Latest news with #AbdullahAhmadBadawi
Free Malaysia Today
29-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
No plans to return to politics at least until year end, says KJ
News portal SuaraTV reported on Tuesday that Khairy Jamaluddin was in the process of returning to Umno, more than two years after his expulsion. PETALING JAYA : Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin has hinted at a political comeback after the end of this year. Berita Harian quoted the former Umno Youth chief as saying that his current focus is on several ongoing business ventures and projects. 'I can only say that I have many unfinished projects that require my attention. 'I'm also quite content with what I'm doing right now. So, at least until the end of this year, I haven't thought about returning to politics,' Khairy told reporters after taking part in a forum at the Universiti Malaya campus here today. He was also asked whether he is currently considering any offers to join political parties. 'My focus at the moment is on several businesses. Perhaps after the end of the year, we can talk,' he said, without confirming whether any such offers had been made. On Tuesday, news portal SuaraTV reported that Khairy was in the process of returning to Umno, more than two years after his expulsion. According to the report, efforts to bring Khairy back began after the death of his father-in-law, former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi, however, has dismissed the possibility of Khairy returning to the party, saying Umno does not need 'populists' who bring no real benefit. Puad made it clear he would not support Khairy's return, describing the former Rembau MP as someone who only looked out for himself. In January 2023, the Umno Supreme Council sacked Khairy and Selangor Umno chief Noh Omar. It also suspended key leaders such as former vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein for breaching party discipline during the general election in November 2022.
Free Malaysia Today
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Kepala Batas MRSM officially renamed in honour of Pak Lah
Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi signing a plaque with the Kepala Batas MRSM's new name. Next to him is Mara chairman Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) in Kepala Batas has been officially renamed Abdullah Ahmad Badawi MRSM, in tribute to the fifth prime minister and former Kepala Batas MP, who died on April 14. Mara chairman Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the renaming honoured Abdullah and his strong support in efforts to expand the role of Mara's institutions such as MRSMs, GiatMara centres, and professional colleges, Bernama reported. 'After Abdullah's death, I reached out to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and suggested renaming Kepala Batas MRSM to recognise and honour Abdullah, especially on behalf of Kepala Batas residents,' Asyraf said at the renaming ceremony today. Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi officiated the event, which was also attended by Abdullah's son, Kamaluddin, and family members. In his speech, Zahid recalled Abdullah's role in initiating the Ulul Albab programme, which integrates academic excellence with Islamic spiritual development. He said the Kepala Batas MRSM was among the first to implement the programme. 'To this day, Mara has eight Ulul Albab MRSMs in the country thanks to Abdullah's brainchild,' he said, adding that the programme nurtured huffaz students who excel academically while cultivating their integrity and leadership skills rooted in Islamic values. Mara said the Kepala Batas MRSM began operating on March 1, 2007, and welcomed its first batch of 359 students on April 16 that year – a major milestone in expanding Bumiputera access to quality education in northern Malaysia. It said the renaming of the college was a tribute to a statesman who had made enduring contributions to religion, race, and the nation. Umno to establish leadership institute in Abdullah's name Zahid said Umno plans to set up a leadership institute named after Abdullah to serve as a political training and research centre. He said the proposal would be presented at the party's Supreme Council meeting next month, in line with efforts to better study and preserve Abdullah's political legacy. 'Currently, there is a research unit, but we will expand it so that it can serve as a source of material for researchers and historians in Umno's struggle,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
MACC's autonomy and accountability
