Focus on developing Malaysia, not restricting freedom of speech
ARTICLE 10(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution guarantees every Malaysian citizen the right to freedom of speech and expression. This constitutional right ensures that all citizens have the freedom to voice their opinions and share their thoughts.
However, this fundamental right seems to be under threat. Recently, several prominent figures and political analysts have faced pressure following their statements or content shared on social media, particularly when discussing issues related to government policies.
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Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
Saudi Lets Off 47 M'sian Pilgrims With Warning
KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- The 47 Malaysian pilgrims who violated the haj permit regulation after being duped by a local agent were only given a warning by the Saudi Arabian government. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said the pilgrims' release was due to the consistent discipline and good track record shown by Malaysian haj pilgrims in the Holy Land. 'Our number (of pilgrims involved) is small compared to other countries, and Malaysia has always maintained a good track record. 'Based on the information I have, there were no fines imposed, meaning the Saudi government has given them a chance and only issued a warning,' he told reporters. He was speaking at the PPZ-MAIWP Kasih Medik programme, which involved a financial aid contribution for patient transportation at the Batu Muda MAIWP-PICOMS Hemodialysis Centre here today. Mohd Na'im noted that Malaysia continues to enjoy various privileges and relaxations from the Saudi government, including the early issuance of the Nusuk card - a facility not extended to pilgrims from other countries. 'That is why I urge everyone not to let one mistake jeopardise future privileges for other Malaysian pilgrims,' he said. Mohd Na'im also advised Malaysians to learn from this incident and to only use official channels when performing the haj. The media previously reported that the pilgrimage of 47 senior citizens turned into an ordeal after they were duped by a local agent, forcing them to take risky routes to reach Makkah from Jeddah due to Saudi Arabia's strict enforcement against unauthorised haj pilgrims.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Asean urged to set minimum wage standard, provide stronger support to keep women in workforce
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and other Asean member countries should collectively establish a minimum wage standard to prevent the bloc from undercutting one another with lower salaries. 'It is important that Malaysia and Asean economies collectively set a floor to ensure there is no race-to-the-bottom in wage suppression as women will be most hurt,' Investment, Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong said in his speech at the Women Economic Forum Asean 2025 today. He pointed out that the theme for Malaysia's Asean chairmanship in 2025 is 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', reflecting its commitment to ensuring shared progress and prosperity across the region, leaving no one behind as it aims to achieve stability and resilience. Liew said Malaysia's female labour participation rate remains low at 56%, compared to 82.9% for men, which is lower than many of the Southeast Asian economies. He said the Malaysian economy has been depending on unskilled and cheap foreign labour for the last three decades, which has kept wages low and made businesses less likely to hire women. 'If there are too many foreign workers, the salaries will be lower, and it will no longer be attractive to women entering the formal sector. That is a challenge that we have to deal with as a nation.' Liew said the nation needs more skilled workers and a higher wage level to attract more women into the formal labour market. 'A tight labour market will encourage employers to pay more attention to making it more attractive for women to join the workforce.' Liew highlighted that 65% of Malaysian public university students are women, indicating a higher enrolment rate of women compared to men. 'However, the balance changes upon these graduates entering the workforce.' Therefore, Liew called for stronger support systems to help women remain in the workforce over the long term. 'We need to have a stronger childcare, aged care and overall healthcare structure to support women in the workforce. We need a strong care economy.' Liew also said Malaysia is an example of high women's participation in economic decision-making at the higher level, but a low overall female labour participation rate. In Malaysia, women account for 58% of the civil service, and 42% of senior positions (JUSA/Super Scale C and above), a figure Liew described as 'quite high among developing countries'. Liew said 69% of staff are women within the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry. He added that Malaysia mandates 30% female representation on public-listed company boards since 2023, with high compliance so far. The Women Economic Forum Asean 2025, organised by Yayasan Bina Kesejahteraan with the support of Miti was graced by Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, wife of the prime minister, and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Shariff.
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Govt monitoring Malaysian students in Iran
LANGKAWI: The Higher Education Ministry will continue to closely monitor Malaysian students currently in Iran to ensure their safety and well-being. Its Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir said it had so far identified seven Malaysian students currently in Iran, although the exact number remains uncertain as some are there under self-sponsorship. "We will continue to monitor the situation closely, and our team will work in coordination with the Foreign Ministry. Based on the information available during my visit to Iran a few weeks ago, we identified seven Malaysian students there. "Even though they are not registered with the ministry, as Malaysians, it is our responsibility to be concerned for their well-being and ensure we know their whereabouts. "We will continue to monitor the situation," he said in a press conference after the Asean Higher Education Ministers' Roundtable Conference here today. Yesterday, the ministry urged all Malaysian students currently in Iran to leave the country immediately, following the escalating conflict in the region. Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, reportedly said that Malaysian students had been identified as studying in Qom and Isfahan. Foreign Ministry said it was working to evacuate Malaysians, including embassy staff, from Iran. The evacuation plan involves overland travel northeast of Tehran towards the Turkmenistan border.
