Voicing concerns should not be viewed as spreading lies, says MCA
BY infringing upon the privacy of Malaysians, the actions of the Madani government warrants condemnation in the highest terms. Not only has it violated our personal liberties but it has also deployed the police to investigate and intimidate those who dare to speak out – a clear attempt to create a climate of fear and silence public discourse.
This so-called unity government that champions the Madani concept has been in power for less than three years. Yet in this brief period, it has utterly betrayed the "reformasi" ideals it once brandished for over two decades. What was once a rallying cry for justice has now descended into a cruel joke.
Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.
RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month
Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.
Free Trial
For new subscribers only
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Focus Malaysia
an hour ago
- Focus Malaysia
Bersatu urges halt to tax, fuel and TNB hikes
PERIKATAN Nasional's information chief Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin has strongly criticised the Madani government's plan to implement three major economic measures in mid-2025: the expansion of the sales and service tax (SST) scope, an increase in the base electricity tariff, and the introduction of a targeted RON95 fuel subsidy. In a Facebook post on Saturday (June 14), Radzi said these actions reflect a lack of a clear and comprehensive taxation policy framework. 'The action of increasing the SST rate from 6% to 8% and expanding its scope in 2024, followed by further expansion in 2025 – which significantly increases the number of taxed goods and services – indicates that the government lacks a holistic and clear taxation framework,' he said. He warned that the cumulative effect of these policies would place additional pressure on both the public and the business community. 'Rising energy costs, combined with an expanded tax burden, are significantly affecting the public,' he said. 'The government should be empathetic and understand the hardships faced by the people.' Radzi urged the government to establish a comprehensive, systematic, and well-organised social safety net to cushion the impact of rising energy and living costs. 'Rather than taking the easy route of implementing policies without a clear framework solely to boost national revenue, the government should prioritise empathetic governance that considers the people's struggles,' he stressed. He also pointed to the adverse effects of similar policies in 2024, such as the SST rate hike and the 56% increase in diesel prices, which, he said, had already led to rising living costs and higher production and operational expenses for businesses. 'The year 2025 begins with higher prices for goods and services, especially due to the expanded SST and the previous diesel price hike. These policies have significantly affected consumers and industry players alike.' In addition, he highlighted the minimum wage increase as another cost pressure on businesses. These rising costs, he warned, could have long-term inflationary effects. 'It is a common phenomenon that once the prices of goods and services increase in the market, they rarely decrease again,' he noted. Radzi also cited external factors, including global economic uncertainty caused by geopolitical tensions and potential trade wars, such as the United States's proposed reciprocal tariffs, which could further exacerbate the situation. He concluded by urging the Madani government to adopt a clear, long-term taxation strategy and to strengthen social protections instead of relying on short-term, revenue-driven policies that burden the rakyat and businesses.
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Teachers to get an upgrade
KUALA LUMPUR: A new initiative that will see nearly 400,000 educators trained in artificial intelligence (AI) applications has been announced as part of a move to modernise Malaysia's teaching force. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the programme, titled 'AI for Educators', will be implemented in collaboration with the Education Ministry. Involving 395,000 educators, the programme aims not only to equip teachers with technical AI skills but also to deepen their understanding of ethical considerations in using such technologies in the classroom. 'Our teachers are the frontliners in human capital development. 'They must be empowered with the latest knowledge and tools to prepare our people for the challenges of the AI era. 'This reflects not only the commitment of the Human Resources Ministry but also the wider commitment of the Madani government to ensuring our educators lead the way,' he said in his speech at the National Training Week (NTW) 2025 summit in Bukit Jalil here yesterday. Sim also revealed that this year's NTW had surpassed all expectations with over two million Malaysians participating in the free training sessions, double the initial target of one million. 'This is the third year we are organising the NTW and it has grown in scale and impact. 'Last year, we reached around 300,000 participants. This year, we've gone beyond our target even during the launch week,' he added. According to Sim, over 71,000 free training sessions were offered across the country, with more than 40% of them focused on Industry 4.0-related skills, including digital tools, automation and emerging technologies. He also extended an invitation to citizens from across Asean, saying that this year's NTW was open not just to Malaysians but also to participants from neighbouring countries, a move in line with Malaysia's role as Asean Chair this year. 'This is our commitment to building regional human capital and strengthening cooperation in a rapidly evolving economic landscape,' he said.
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Malaysians urged to remain vigilant against foreign proxies
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians must remain vigilant against individuals acting as proxies for foreign powers, warns Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Delivering a strongly worded speech at the National Training Week 2025 summit here yesterday, Anwar emphasised Malaysia's unwavering commitment to sovereignty and justice, urging the public to reject subversive elements. 'Let there be no instigators. Do not allow provocateurs or foreign agents to undermine what we have built. 'There are those who, out of envy or on behalf of foreign powers, aim to destabilise our country and erode our values,' he said. Anwar referred to a 2022 incident in which a Malaysian couple allegedly assisted operatives from the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad in entering the country via Thailand. 'I commend our police force for successfully arresting and charging those involved,' he said. Anwar also stressed that a true 'Negara Madani' must uphold both national sovereignty and moral clarity, particularly on global issues such as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 'Just yesterday (Friday), Israel launched another brutal assault. We strongly condemn such attacks. 'How is it that one country is permitted to commit such acts of violence repeatedly and with impunity? 'What's more troubling is when people in Malaysia, an independent nation, are afraid to speak out,' he said. He urged Malaysian youth to be discerning and not easily swayed by what they see online. 'Do not be naive. Do not be deceived by what you see on social media,' he said. Anwar's remarks came amid Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which he condemned as part of a long-standing pattern of aggression. Reaffirming Malaysia's position, he said the country's principled stance on Gaza would not be compromised, regardless of external pressure. 'This is what it means to be a Negara Madani. We do not care whether certain countries approve or not,' he said.