From Walter Sandosam Late last month, the Southeast Asia Anti-Corruption Conference: Recalling Jakarta Statement was held in Kuala Lumpur attended by graft-busters from the region. Much was said on operational autonomy and institutional independence. Invariably, this is buttressed on the notion that there should not be government interference. A more important factor highlighted was the dimension of accountability and preserving of public trust in the anti-corruption bodies. In the fight against corruption, civil society has to serve as 'vigilant partners', and the private sector in turn has to uphold ethical practices. In Malaysia, on the private sector front, amendments to Section 17A of the MACC Act now hold directors directly responsible for instances of corruption at all levels perpetuated under their domain of accountability. This is noteworthy oversight. Oversight has many aspects, hence, what is considered good for the goose should also be good for the gander. Malaysia is no stranger to oversight. The MACC Act 2009 enacted during the stewardship of the late Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was specific to this purpose. It was, among others, to address the perception of interference by the executive in the then Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) and the need for holistic oversight on the graft-buster to ensure it does not go wayward. Earlier this month, two representatives from the opposition were among three new members appointed to the special committee on corruption chaired by Shahar Abdullah The total complement of the committee is seven. It comprises parliamentarians from both sides of the divide and is meant to play a key role in 'providing oversight and ensuring transparency and accountability in the nation's anti-corruption efforts'. In March, a corporate figure, Salim Fateh Din, was appointed chairman of MACC's anti-corruption advisory board. It is not clear who the other members of the board are as the link on the MACC website states they are 'in the process of appointing'. The other oversight committee, by law, is the complaints committee. Its role is obvious. Two other independent oversight bodies established through administrative order are the operations review panel, and the consultation and corruption prevention panel. On paper, at least, it appears the structural framework on oversight of the MACC is in place. For all intents and purposes, appointees to these bodies play the role equivalent of non-executive independent directors in corporates responsible for unabridged oversight. 'Directors are not decorative instruments and have an important role to play'. These are the words of a High Court judge in passing judgment over two company directors who were deemed not to have discharged their duties satisfactorily. The appointees on the oversight bodies should take a cue from this. You have been appointed, either by law or administrative order, to undertake the oversight function of the MACC. Hence, you have both a legal and moral obligation. The discordant views expressed by the past advisory board and the resignation of a prominent academic from the consultation and corruption prevention panel speak for itself on the state of affairs. Recent events are rather troubling, namely the disappearance or 'abduction' of a 'witness' on the way to the MACC's headquarters. To be fair, the graft-buster cannot be held accountable for that given it is speculated to be the work of police 'impersonators' or otherwise. On the contrary, the views expressed by a past MACC chief commissioner has cast a pall of doubt on the entire process with respect to this specific person. Additionally, legal counsel has revealed that a suit was filed by the said party only two days before the visit to the MACC on alleged improprieties by the graft-buster. What is the public to take away from this? The optics are definitely unsavoury at best given the standing of the persons stated above – who are fully aware of the law. Those charged with oversight should play their role here, as it should on other instances when not all seems right at the MACC. Surely appointees do not want to be remembered as ineffective porcelain dolls. You cannot afford to be like the proverbial monkey figurine 'see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil'. If there is ineffectiveness or improper governance which is questionable, it is incumbent upon you to address it. You are appointed as independent parties to safeguard the interests of the public – not other parties. Engagements with all stakeholders, which includes the public, is imperative. I was among the initial cohort of the operational review panel, and it is sufficient to say that the chairman (a retired auditor-general) and members had regular press briefings on matters of interest. It has been lamented by many quarters that while Malaysia has all the laws in place, it is the implementation which needs to be worked on. If the country is to rise in its anti-corruption indices rankings, it all begins in oversight. If not, it is 'sandiwara'. There must be inalienable public trust in any anti-corruption body. Walter Sandosam is a past member of MACC's independent operations review panel. The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
The Star
01-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Raya traditions plus civic education
ALTHOUGH some major open houses were cancelled as a mark of respect following the passing of Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Raya open houses continue to take place even after the month of Syawal. There is only so much lemang, rendang, and satay one can consume in a day, and within a month, this spreading out of celebrations has become necessary from a gastronomical perspective.
