Latest news with #AllianceforaSafeCommunity
The Star
3 days ago
- General
- The Star
Heed King's call to build a safe, inclusive, and united Malaysia, says Lam Thye
PETALING JAYA: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia's call for unity is a powerful reminder that Malaysians are stronger and better when standing together as one people, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said unity is the cornerstone of the nation's harmony, peace, progress and prosperity. 'It transcends political affiliations, religious beliefs and ethnic backgrounds. 'As Malaysians, we must never take for granted the harmony that has allowed us to thrive as a multiracial, multicultural society. 'His Majesty's call is a powerful reminder that despite our differences, we are stronger and better when we stand together as one people, united in our shared hopes and common destiny,' Lee said in a statement on Tuesday (June 3). He said the responsibility of fostering unity lies with every segment of society, but especially with those in leadership. 'Inclusive policies that protect the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of race, religion, or background must continue being implemented. 'National policies should be rooted in fairness and aimed at bridging gaps,' he said. Politicians, Lee said, also carry a moral obligation to promote messages of inclusion, tolerance and mutual respect. 'They must rise above narrow interests and avoid rhetoric that incites division or undermines our national cohesion. 'Instead, they should work together, across party lines, to strengthen the unity that forms the bedrock of our nation's stability,' he added. He said civil society also has a crucial role to play in building bridges between communities, advocating for justice, and encouraging understanding through dialogue and engagement. 'Let us all respond to His Majesty's call by rejecting divisiveness, embracing respect and compassion, and working hand-in-hand to build a Malaysia that is safe, inclusive, and united,' he said. In a royal address at the investiture ceremony for 2025 in conjunction with His Majesty's official birthday celebration at Istana Negara, the King reminded leaders not to politicise sensitive issues that could fuel discord within the society and threaten the nation's stability. Sultan Ibrahim said the existence of more political parties or factions within parties could lead to widening rifts among the people, resulting in escalating enmity among them. 'Use your wisdom before making any decisions. There is no greater gift to me than a united rakyat. 'I have mentioned before that there is a 'virus' that will strike our nation. 'Now, this virus has begun to spread and cannot be cured. I often speak of this so that we do not easily forget,' His Majesty said. His Majesty also called on all Malaysians to keep fostering unity as a gift to him.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
All must take heed of King's call for unity
THE Alliance for a Safe Community fully supports His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, in his heartfelt call for unity, which he has described as the greatest gift the rakyat can offer him. His Majesty's words are both timely and deeply meaningful within the context of our multiracial nation. Unity is the cornerstone of our nation's harmony, peace, progress, and prosperity. It transcends political affiliations, religious beliefs, and ethnic backgrounds. As Malaysians, we must never take for granted the harmony that has allowed us to thrive as a multiracial, multicultural society. His Majesty's call is a powerful reminder that despite our differences, we are stronger and better when we stand together as one people, united in our shared hopes and common destiny. The responsibility of fostering unity lies with every segment of society, but especially with those in leadership. The government must continue to implement inclusive policies that protect the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of race, religion or background. National policies should be rooted in fairness and aimed at bridging gaps — be they economic, social, or educational — that threaten to divide us. Politicians, as public servants and role models, carry a moral obligation to promote messages of inclusion, tolerance, and mutual respect. They must rise above narrow interests and avoid rhetoric that incites division or undermines our national cohesion. Instead, they should work together, across party lines, to strengthen the unity that forms the bedrock of our nation's stability. Civil society also has a crucial role to play in building bridges between communities, advocating for justice, and encouraging understanding through dialogue and engagement. Non-government organisations, community leaders, educators, and the media must all contribute actively to nurturing a culture of respect and cooperation among Malaysians from all walks of life. Let us all, whether leaders or ordinary citizens, respond to His Majesty's call by rejecting divisiveness, embracing respect and compassion, and working hand-in-hand to build a Malaysia that is safe, inclusive, and united. This is not only the greatest gift we can offer our beloved King — it is also the greatest legacy we can leave for future generations. Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye Chairman
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
AI oversight needed to ensure fairness, accountability, and inclusivity, says Lee Lam Thye
KUALA LUMPUR: The Alliance for a Safe Community has called for clear, forward-looking regulations and a comprehensive ethical framework to ensure artificial intelligence (AI) development prioritises fairness, accountability, and inclusivity. "This means avoiding bias in decision-making systems, ensuring that AI enhances human potential rather than replacing it, and making its benefits accessible to all, not just a select few," said chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye in a statement today. The group proposed a regulatory framework including AI accountability laws, transparency and explainability for AI decision-making that impacts individuals, strengthened data protection and privacy standards, risk assessment and certification requirements, and the creation of public oversight bodies. The group also proposed the establishment of a Code of Ethics that is human-centric, non-discriminatory, fair, honest, environmentally responsible, collaborative, and inclusive. He warned that while AI holds promise for healthcare innovations and environmental sustainability, its use must always serve the greater good. Key risks include privacy breaches, algorithmic bias, job displacement, and the spread of misinformation, Lee added. "We urge policymakers, tech leaders, civil society, and global institutions to come together to build a framework that ensures AI is safe, inclusive, and used in the best interest of humanity," Lee added. The group concluded with a warning against a future where technology dictates the terms of our humanity, and called for a path where AI amplifies best qualities for the benefit of all. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government plans to push for a new legislation aimed at reinterpreting sovereignty in light of the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud-based technologies. Anwar added that following the evolving role of governance in the digital era, the traditional notions of sovereignty, designed for a pre-digital world, must be reconsidered to accommodate new technological realities.
