Latest news with #AfnanHamimi
The Star
12 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Imagine Zara as your own child, MP says in urging M'sians to reflect on rising bullying trend
KUALA LUMPUR: An opposition lawmaker has asked Malaysians to view the unresolved death of Sabah schoolgirl Zara Qairina Mahathir as if she were their own child, emphasising the urgent need to address a disturbing trend of bullying. Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN-Alor Setar) said the nation should seek justice for Zara Qairina's untimely passing, which remains unanswered nearly a month later. "We should not look at it as a case of someone else's child, but our own. "Only then will we be accountable in tackling the disturbing trend of bullying and other social issues plaguing our nation. "There should also be an immediate inquest to identify those responsible," he said when debating the 13th Malaysia Plan in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Aug 12). Afnan Hamimi urged the government and society to ponder what kind of human talent they want to nurture for the nation in the coming decades. "Lately, the increasing visibility of various social issues like free sexual behaviour and LGBT issues has become an alarming concern on social media. "What's worse (is) the troubling trend of bullying that has escalated to life-threatening levels," he said. He also criticised those who brazenly record and disseminate their harmful actions online. "What kind of society are we nurturing when individuals shamelessly record and share their harmful deeds? "Our children are learning from viral trends and digital media, rather than traditional values and education," he added. Expressing concern for future generations, Afnan Hamimi noted that while the current generation might withstand these challenges, the next may not be as resilient. "What use is economic progress if our moral fabric continues to deteriorate? "We need serious reflection on our societal values alongside economic growth," he added. Zara Qairina, 13, was found unconscious at her school dormitory block in Papar on July 16 and declared dead the following day. The incident was initially classified as sudden death by police, but later developments led to the investigation being reopened, with allegations of bullying arising.
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Alor Setar MP upset after motion to discuss Zara Qairina case in Parliament rejected
KUALA LUMPUR: Alor Setar MP Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden said he was disappointed over the rejection of his motion to discuss the case of Zara Qairina Mahathir in Parliament. "I proposed last week to discuss this case in detail in Parliament, but it was rejected with the reason that it will be addressed by ministers during the winding-up session of the 13th Malaysia Plan debate. "I'm not comfortable with that. The session is limited, and this issue has caused public unease. It deserves a full discussion," he said in a press conference at the Parliament media centre here on Monday (Aug 11). Zara Qairina's case has drawn national attention following the tragic circumstances surrounding her death, which involved allegations of bullying. Her case has also raised concerns about the safety of schools. The Perikatan Nasional leader also questioned why a post-mortem was not immediately conducted when it was confirmed the girl had died. "Until recently, the body had to be exhumed. This created some unease, but we understand the need to follow the procedure of law and investigation. "This delay raises questions about whether there is something to hide. The minister should clarify why the investigation did not follow proper procedures," he said. Despite public interest and concern, Afnan Hamimi said the case has seen no arrests or remand even after 60 individuals were questioned, highlighting a perceived disparity in law enforcement. "It's been four weeks with no arrests or remands. Is there insufficient evidence?" he asked. Afnan Hamimi further expressed concern over claims that teachers in Sabah were instructed not to comment on the issue, questioning if such an alleged gag order was real. "As a father, I'm losing trust in our schools, and I'm not alone. The minister assures us that schools are safe, but this is a serious case." He proposed appointing full-time school wardens immediately. He also suggested conducting internal audits and installing CCTV, urging the allocation of a budget for these measures to ensure safety. Afnan Hamimi also called for the enactment of anti-bullying legislation, as bullying cases continue to trend and stressed that such behaviour is unacceptable in a civilised society. Lastly, as an immediate measure, he advocated for the establishment of a special Cabinet committee, stating the need for a dedicated team to tackle such issues swiftly. "This isn't about politics; it's about humanity. We need to restore public confidence," he added. On Aug 8, the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) instructed the immediate exhumation and post-mortem of deceased Form One student Zara Qairina by the police. Zara Qairina had been pronounced dead at a hospital in Sabah on July 17, a day after she reportedly fell from the third floor of her school dormitory. On Monday, lawyer Shahlan Jufri who is representing the girl's family confirmed that there were injuries on the body of the 13-year-old, following his observations during the post-mortem process at the Forensic Department of Queen Elizabeth I Hospital here on Sunday (Aug 10).
