Latest news with #AminuddinHarun
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
‘My name isn't even on the list': Negeri Sembilan MB Aminuddin denies lobbying for federal role, leaves decision to Anwar
SEREMBAN, June 1 – Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun has reportedly denied any interest in a federal Cabinet post, saying his priority remains on administering the state effectively. He dismissed speculation that he might be considered for a ministerial role following the recent resignations of two of his party mates, saying the decision lies entirely with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'I'm not lobbying for any position and I believe it's best to leave that to the Prime Minister to decide. My name isn't even on the list, so no worries,' he was quoted saying by Utusan Malaysia yesterday. Aminuddin, who is also a PKR vice-president, reiterated that Cabinet appointments are at the discretion of the party president and prime minister. The speculation emerged after Datuk Seri Mohd Rafizi Ramli resigned as economy minister, while Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad stepped down as minister of natural resources and environmental after losing in the PKR party elections. Aminuddin were among those who defended their vice-president posts. He received the third most votes after Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. Science Minister Chang Lih Kang won the fourth post. Anwar has today again dismissed speculation of Cabinet reshuffle, assuring the public that the unity government remains stable and operational despite several ministers currently on leave. He said there is no urgency for changes within the Cabinet for now despite the two resignations.
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Negri's policy on strays needs a rethink
THE decision by Negri Sembilan state assembly, endorsed by all 36 assemblymen, sanctioning the culling of street dogs has sparked concern among animal rights advocates and concerned citizens. The voices of protest are louder than those in favour of the decision, and the state authorities ought to take heed of this. Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said his administration was left with no other option to address issues of disturbance and safety caused by the free-roaming canines. The decision, he said, had to be taken as the issue had been repeatedly raised and that gave an impression that his team was not doing anything to address it. Aminuddin promised that the stray dogs would only be euthanised if unclaimed from the pound after their capture. Animal welfare groups, however, want the authorities to consider other options to better manage the stray population. While acknowledging cases where aggressive animals pose risks to public safety, they said culling should not be an option. With no proper SOP in place, activists fear the state government's decision would give enforcement agencies free rein to cull all strays. They also claimed inconsistencies in Aminuddin's announcement as he had initially said only aggressive strays with a history of attacking the public would be put to sleep. Animal rights groups said the Negri Sembilan government should shelve the move while waiting for the outcome of proposals submitted to Housing and Local Government Ministry on managing the stray dog population. It should be noted that there are countries which have resorted to culling strays, particularly the animals that were known to have diseases such as rabies. On the other hand, there are also countries that completely prohibit the killing of street dogs and have adopted more humane measures such as spaying and neutering, sheltering them in pounds and promoting adoption. India, for example, has taken the fertility control route rather than culling, and its stray population has reduced. In North America, fertility control has had similar effectiveness over a 20-year period. These statistics, animal rights groups say, show that it is better to control than to kill. Animal welfare groups are asking that they be allowed to manage the issue via the trap-neuter-release (TNR) programme which they claim is the most effective method. They say it takes a minimum of five years for the programme to yield results and that non- governmental organisations should be given time to prove this. It is learned that the TNR programme in Seremban was only launched in 2023. The groups say they are also financially strained and depend heavily on public donations to cover expenses. For example Furrykids Safehaven, which houses some 2,000 strays in Rantau, claims it needs an average RM130,000 a month to run the shelter. More than half the expenses goes to buying 1,200 bags of kibbles − which cost some RM72,000 − for the dogs, followed by salaries for its 11 workers and veterinary bills, which come up to another RM50,000. Volunteers help catch strays for the TNR programme and feed them after they are released, at no cost to the state. To the people who have cared and continue to care for these voiceless animals, the decision by the authorities seems inhumane. We should perhaps take a page from other nations. The Netherlands, now virtually free of stray dogs, adopted a nationwide sterilisation programme in 1996. Homes were found for more than a million dogs without a single one being put to sleep. Another effective policy by the Dutch government was to impose heavy taxes on purchasing pets from stores, which eventually led people to adopt fur babies from shelters instead. Remember Kopi, the playful stray dog shot dead in Besut, Terengganu, during a culling operation? There are tens of thousands like Kopi all over Malaysia. A society is judged not by how it treats its strongest, but by how it cares for those who cannot fight back. The state government must return to the drawing board and come up with a policy that balances public health and safety with humane considerations. Surely, man's best friend deserves better.
