Indigenous groups seek recognition to land rights, leadership role
The memorandum was presented by JOAS president Hellan Empaing Anak Chi Tungkat to National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang at the launch of the celebration at Tadom Hill Resort in Banting.
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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: Desecration of Jalur Gemilang
To fly the Jalur Gemilang upside down is an insult to the dignity of our beloved nation, but a hardware store owner in Kepala Batas, Penang, has done exactly that. And to do that just weeks before the country celebrates its National Day is like stabbing the very heart of the nation. Insult a man's dignity, he may forgive you. But insult the dignity of the nation, which the Jalur Gemilang is a symbol of, he will neither forgive you nor forget the disrespectful act. So will not the nation. The proof of this is the numerous police reports lodged around the country by loyal Malaysians and statements issued by national leaders. Disturbed as he was, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang took to X, urging the police to take firm action against the offender, stressing the need for the action to serve as a lesson to all. Flying the flag correctly is every citizen's responsibility as a sign of respect and love for the country, Bernama quoted him as saying. He is right. To fly the Jalur Gemilang incorrectly is to seek to blemish the sovereignty, dignity and unity of the nation. Such an abhorrent act mustn't be tolerated. Strongly worded condemnation was also issued by Penang PKR Youth chief Muhammad Zakwan Mustafa Kamal in a statement on Saturday. He said the act of flying the Jalur Gemilang upside down was disrespectful, irresponsible, and an insult to the dignity of the nation. He said if the act was proven to be deliberate, no compromise should be shown. We say the same, too. Zakwan also called on the hardware store owner to issue a public apology to all Malaysians. As this Leader goes to press, no such apology has been issued. The police are saying that there is a case for prosecution. The hardware shop owner, who was detained on Sunday and released on police bail later, is being investigated under Section 5 of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963, Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. If there is a case for prosecution, it is high time the authorities bring to bear the full brunt of the law on him to show how serious an insult to the dignity of the nation is. There have been far too many cases in the past, many of the culprits feigning ignorance. Utter incredulity must be the response. Even in the past, it wasn't the act of one who hadn't come of age. Or the act of one who suffered from some disease of the mind. Though the past acts showed clear disrespect for the dignity of the nation, we chose to adopt a softly, softly approach. The Kepala Batas incident proves to the authorities that such an approach was wrong. Nay it might have even encouraged it. If what the police investigation is saying is right, then the full brunt of the law must be brought to bear on him. Even ordinary crime demands punishment. Insulting the symbol of the dignity of a nation is no ordinary crime. As severe as it is, so must the punishment be.
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Malaysia's 2040 Aspiration in step with national unity mission, says minister
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's 2040 Aspiration announced recently by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reflects the nation's ambitions and aligns with the National Unity Ministry's mission to build a fair and united country, says Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang (pic) . The National Unity Minister said the vision for 2040 is of a sovereign, dignified Malaysia where citizens live in harmony, guided by social justice and the principles of the Rukun Negara. "Unity and solidarity must remain the foundation of national progress. "Building such a nation requires a strong social system rooted in Madani values and a shared national identity,' he said at the launch of the 2025 Harmony Week in conjunction with National Day at UCSI University in Cheras here on Monday (Aug 11). Also present were ministry secretary-general Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid and UCSI University president and vice-chancellor Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir. Aaron said developing Madani citizens will focus on education reform, instilling patriotism and strengthening identity, while efforts to build a progressive society will prioritise integration, goodwill and volunteerism. He added that future Malaysians will embrace diversity in religion, ethnicity and background as a unifying strength, with values such as respect, empathy and understanding preserved to maintain harmony. "The government is committed to ensuring a safe, peaceful and dignified life for all. "Let us make Malaysia's 2040 Aspiration our shared guide towards a harmonious, prosperous and competitive nation on the global stage,' he said. – Bernama
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Inverted flag issue: Don't jump to conclusions, says Unity Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: All parties are reminded not to rush to make assumptions regarding the recent viral incident in which the Malaysian flag was displayed upside down, says Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang ( pic ). The National Unity Minister said the act of displaying the Malaysian flag upside down is inappropriate and contrary to the proper protocol for flying the national flag as stipulated in the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963, but the actual cause of the incident must first be determined. "In the spirit of unity, we should not hastily make assumptions before the results of a complete investigation are available," he said in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Monday (Aug 11). Aaron said the incident could have been intentional or due to an error or public ignorance about the correct way to fly the Jalur Gemilang. He urged individuals, politicians and any other interested parties to avoid provocative acts or statements that could aggravate the situation. "We leave it to the authorities to investigate and decide on any appropriate action or penalties to be imposed. "Nevertheless, it serves as an important reminder to all of us to better understand and appreciate the national symbols. Love for the country should be expressed in the right way and with full respect," he said. At the same time, Aaron stressed that the public should not be afraid or hesitant to put up the flag following the incident, but instead take the opportunity to learn the proper protocol and continue to support the Communications Ministry's "1 House, 1 Jalur Gemilang" campaign in conjunction with the National Month celebrations. He said the National Unity and Integration Department has been instructed to carry out an awareness campaign in Rukun Tetangga areas, as well as through the Rukun Negara Club and Rukun Negara Secretariat, to ensure the public truly understands the correct way to fly the national flag. - Bernama Saya tentunya kesal berkenaan insiden penggantungan bendera Malaysia secara terbalik yang telah menimbulkan pelbagai reaksi dalam kalangan rakyat. Tindakan tersebut sememangnya tidak wajar dan boleh dianggap sebagai satu kesalahan yang memberi gambaran negatif terhadap semangat… — Aaron Ago Dagang (@AaronAgoDagang) August 11, 2025