The Sun
19-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
PAS Youth chief leaves leadership decision to delegates at 71st Muktamar
KOTA BHARU: PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden said he is leaving it entirely to party delegates to decide on the wing's new leadership at the upcoming 71st PAS Muktamar (annual assembly) in September. He said PAS does not encourage competition for positions, but instead emphasises responsibility and collective decision-making. 'In PAS, we are not taught to chase positions. I leave the matter to the delegates and the party to decide,' he told reporters after officiating the 66th Kelantan PAS Youth Muktamar here today. Afnan Hamimi also acknowledged that many are qualified to succeed him, and expressed hope that the next PAS Youth leadership would stay relevant to the younger generation, especially Gen Z, and be bold in championing youth issues and speaking out against wrongdoing. The PAS Central Muktamar is scheduled to be held from Sept 15 to 16 in Kota Sarang Semut, Alor Setar, Kedah, where delegates will elect the party's top leadership. - Bernama
Malay Mail
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
What Opposition meeting? PAS Youth says unaware of Muhyiddin call, but suggests talks lack weight without Islamist party
KOTA BHARU, July 19 — PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden reportedly said he was not informed of Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's recent meeting with Opposition parties outside the coalition. Free Malaysia Today quoted him suggesting that the party's top leadership may have known about the meeting and expressed support for such engagements to unite the opposition. 'I have no information regarding the meeting. Maybe top leadership is aware of it,' he told reporters after officiating the Kelantan PAS Youth annual general meeting here. 'However, I think it's good to have such a meeting to strengthen the opposition beyond partisan politics. I guess Muhyiddin was playing his role as PN chief.' Despite that, Afnan said the meeting could have carried more weight if PAS leadership had been present and the Islamist party would likely have joined the meeting if they had been invited. 'I'm not sure of the technicalities behind the meeting, but I feel PAS' presence would have strengthened it,' he reportedly said. Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday said he held a meeting with leaders of several opposition parties to discuss forming a coalition focused on national interests. Muhyiddin said the proposed coalition aims to provide a united opposition front and reinforce the check and balance function in and out of Parliament. PN component parties Gerakan and Malaysian Indian People's Party were present — but not PAS. Other parties represented included Muda, Parti Pejuang Tanahair, Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra), People's Progressive Party, Berjasa, United for the Rights of Malaysians Party (Urimai), and Malaysian Advancement Party.
Free Malaysia Today
03-07-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
No need to halt Kota Madani project, says Zaliha
Federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa rejected PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden's call to suspend the Kota Madani project. KUALA LUMPUR : The government has dismissed the call by PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden to suspend the Kota Madani project, saying its development is essential to meet the housing needs of civil servants. Federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said that around 17,000 civil servants required housing in Putrajaya, the nation's administrative capital. 'The housing units we plan to build under the project will help address, at least in part, the shortage of government quarters for civil servants,' she said after attending a programme here today. On Tuesday, Afnan urged the government to halt the project, citing growing national debt and the worsening economic situation. Afnan, the Alor Setar MP, also questioned the returns that future generations would inherit, given the debt burden that projects like Kota Madani might leave behind. Zaliha previously said that the Kota Madani project was expected to help civil servants working in the administrative capital save up to RM1,000 a month. Developed by Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd via a public-private partnership, the project is based on the build, lease, maintain and transfer concept and will not involve any government allocations in its initial phase. Once complete, the RM4 billion Kota Madani will offer 10,000 high-density residential quarters for over 30,000 residents, vertical schools, and various public amenities. Putrajaya will assume full ownership of the project after 25 years.
