Latest news with #68thIndependenceDay
Sinar Daily
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
PM's Department, Sinar Harian join forces to tackle fake news and misinformation
The initiative is also intended to encourage constructive, informed and intellectually enriching public discourse. Ahmad Ammar (second from left) presented a token of appreciation to Zamri (second from right) as a gesture of gratitude. SHAH ALAM – The Prime Minister's Department (PMD) conveyed its willingness to explore potential collaboration with Karangkraf in a nationwide initiative to counter slander and misinformation, while also helping to communicate key government policies to the public. Its Corporate Communications deputy director Ahmad Ammar Othman said the initiative is also intended to encourage constructive, informed and intellectually enriching public discourse. 'The PMD's visit to Karangkraf provided valuable insight into the inner workings, challenges and pulse of Sinar Harian's newsroom. 'It also created a platform for transparent dialogue, allowing us to share government updates and plans directly,' he said after leading a site visit with 13 PMD officers to the Karangkraf headquarters on Tuesday. The Prime Minister's Department joined Sinar Harian in singing the national anthem, Jalur Gemilang, in celebration of the upcoming 68th Independence Day. The visit also coincided with a symbolic celebration of Malaysia's 68th Independence Day, where attendees sang Jalur Gemilang and waved the national flag in unity. Ammar also expressed hopes that this engagement would serve as the foundation for a stronger and more enduring collaboration between the two organisations. Karangkraf Group Advisor Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub (seventh from right) posed for a group photo with the Prime Minister's Department delegation at the Karangkraf building on Tuesday. He highlighted that the PMD's Corporate Communications Unit remains open to continuous engagement and is ready to serve as a primary source of verification and information related to government policies. 'We believe the roles of government and media may differ, but we share a common goal, to see Malaysia thrive in peace, prosperity and progress. 'We hope this relationship continues to grow, built on mutual respect and professional trust,' he said. He also emphasised Sinar Harian's significance as a trusted news outlet in an increasingly complex media landscape, where misinformation is a growing challenge. Karangkraf Group Advisor, Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub (third from right), welcoming the delegation from the Prime Minister's Department during their visit to the Karangkraf building on Tuesday. 'Karangkraf's efforts in educating and providing clarity to the public represent a meaningful service to the nation,' he added. Meanwhile, Sinar Harian Group editor-in-chief Zamri Rambli described the visit as a gesture of friendship and cooperation that should be nurtured in the future. Karangkraf Group Advisor Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub (third from right) hosted the Prime Minister's Department delegation during their visit to the Karangkraf building on Tuesday. 'Although the PMO is based in Putrajaya and Karangkraf operates from Shah Alam, we function within the same ecosystem. 'What matters is that we achieve mutual understanding for the collective good,' he said.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
79th Independence Day: A look at 1st I-day speeches of India's last four PMs
India is set to mark its 79th Independence Day on August 15 (Friday), with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the celebrations with his early morning address to nation from the Red Fort in Delhi. Like every year, the event will start off with the unfurling of national flag, followed by the PM's address from the ramparts of the iconic monument. As India awaits PM Modi's 12th I-Day speech, let us have a look at the first I-day speeches of last 4 PMs India had. In his first ever Independence Day speech as a Prime Minister in 2014, Modi, who had recently taken charge of India, spoke of taking India to newer heights. Referring to the 68th Independence Day, he said: 'This National festival inspires us to resolve ourselves to lead a life where our character gets refined further, to dedicate ourselves to the nation and our every activity is linked to the interest of the nation and only then this festival of freedom can be a festival of inspiration to take India to newer heights.' Dr Manmohan Singh, who was sworn in as a Prime Minister in 2004, addressed his first Independence Day speech in that year, where he emphasised the need for good governance and 'code of conduct for political parties and everyone in public life' to uphold the 'values enshrined in the constitution'. He underlined that the power of the people is greater than the power of any government. Atal Bihari Vajpayee's first I-day speech as PM in 1998 came just a few months after the Pokhran tests. Crediting former PM Indira Gandhi for laying the foundation for these tests, Vajpayee reiterated that nuclear tests were not meant for war. He also spoke about resolving all issues with Pakistan and China through discussions. Inder Kumar Gujral's first and last address as India's Prime Minister coincided with India completing 50 years of Independence on August 15, 1997. Gujral used the occassion to call for a 'satyagraha' against corruption. He admitted the 'hesitation' in Indian politics to give equal space to women and advocated for equal rights to men and women thereby making gender equity a key theme of his speech.