The Star
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Govt must focus on safety and asset management, says Lee Lam Thye
KUALA LUMPUR: The safety of personnel and asset management across all ministries must receive serious attention, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said that if personnel safety is at risk due to inadequate measures, efforts must enhance existing assets. "I would like to finally suggest that the practice of Occupational Safety and Health must be given the highest priority by the Home Ministry as well as other ministries. "I feel it is important for assets to be better equipped with safety features such as seat belts," he said when contacted on Thursday (May 15). He commented on the road tragedy that killed nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel in Teluk Intan on Tuesday (May 13). Lee also urged the government and its departments to embrace a safety culture. "The private sector has always been told to embrace the safety culture and adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994 and other relevant legislation. "I think this law should be equally applied to all government departments, agencies, and ministries. Only through a safety culture can we prevent more deaths," he added. The concept of Vision Zero is crucial, he said. "Introduced by the International Social Security Association, it aims to promote awareness that all preventable accidents must be prevented. "It can only be achieved if we embrace a safety culture without compromising safety and health issues because it concerns lives," he said.
The Sun
10-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
‘Rethink use of pin-style Jalur Gemilang badges'
PETALING JAYA: The safety of using pin-style Jalur Gemilang badges issued by schools has come into question after a young girl was injured. The Education Ministry's push to build national pride is a positive one, but there are suggestions that it might be wise to rethink the badge design to avoid mishaps. Civil servant Marziana Ab Rashid, a mother of two school-going children, said she supports efforts to instil patriotism but believes pin-style badges may not be suitable for young pupils. 'They may not understand the risks. They can easily get hurt, lose the badge or the metal pin could damage their uniforms if it rusts.' Marziana suggested that schools opt for safer alternatives such as fabric badges that could be ironed on or sewn onto uniforms. 'At the very least, schools should ask for parents' input so we can share our views and concerns.' Another parent, Norazila Masdar, also a mother of two school-going children, echoed similar concerns, saying pin-style badges are unsuitable for students, particularly those in primary school. She said she was aware of the risks even before the recent incident, noting that such badges could harm if not handled properly. 'They're not appropriate for children. The sharp pins can cause injuries and I think there are much safer options available.' Norazila believes it may not be necessary for schools to consult parents on every decision. 'Educators should already have enough knowledge to determine what is appropriate and safe for students. 'A better option would be an embroidered Jalur Gemilang badge. It's safer, looks neat and can be sewn onto uniforms.' Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said while he supports the patriotic initiative, the injury suffered by the pupil highlights a critical oversight. He emphasised that clear safety guidelines and product standards must be in place for any item distributed in schools, particularly those worn or handled by young children. 'While efforts to instil patriotism are important, they should never come at the expense of student safety. 'There must be proper consideration of the materials used, the item's design, the age group it's meant for and how it's expected to be used. Without these standards, even well-intentioned programmes can inadvertently cause harm.' To prevent similar incidents, Lee said precautionary steps should include avoiding sharp objects, ensuring age-appropriate materials, and involving both parents and teachers in safety discussions. He also strongly advocated a redesign of school-distributed items that could pose risks. 'Items with sharp edges, pointed pins or detachable parts can be hazardous or even pose choking risks for younger students. We must be more thoughtful in designing and selecting these items.' He recommended replacing sharp or hazardous items like pin badges with safer alternatives such as magnets, velcro or fabric patches. Since April 21, all public school students are required to wear the Jalur Gemilang badge on their uniforms as part of an initiative to promote patriotism and national resilience. A March 24 circular by Education Director-General Azman Adnan said students must wear the 5cm x 2.5cm national flag design badge.