Malay Mail
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Remembering my Tun — Zuraini Md Ali
APRIL 27 — On April 14, 2025, Malaysia lost not just a former prime minister, but a statesman of rare grace — Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. While many will remember him for his leadership, humility, and unwavering belief in moderation and good governance, I remember him as something even more personal: the kind, fatherly figure who spoke to a 17-year-old girl from a boarding school in Penang with warmth, sincerity, and quiet encouragement that would stay with her for the rest of her life. It was 1985 — a year forever etched in my memory. I was a Form 5 schoolgirl, preparing for my SPM trial examinations at a time when every paper felt like a mountain to climb. Amid the pressure of school and expectations, I took part in a national writing competition organised under a newly launched campaign 'Belilah Barangan Buatan Malaysia.' I wrote from the heart, never imagining that my words would carry me far. First, I won at the Penang state level. Then came the unexpected news — I had won at the national level too. I still remember how surreal it felt. The prize ceremony was to be held in Kuala Lumpur — the capital city I had only seen in textbooks and on television. It was a long way from my quiet hometown. I had to sit for two trial exam papers earlier than my peers just so I could make the trip. It was a mad rush, but I managed to pull through, thanks to the understanding of my teachers and the blessings of my parents. Accompanied by one of my teachers, I boarded the express bus, clutching my small overnight bag and a head full of questions. Would it be grand? Would the minister really be there? And what would he say? When we arrived in Kuala Lumpur, we were given the incredible opportunity to visit the Dayabumi Complex — one of the tallest and most modern buildings in Malaysia at the time. Towering and sleek, it stood as a proud symbol of our nation's aspirations. From the top floor, I gazed out at the sprawling city below — a sea of buildings and motion that seemed worlds away from my quiet kampung life. I remember thinking, 'This is where dreams begin.' The Dayabumi Complex at the background, as the Malaysian flag was flown half-mast following the passing of Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. April 15, 2025 — Picture by Raymond Manuel The award ceremony was held at Wisma Angkasapuri. The air was filled with excitement and nervous energy. Then, all at once, the hall quieted. There he was — Tuan Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the Minister of Education. He didn't enter with bluster or arrogance. Instead, he carried himself with a calm and gentle authority that immediately put everyone at ease. When it was my turn to receive the prize, I walked up the stage with trembling hands and a pounding heart. He smiled kindly, handed me the award, and then did something I hadn't expected — he paused, looked me in the eye, and spoke to me, not as a politician, but as a father would to his daughter: 'Tahniah! Teruskan belajar dan menulis.' (Congratulations. Keep learning and continue writing.) It was a short sentence — simple, almost ordinary — but to me, it meant everything. It felt like he saw me. Not just a name on a list or a winner of a prize, but a young girl with potential. In that moment, I felt the warmth of fatherly encouragement — as if he were passing a torch into my hands and trusting me to carry it forward. That brief encounter gave me strength. It affirmed my belief in the value of education and the power of words. It taught me that even someone like me — a poor kampung girl from Perak — had a place in this bigger world if I kept learning and stayed true to myself. His words stayed with me long after the applause faded, long after the train ride home, and long into the years that followed. Now, 40 years later, as I write this tribute with a heart full of gratitude, I realise just how much that moment shaped me. It wasn't just about winning an award. It was about being lifted, being seen, and being inspired. That single sentence, spoken with care, became one of the guiding lights in my life. Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was more than a prime minister. He was a man of immense wisdom and quiet strength. He believed in nurturing the next generation, not through lofty speeches, but through genuine connection. He reminded us that leadership isn't always loud — sometimes, the most enduring legacies are built with compassion, humility, and encouragement. As the nation bids farewell to Pak Lah, I carry his words close to my heart, just as I did that day in 1985. I say thank you — not just for your service to the country, but for the moment you took to speak to a young girl with a dream. You made her believe that she mattered. May Allah bless Pak Lah. And place you in Jannah. Because you have touched more lives than you will ever know. Especially mine. * Sr Dr. Zuraini Md Ali is an Associate Professor at the Building Surveying Department, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya. She is also the author of 'Mubin Sheppard: Pioneering Works in Architectural Conservation in Malaysia' (Penerbit UM, 2016), which won the Anugerah Buku Negara in 2021 and Anugerah Akademik Negara (book publication) in 2022. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