Sinar Daily
08-08-2025
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Fadillah, Abang Jo among those fit to become Prime Minister from Sarawak
The year 2025 marks Malaysia's 68th Independence Day and 62nd Malaysia Day celebration. For over six decades, Malaysians have lived together as one sovereign, independent nation. Yet, questions still linger over the true extent of unity, not only in terms of race, religion and culture, but also in the relationship between Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. Today's political climate showed that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) was not only dominant in Sarawak but has also emerged as a new political force in Malaysia. With 62 years as part of Malaysia, can Sarawak or Sabah one day produce a Prime Minister from Borneo? In an exclusive interview with journalist Haizir Othman, Kapit MP and Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi shared his views during the Interviu programme held at the Karangkraf Complex in Shah Alam. Sinar Harian: After more than 60 years of independence, the issue of development imbalance between regions still persists. In your view, have we achieved true unity among the people across all regions? Nantha: If we take 'true unity' as the keyword, frankly, I would say no, we have not yet reached the level of unity we should have, even after more than 60 years as one Malaysia. Why do I say that? There is still a clear sentiment in Sarawak and Sabah that there's dissatisfaction over the level of development we have received. By now, these matters should have been settled. For example, we only recently got the Pan Borneo Highway. In Sarawak, it is completed, but in Sabah, a new phase has just begun. And that's just the main highway, rural roads are still lacking. Much of Sarawak and Sabah still need basic infrastructure. Clean treated water hasn't reached all remote villages and communication issues remain. That's why you often hear sentiments that Sarawak and Sabah deserve more allocations. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has been very firm in saying, 'It's time for Sarawak.' If we cannot rely on federal leaders, then let us do it ourselves with the resources we have. There are also renewed discussions on matters agreed under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), as we now want to leverage the status given under the agreement. Sinar Harian: How do you balance Sarawak's regional demands with your collective responsibility as a Cabinet minister to support the current government for the sake of stability? Nantha: It's not a big challenge. While Sarawak is led by GPS with the slogan 'Sarawak First', it doesn't mean we oppose national development policies or strategies at the federal level. In the Cabinet, we decide collectively to govern well, safeguard the people's welfare and manage the economy properly. Issues are discussed and decided with both national and Sarawak interests in mind. That's why Sarawak's political stance is consistent regardless of which party forms the federal government, we support it for the sake of stability. When the federal government is stable, Sarawak can develop in a politically stable environment. Naturally, GPS's position is that if we have the opportunity, we will always be part of the federal government so our voice and influence can benefit Sarawak. Sinar Harian:How is the progress of MA63 so far? Are you satisfied with the latest developments? Nantha: Many matters have been discussed and agreed upon with the federal government, such as the transfer of Bintulu Port and the approval for Sarawak to take over MASwings, which plays a crucial role in rural air services in Sarawak and Sabah. It will be rebranded as 'Air Borneo.' Sarawak has also set up its own oil and gas company, Petros, which operates like Petronas. Much has been agreed to, though some matters still require refinement. In 2022, the Constitution was amended to recognise Sarawak not just as a state but as a region. Sinar Harian: Recently in Parliament, you said abolishing tolls is not a practical move. Will we ever see a toll-free Malaysia? Nantha: It's easy to say 'abolish tolls,' but implementing it is another matter entirely. The financial implications are huge. Malaysia has 33 tolled highways. If tolls are abolished, where will the government get billions of ringgit annually for maintenance to ensure safety and comfort? Roads also need complete resurfacing over time, not just patching. If tolls are abolished before concession agreements end, the government must compensate concessionaires, which is a massive cost. That's why I support the 'user pays' principle, those who use the highways should pay for them. When concessions expire, the highways return to the government, which can then decide whether to reduce or abolish tolls. The Pan Borneo Highway was planned from the start to be toll-free because it is the main road in areas where no proper highways previously existed. Sinar Harian: In the context of satisfaction with the current federal government, with calls for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to resign, how do you respond to the opposition's demands? Nantha: I don't think Anwar should step down. It's not reasonable to ask him to resign now, the Madani Government has only been in power for just over two years. Let him implement his plans and improve governance. Managing the economy and ensuring the people's well-being is not easy, especially with external challenges such as US tariffs. So far, Malaysia remains competitive. Politics should be set aside for now, the opposition's role as a check and balance is valid, but it must have limits and principles. Taking to the streets can create instability and harm Malaysia's image abroad. We may not have achieved all reforms yet, but governance improvements take time. The Prime Minister should be given space and support to rebuild the nation. Sinar Harian: When will we see a Prime Minister from Sarawak? Nantha: For me, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (Deputy Prime Minister) is capable and fit to be Prime Minister. His work ethic, character and leadership qualities speak for themselves. It is not about taking over, but if there is an opportunity, I believe Abang Johari is also highly qualified.
