's encouraging to see such enthusiasm. But moving forward, we should involve secondary school and university students more directly in the annual event,' Ellron said. The memorial ceremony, organised by City Hall (DBKK), drew attendees from various backgrounds including state leaders, city officials, family members of the victims and members of the public. Wreaths were laid at the Double Six Monument, followed by a moment of silence to honour the 11 lives lost. Also present were State Minister of Industrial Development Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, Deputy State Assembly Speaker Datuk Richard Yong We Kong and other state officials. The Nomad aircraft crashed into the sea near Kampung Sembulan, just two km from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, shortly after departing from Labuan. Meanwhile at a separate remembrance event in Donggonggon, Penampang, one of the sons of Datuk Peter Mojuntin, who was among the victims, hoped the tragedy would be included in school textbooks. Datuk Donald Mojuntin said the younger generation should understand the significance of the event. 'It changed the course of Sabah's leadership, and should be acknowledged in Malaysian history books so that future generations know what happened on this date,' he said. The remembrance ceremony took place at the statue of Peter, where some present said June 6 should also be declared a public holiday. Donald stressed the need for federal recognition, saying the tragedy should not only be remembered by Sabahans but acknowledged by all Malaysians. He also proposed the setting up of a foundation to support the education of native Sabahans. Donald suggested that monetary contributions or funding be directed toward the Foundation to assist Sabah students in pursuing higher studies. 'In remembering Double Six, we are also helping the new generation continue their education with the foundation being realised,' he said. He thanked the state government for its continuous support in ensuring the well-being of victims' families, particularly those seeking education opportunities. 'All we want is for this incident to be recognised. The federal government should consider officially acknowledging it and channelling funding into the Foundation dedicated in assisting needy families in Sabah so they can further their studies,' he said.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Unity and harmony above all else
KUALA LUMPUR: Hari Raya Aidiladha greetings from all corners of the world were received by Malaysia as Muslims prepare to mark the event today. Through the Istana Negara Facebook page, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, extended their Aidiladha greetings to all Muslims in the country. 'Their Majesties also hope that the sacrificial ritual (korban) will be carried out well, and will be one that is blessed and acceptable to Allah SWT. 'May this spirit of sacrifice continue to unite the people harmoniously, bringing forth love and universal values of humanity,' said the royal couple yesterday. Their Majesties also said they are praying for the safety of all haj pilgrims so that they may always be well and blessed with a most enriching experience. In a series of Facebook posts this week, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that greetings were also received from Iran, Turkiye and Pakistan. In a phone call with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday, Anwar said it is his prayer that haj pilgrims from both nations would be granted a blessed haj and contribute to the development of the ummah upon returning to their respective countries. He also expressed gratitude to Masoud for facilitating the repatriation of two Malaysian citizens previously detained in Iran, as well as the cordial treatment according to Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir during their recent visit to Teheran as part of joint efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation. 'In the same discussion, Malaysia welcomes the decision to resume Mahan Air flights from Teheran to Kuala Lumpur, which will undoubtedly open more opportunities for economic ties and people-to-people connections,' he said. In a separate post, Anwar said he received a phone call from Turkyish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday, during which they discussed the suffering of the Palestinian people, among others. 'We agreed that while the world chooses to remain silent and selective about the plight of Gaza's people, we cannot stand idly by. 'Malaysia fully supports President Erdogan's stance to utilise all available platforms and capabilities to defend the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people,' he said. Anwar said they also discussed Erdogan's recent official visit to Malaysia, which he described as the most successful in the history of Turkiye-Malaysia ties. 'I view the visit as a manifestation of the alignment of values and the clear direction both nations share in upholding justice, sovereignty and the development of the global ummah,' the Prime Minister said, adding that he also received Aidiladha greetings from Erdogan. Yesterday, Anwar also took a call from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is himself performing the haj. 'I conveyed the wish for both Pakistan and India to achieve meaningful and lasting peace, in order to assure regional stability. And I hope that PM Shehbaz's official visit to Malaysia can be rescheduled as soon as his domestic situation allows it,' said Anwar on Facebook. In Mecca, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said the haj is a powerful platform for unity and a symbol of universal solidarity that can restore the strength of the Muslim ummah if it is embraced with sincerity and deep understanding. He said as Muslims around the world face increasing division due to narrow-minded ideologies and a fading sense of brotherhood, the spirit of haj must be embraced to rekindle the values of love, mutual respect and fraternity among the faithful, he said in a Bernama report on Thursday. 