Mosques, Surau Under Jakim And JAWI To Hold Special Prayer For Zara Qairina Tomorrow
Jakim director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee, in a statement, said the session is being held following instructions from Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.
He said the event is a gesture of love, solidarity and compassion towards the bereaved family, calling on all Muslims to attend.
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The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Akmal Saleh questioned by police over Kepala Batas assembly
KUALA LUMPUR: UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh gave his statement to police at Dang Wangi District Police Headquarters early today. The Merlimau assemblyman arrived at 11 pm yesterday and finished providing his statement at 1.25 am. His lawyer, Aizat Azam, confirmed Akmal answered around 80 questions during the investigation. The case involves a viral video posted on a Facebook account under the name 'Akmal Salleh'. Akmal is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Section 506 of the Penal Code, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. His lawyer stated that Akmal cooperated fully with the investigating officer. Akmal himself assured reporters of his commitment to assisting police in the probe. The investigation relates to an assembly held in Kepala Batas, Penang, last Thursday. Police earlier confirmed opening an inquiry into the viral video. - Bernama


Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Former newsman subscribes to 10 print newspapers daily
Media consultant and political analyst G Manimaran says many insights, especially detailed reports or archived material, are still best found in print. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR : We might be in the digital media age, but former journalist and editor G Manimaran still flips through the pages of not one – not two – but 10 newspapers daily. For the past 30 years, the 58-year-old media consultant and political analyst has spent over RM7,000 annually on print publications. Some might consider this excessive but, to him, it is a worthwhile investment in knowledge. 'I don't see it as a waste of money. Some say you can read news online for free, but not everything is available on portals. Many insights, especially detailed reports or archives, are still best found in print,' he told Bernama when met at his home recently. Growing up in Paloh, a small town in Kluang, Johor, Manimaran's hunger for knowledge began early. As a primary school pupil, he would save pocket money to buy a newspaper, then priced at 50 sen – a hefty sum for a child. 'When I worked as a journalist and editor, I would read at least six newspapers a day to keep up with developments and because of the competitive nature of news reporting,' he shared. Today, he subscribes to 10 Bahasa Malaysia, English and Tamil dailies, costing him about RM600 a month, and adds Chinese papers – solely for archival purposes as he does not read Mandarin – during major national events such as general elections or budget announcements. More than just reading material, newspapers are part of his identity and professional toolkit. His home houses a personal library stacked with archived clippings, election reports and books. Even while on vacation, he makes sure to catch up on every paper upon returning. 'I cut and keep clippings of important stories, especially on politics and policy. When I need to refer to something, I don't have to search online as I already have it. This habit has helped me immensely in writing and analysis,' he said. He has started passing on the habit to his 10-year-old daughter, encouraging her to embrace the same reading routine that fuelled his lifelong passion. Manimaran showing articles written by him during his time at Utusan Malaysia. (Bernama pic) Manimaran has written three books, including 'Pilihan Raya Demokrasi Malaysia: Tanding, Pilih, Menang & Tadbir', co-authored with former Election Commission chairman Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman. It was completed in just three months during the pandemic lockdowns. Three more books are expected in the coming months. His love for news was shaped in his youth watching 'wayang pacak' – outdoor screenings by the information department in the 1970s and 80s that entertained and informed rural communities. That early exposure, coupled with a fascination for current affairs, led him to a communications degree at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, an internship at Bernama, and a journalism career with Utusan Malaysia in 1991. 'Years of reading, archiving and analysing news naturally shaped my path into becoming a media consultant and analyst. It's all connected,' he noted. Manimaran acknowledges the challenges facing print media today but remains optimistic – provided the industry reinvents itself. 'The role of newspapers today should not just be about breaking news, as people get that online instantly. What's needed is value-added content, insightful analyses and exclusives,' he said, likening it to how traditional kopitiam outlets blend familiarity with innovation to survive. 'Maybe someday we will read news on our smartwatches, or newspapers may be printed in A4 format, which I saw in Cambodia in 2006. But the core – credible journalism – must stay,' he concluded.

Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
Academic Recognition Award Motivates Civil Servants To Pursue Higher Education
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- The Academic Recognition Award (HPA) initiative, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is expected to motivate civil servants to enhance their knowledge and pursue higher academic qualifications. Lecturer at the Centre for Social Science Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said the HPA acknowledges the efforts of civil servants who pursue further studies at their own expense and sends a clear signal of support for human capital development. 'Many civil servants who continue their studies on their own may feel more appreciated because there is an official recognition from the government. The HPA is seen as an encouragement, showing that lifelong learning is valued,' he said when contacted by Bernama. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his address at the 20th edition of the Majlis Amanat Perdana Perkhidmatan Awam (MAPPA XX) yesterday, announced that HPA would be granted as a one-time financial incentive to civil servants in the management, professional, and implementation groups who completed their studies at their own expense. The HPA incentive is set at RM1,250 for a doctorate, RM1,000 for a master's degree, RM750 for a bachelor's degree, and RM500 for a diploma or equivalent qualification, with a total allocation of RM75.7 million expected to benefit 91,672 civil servants. Sivamurugan noted that, although the award does not fully cover the cost of studies, it serves as a symbol of appreciation alongside other support measures such as flexible working hours, access to loans or grants, career recognition, and collaboration with higher learning institutions to offer relevant courses. He added that initiatives like the HPA are expected to enhance the technical competence and knowledge of civil servants, foster a culture of continuous learning, and strengthen the public sector's competitiveness in the digital era and in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. 'This measure helps build the image of an administration that is committed to reform, civil servant-friendly, and prioritises human capital as a driver of national progress,' said Sivamurugan. For Nur Suria Iskandar, 28, a teacher at a primary school, the incentive provided a boost of motivation and enthusiasm, as she had long aspired to pursue a master's degree.