Focus Malaysia
5 days ago
- General
- Focus Malaysia
The barbaric approach of culling by the Negri Sembilan state govt must halt
THE Negri Sembilan legislative assembly has recently come together to agree to cull stray dogs in predominantly Malay residential areas in the state. After all, the nuisance and safety concerns posed by these wandering creatures have become a daily talking point among the residents. In a gathering that had the air of a family meeting, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun expressed the shared woes of the community, lamenting how the stray dogs had disrupted the peaceful rhythm of life. Religious views Now, let us take a moment to reflect on how various beliefs regard our furry friends and what their absence could mean: Christianity Christian texts offer mixed opinions on dogs. While some verses describe them as scavengers, others display a gentle kindness towards all living beings. Take St Roch, for instance—abandoned and unwell, he found solace in the company of a dog, symbolising loyalty and divine care. One might say that dogs serve as humble reminders of God's love and compassion. Without them, we risk losing sight of our duty to care for the less fortunate among us. Islam In Islam, dogs are often seen as ritually impure, but certainly not malevolent. The Qur'an beautifully recounts the tale of the People of the Cave, where a dog remained ever vigilant at their entrance, a symbol of unwavering loyalty. Islamic tradition advocates kindness to all creatures, and to harm them unjustly is to stray from the path of righteousness. The loss of dogs, then, may indicate a troubling shift away from our divine mandate to show compassion. Hinduism In Hindu belief, dogs are closely associated with Bhairava, a fearsome avatar of Lord Shiva. They serve as loyal companions, as shown in the Mahabharata, where the noble king Yudhishthira refuses to enter heaven without his devoted dog. Dogs are embodiments of loyalty and duty. Their absence might signify a decline in our moral fabric, a notion that leaves one pondering. Buddhism Buddhism teaches that all sentient beings, including dogs, can achieve enlightenment. Compassion towards all, especially dogs, is fundamental to Buddhist ethics. Dogs mirror our capacity for love and connection; their disappearance would suggest a troubling karmic imbalance and a drifting away from the path of empathy. Bahá'í Faith While dogs are not deemed spiritually 'clean' for rituals, Bahá'í teachings emphasise kindness and justice towards animals. 'Abdu'l-Bahá advocated for compassion and warned against causing suffering. The absence of dogs might reflect humanity's growing detachment from the spiritual qualities that should guide our lives. Indigenous and animist traditions Many Indigenous cultures cherish dogs as spirit guides and loyal protectors, considering them as part of the family. They help navigate the spiritual realms, maintaining harmony between humans, animals, and the Earth. A loss of dogs could indicate a disruption in this cosmic bond. Suggestion of alternative approaches Now, as we turn to the practical matter of managing our stray dog population in Malaysia, it's clear we need a thoughtful approach that respects cultural and environmental nuances. Here's a handy little plan to consider: First, let's enhance sterilisation and vaccination efforts—those ABC programmes—by fostering partnerships with local NGOs like PAWS Malaysia and SPCA Selangor for mass sterilisation initiatives. In the Klang Valley, we can already see success with Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage programmes and mobile vet clinics. In the more remote areas, let's establish low-cost mobile clinics that venture into rural regions, ensuring all dogs receive mandatory rabies vaccinations. Across the nation, places like Perlis, Kedah, and Sarawak have begun to embrace these methods. It's also important to set up designated feeding zones for strays and reinforce waste management at these spots, steering clear of mosques and schools. Educating the public on feeding-neutering-vaccination strategies will help us control the stray population without causing distress. Moreover, let's launch national adoption campaigns, rallying influencers and communities to embrace the mantra #AdoptDontShop, with incentives like tax breaks for pet adopters, just as Turkey has done. But let's not forget: the old kill shelters should close their doors for good! Instead, we could transform government pounds into nurturing rehabilitation centres equipped with trained staff who understand animal behaviour—now wouldn't that be a sight for sore eyes? Legal measures need a sound overhaul too. It's high time for stricter pet ownership laws, along with mandatory microchipping to ensure owners commit to caring for their adopted dogs. Those who abandon their pets could face heavier fines under the Animal Welfare Act of 2015. And let's banish inhumane culling from our practices for good. Awareness