'If we reflect with open hearts, we will see that haj is a commanding symbol of unity for Muslims worldwide. Look at the millions of people from different races, skin colours, cultures and languages gathering in one place, facing one qiblah, calling out one name: Allah SWT. 'There are no titles, no castes, no worldly pride. All that remains are two pieces of white cloth and hearts humbled before the Creator. Here, Islam abolishes discrimination and upholds true justice, that a person's worth lies not in appearance or wealth but in piety and righteous deeds,' he said. Mohd Na'im also reminded pilgrims to safeguard their safety and belongings to avoid anything that could jeopardise their haj experience. 'Pilgrims are also reminded to practise tolerance and give mutual assistance, and to avoid any kind of dispute that may undermine the spiritual essence of haj,' he said. Earlier, Mohd Na'im spent time visiting the accommodation tents and mingling with Muassasah pilgrims here. Malaysia received a haj quota of 31,600 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia for this haj season. In Kuala Lumpur, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the Aidiladha celebration should serve as a moment of heartfelt reflection on the meaning of sacrifice in the context of humanity and unity. He said the celebration is not just about the ritual of sacrifice, but also a symbol of sincerity and solidarity. 'These values are vital in building a peaceful and harmonious nation,' he said in a Facebook post yesterday. Yesterday, Anwar joined in the takbir raya at Surau Al-Ikhwan, Jalan Pinggiran Putra at Putrajaya, where Imam Mustafa Kamal Abdullah led the ceremony attended by more than 500 worshippers after Friday prayers. Accompanied by Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Anwar arrived at the mosque at 1pm after having lunch at Restoran Pak Zain Patin in Dengkil.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Aidiladha calls for reflection on sacrifice and unity
KUALA LUMPUR: The Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration should serve as a moment of heartfelt reflection on the meaning of sacrifice in the context of humanity and unity, said National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. He said the celebration is not just about the ritual of sacrifice, but also a symbol of sacrifice, sincerity and solidarity. 'These values are vital in building a peaceful and harmonious nation,' he said in a Facebook post today. Aaron also extended Hari Raya Aidiladha greetings to all Muslims in the country. Muslims in Malaysia will celebrate Aidiladha tomorrow. Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri called on all Muslims to embrace the true meaning of sacrifice, not only through acts of worship but also through efforts to strengthen unity, nurture compassion, and uphold the well-being of the people. 'Aidiladha teaches us that sacrifices made with sincerity and piety form the foundation of a united and prosperous society. 'I pray that this year's sacrificial rites will be accepted by Him and mark the beginning of a more blessed, harmonious and principled life. Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha to all Muslims,' she said in a post on Facebook. Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the blessed occasion served as a reminder of the true meaning of sacrifice, sincerity, and obedience. 'Aidiladha also unites our hearts in the spirit of giving and caring for others. May the sacrificial rites performed be a reflection of our gratitude and empathy towards those in need. 'To the pilgrims, the 'duyufurrahman' (guests of Allah) currently in the Holy Land, we pray that all your rituals will be eased and that your haj is accepted as 'haj mabrur',' she said. She also prayed that this sacred day be celebrated with gratitude, serenity, and togetherness, and expressed hope that the spirit of Aidiladha would give all Muslims the strength to continue serving and strengthening humanitarian values in daily life. Meanwhile, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad posted on Facebook that Hari Raya Aidiladha was not merely a celebration but a call of humanity, sacrifice and loyalty that spanned the ages. Aidiladha served as a reminder to remain healthy as our bodies belong to Allah SWT, and Muslims must sacrifice by refraining from harmful habits and live a healthy life in gratitude for His blessing, he added. 'As the world faces various crises of unfairness, human suffering and diminishing values, Aidiladha invites us to return to the basics of honest worship, sharing transparently and fighting for justice in our daily lives,' he wrote. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek shared that Aidiladha this year would mark a new chapter in life to continue to be strong and virtuous in any struggle or sacrifice. 'May the pilgrims performing their Haj in the Holy Land be blessed with the strength to carry out the rituals,' she said. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said that Hari Raya Aidiladha reminded people about true loyalty and integrity, how Prophet Ibrahim A S and Prophet Ismail A S noble sacrifices served as virtuous examples to Allah SWT. 'May this spirit of sacrifice deepen piety, self-awareness, and strengthen obedience to Allah SWT, and to all the Haj pilgrims, we entrust our prayers that you be granted health, safety, and bestowed with an accepted Haj,' he added.
