Preserve cultural values during Kaamatan
In his Pesta Kaamatan message today, Tun Musa highlighted that festival remains a vital celebration that demonstrates gratitude for bountiful rice harvests, reflecting the agricultural heritage of local communities.
'This festival is still an integral part of our local culture, and the communities here respect and celebrate it. It has contributed to strengthening friendship among the various indigenous and ethnic groups in Sabah and in deepening understanding of the specific differences in cultural practices,' he said.
The Governor also praised Sabah's resilience in maintaining its traditional values while embracing diversity.
'We remain a melting pot with our diverse ethnic groups who live in harmony. The unity that we enjoy in Sabah is an example for Malaysia,' he remarked.
Tun Musa also expressed pride in Sabah's unique heritage, noting its significance not only for Malaysians but also for the global community.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Tunku Azizah launches book on dual legal system governing Islamic finance
KUALA LUMPUR: Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah today graced the launch of the book, From Shariah to Statute: Legal and Regulatory Framework of Islamic Finance in Malaysia, which provides a comprehensive overview of Malaysia's unique dual legal system governing the Islamic finance sector. The book launch was held in conjunction with the professorial lecture delivered by Prof Datin Dr Nurdianawati Irwani Abdullah, a finance lecturer at the International Islamic University Malaysia's (IIUM) Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences. Tunku Azizah's arrival, as the Constitutional Head of the university, was warmly received by IIUM Rector Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Osman Bakar and Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. The book, From Shariah to Statute: Legal and Regulatory Framework of Islamic Finance in Malaysia, explains the relationship between Syariah principles and statutory laws, highlighting the roles of key regulatory authorities, core legislations, and institutional mechanisms that uphold Syariah compliance, financial integrity, and consumer protection. The book also explores recent regulatory developments, including licensing and supervision of digital Islamic banks and takaful operators, alongside Malaysia's ongoing efforts to promote sustainability, innovation, and legal harmonisation within the Islamic finance ecosystem. Meanwhile, during her lecture titled '1 Malaysian, 1 Takaful Dream: Too Far to Reach?', Nurdianawati highlighted the pressing need for comprehensive health protection amid rising medical inflation, which surged to 12.6 per cent in 2023, more than double the global average, hence putting significant strain on household expenditures. She noted that takaful penetration remains low at around 20 per cent, with over 90 per cent of Malaysians lacking adequate coverage, and more than 85 per cent of small and medium enterprises without suitable protection. At the same time, she said nearly 70 per cent of Malaysians still rely on overcrowded public hospitals, where waiting times can exceed 24 hours, while private healthcare costs continue to rise. In response, Nurdianawati proposed a comprehensive action plan aimed at achieving the national goal of '1 Malaysian, 1 Takaful' by 2026, not merely a vision but a shared social responsibility. 'Achieving '1 Malaysian, 1 Takaful' requires cross-sector collaboration involving government agencies, takaful operators, employers, zakat and waqf bodies, and civil society. This is no longer optional but a social obligation to prevent anyone from falling into poverty due to illness. 'This plan targets increasing takaful penetration to 40 per cent by 2028. With strong commitment and thorough implementation, the dream of ensuring every Malaysian has basic health protection can be realised,' she added. - Bernama
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Mandatory retirement age review gains support from employers, ageing advocates
KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal to review Malaysia's mandatory retirement age has gained support from employers and ageing advocacy groups, who are calling for a flexible, sector-sensitive approach with adequate safeguards for both older and younger workers. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) yesterday, said the government would review the retirement age as the nation transitions towards an ageing society. Senior Citizens Advisory Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the review was timely and necessary, given Malaysia's increasing life expectancy and a growing number of older citizens who remain active and capable. "Sixty is too young to retire in this day and age. With the average lifespan now exceeding 75, people still want to contribute, and many need to continue working to support themselves or their families," he said. Lee said the government should consider raising the age gradually, for instance, to 63 first, and then move towards 65 with proper study and stakeholder input. He also advocated for a flexible retirement model where those who wish to retire can do so, while those willing and able to work may continue. "Many seniors are still fit, of sound mind, and eager to stay productive. They bring years of experience that can be channelled through roles like mentorship or advisory work," he said. Addressing concerns that an extended retirement age may affect youth employment, Lee said the government must focus on expanding job creation to avoid intergenerational friction. "If the government can generate the 1.2 million jobs projected under the plan, both older and younger Malaysians can be meaningfully absorbed into the labour force," he said. He also urged the swift introduction of the long-proposed Senior Citizens Act to enshrine protections for elderly Malaysians, including employment rights, healthcare access, and public mobility. Meanwhile, Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) president Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said the move was "sound and forward-looking" but must not be implemented as a blanket policy. He said MEF supports retaining capable older workers, especially in knowledge-based or strategic roles, but warned that physically demanding jobs in sectors such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing may not be suitable for employees beyond 60. "Without proper structure, extending the retirement age could lead to safety risks, productivity losses, and higher medical claims," he said. He added that older workers may also face challenges in adapting to fast-paced technological changes without sustained, accessible upskilling initiatives. Syed Hussain said while the extension could reduce dependency on retirement savings and preserve medical coverage, it might also slow promotion pipelines and limit wage growth for younger workers. "To move forward, we recommend a flexible policy based on health, performance, and job suitability — not a blanket extension," he said. MEF also called for structured role transitions, such as fixed-term contracts and mentorship roles, alongside tax relief incentives for seniors who remain employed. "With the right safeguards and support, this policy can help Malaysia harness the full potential of its ageing workforce without compromising youth employment or business competitiveness," he said.
The Star
10 hours ago
- The Star
Display Jalur Gemilang correctly with respect and pride, Negri MB urges public
SEREMBAN: Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun has urged the public to display the Jalur Gemilang correctly. He said properly flying the flag not only reflects patriotic spirit but also demonstrates respect for the nation and unity among the people, especially ahead of the National Day. "We have been independent for 68 years, so let us not create controversy through incidents where the flag is featured on social media in ways that do not follow the correct guidelines. "Fly the flag in its complete and proper form, anywhere and everywhere, with pride. Hoist it with respect and decorum, as this reflects our values as Malaysians,' he said when launching the state-level Fly the Jalur Gemilang Campaign here on Friday (Aug 1). He said the spirit of patriotism must be embraced by all, and should not be dismissed as irrelevant in today's context. Aminuddin said the youth must be nurtured with a sound understanding of history, instilled with a sense of responsibility and guided to become respectful and courteous citizens who are confident in voicing their views. Earlier, all district officers across Negeri Sembilan received the Jalur Gemilang as a symbolic gesture marking the launch of the flag-raising campaign in their respective districts. — Bernama