is crucial. The Education Ministry can weave animal welfare into school programs and utilise modern platforms like TikTok for timely public service announcements—imagine catchy 'Jangan Tangkap Anjing Liar' posters lighting up the streets and WhatsApp messages! Lastly, gathering data on stray dogs through a national database will help us understand their movements better, perhaps even mapping their territory like a treasure hunt for compassion. Collaborating with religious bodies to find humane relocation methods could align us with cultural sensitivities, ensuring we address the concerns of the community while showing compassion. In a nutshell, let's adopt strategies from successful initiatives worldwide rather than resorting to the easy, albeit cruel, way out. There's a kinder path forward for all of God's creatures, and it's up to us to choose it. – May 1, 2025 KT Maran is a Focus Malaysia viewer. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Pexels/Edgar Daniel Hernández Cervantes
Free Malaysia Today
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
It's not the end, Nik Nazmi says after losses at PKR polls
Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who failed to win re-election as a PKR vice-president on Friday, said he has been fortunate to have notched up several personal successes with the party. PETALING JAYA : Federal minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who recently lost in PKR's divisional and central leadership elections, said the defeats were 'not the end'. Reflecting on his political career in PKR, Nik Nazmi said while he was disappointed to have not won a post, he was neither bitter nor angry. 'This is not an end, but rather a bend in the road in a long journey. God is the best of planners,' he said in a Facebook post today. Nik Nazmi had over the weekend sought to defend his PKR vice-presidency in an 11-cornered contest. He was the only incumbent who failed to retain his post. Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari, Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Aminuddin Harun and federal minister Chang Lih Kang were re-elected as vice-presidents. Nik Nazmi, who had, by his own admission, spent more than half of his life with PKR, said he had been fortunate to have been given the privilege to serve at a very young age. 'I have always been driven by the idea that Malaysia can only realise its promise through progressive politics. 'Achieving it was the new politics for our generation, one that was not rooted in narrow racial or religious views,' he said. Nik Nazmi recalled his many highlights with PKR, including helping the party out when he was 19 and forgoing a corporate career to work full-time for party president Anwar Ibrahim. He also reminisced the time he stunned doubters by becoming the youngest candidate in the 2008 general election, and defeating Barisan Nasional's candidate by a 2,863-vote margin in a straight fight for the Seri Setia state seat. In 2018, he contested in the Setiawangsa parliamentary seat, which was considered a BN stronghold, and won. 'We campaigned by telling voters that winning the seat meant Pakatan Harapan would win Putrajaya,' he said.
Daily Express
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Rafizi's supporters won't leave PKR, says Aminuddin
Published on: Monday, May 26, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 26, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: PKR vice-president Aminuddin Harun said Rafizi Ramli's loss to Nurul Izzah Anwar in the battle for PKR's deputy presidency will not destabilise the party. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: PKR vice-president Aminuddin Harun believes that Rafizi Ramli's supporters will not leave the party following his defeat in last Friday's party election for the post of deputy president. Rafizi lost the race for PKR's number two post to Nurul Izzah Anwar in a straight fight. Aminuddin, the Negeri Sembilan menteri besar who said he was one of Rafizi's staunchest allies, expressed confidence yesterday that any disappointment among Rafizi's supporters would be short-lived. 'They will not leave the party, but will focus on strategies that can be implemented at the branch and division levels as a way forward,' he said in a Berita Harian report. 'I believe they will take some time to reflect and eventually return to support PKR,' he said after a sepak takraw tournament in Nilai last night. Aminuddin also stressed that PKR's leadership must develop strategies and respond to the concerns raised by the party's grassroots, including those circulating on social media. Advertisement On Saturday, Rafizi said he was proud of the ordinary PKR members and supporters who had stood by him throughout his campaign, 'even when all odds were stacked against me'. Rafizi previously said he would resign as economy minister if he lost the post, which he first took on in 2022, to Nurul Izzah. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
