Latest news with #AnuarAhmad
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
‘Stem decline of patriotism in youths'
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia risks becoming a fragmented society if the national education system fails to urgently address the declining sense of patriotism and unity among its youth, warned Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) senior lecturer Dr Anuar Ahmad. Reflecting on a recent online forum on patriotism hosted by UKM's Minda platform, Anuar said both panellists, former Mubarak president Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Rahman and historian Dr Sahul Hamid, agreed that patriotism in Malaysia today is worryingly low. 'If people have lost their pride in the country and no longer see the nation as a vital part of their lives, we risk weakening our nation-building process,' said Anuar. He said when citizens no longer feel connected to the nation emotionally or ideologically, the foundations of the country become vulnerable to disruption, with apathy towards laws, the monarchy and national identity. Citing figures from the Education Ministry's 2024 Education Development Plan, Anuar questioned the high equality index reported among students and teachers, with a score of 8.10 on average, deemed 'very satisfactory'. 'We are told that our education equality index is very high. But these numbers are difficult to interpret without knowing how the data was collected, the methodology used, or whether it was independently verified. 'A school with 99% Malay teachers will naturally report strong intra-community ties but that's not the same as national integration or equality across diverse groups.' He pointed out that this disparity between official data and ground reality is part of a deeper problem, where education policy does not reflect the socio-political and cultural fragmentation that exists. Anuar highlighted the increasing complexity of Malaysia's schooling landscape encompassing national, vernacular, international, religious and private schools, which has led to what he terms 'super diversity'. 'International schools in Malaysia now have more local students than foreign ones. This extreme diversity in our education system is a major challenge to building a common national identity.' While acknowledging that vernacular schools are protected by law and institutions, Anuar argued that the challenge is not their existence but how the nation manages diversity to produce a generation that is patriotic. 'We must ask ourselves how we can ensure that our children feel love and loyalty for the country when they grow up so separated by language, curriculum and school culture.' He criticised current educational priorities that focus primarily on exam results and individual success, sidelining national values like patriotism and unity. 'For years, our education discourse has revolved around academic achievement and teacher workloads, but rarely have we asked how education builds a strong, united nation.' Calling for a bold reset in the next national education blueprint, he proposed that patriotism, unity and self-worth be embedded not just in the curriculum but also in co-curricular activities and policies. 'We are starting a new education development plan. This is our opportunity. If we fail to strengthen these values now, in 10 years we may find ourselves with a generation that is technically skilled but emotionally detached from the nation. 'Our children are growing up in silos – Chinese schools with one ethos, religious schools with another. If we don't build a shared patriotic foundation, we risk becoming strangers in our own country.' Anuar urged educators and the government to treat patriotism and national unity as urgent priorities, not as an afterthought.
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
UKM's Dr. Anuar Ahmad warns of declining patriotism in youth
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia risks becoming a fragmented society if the national education system fails to urgently address the declining sense of patriotism and unity among its youth, warned Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) senior lecturer Dr Anuar Ahmad. Reflecting on a recent online forum on patriotism hosted by UKM's Minda platform, Anuar said both panellists, former Mubarak president Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Rahman and historian Dr Sahul Hamid, agreed that patriotism in Malaysia today is worryingly low. 'If people have lost their pride in the country and no longer see the nation as a vital part of their lives, we risk weakening our nation-building process,' said Anuar. He said when citizens no longer feel connected to the nation emotionally or ideologically, the foundations of the country become vulnerable to disruption, with apathy towards laws, the monarchy and national identity. Citing figures from the Education Ministry's 2024 Education Development Plan, Anuar questioned the high equality index reported among students and teachers, with a score of 8.10 on average, deemed 'very satisfactory'. 'We are told that our education equality index is very high. But these numbers are difficult to interpret without knowing how the data was collected, the methodology used, or whether it was independently verified. 'A school with 99% Malay teachers will naturally report strong intra-community ties but that's not the same as national integration or equality across diverse groups.' He pointed out that this disparity between official data and ground reality is part of a deeper problem, where education policy does not reflect the socio-political and cultural fragmentation that exists. Anuar highlighted the increasing complexity of Malaysia's schooling landscape encompassing national, vernacular, international, religious and private schools, which has led to what he terms 'super diversity'. 'International schools in Malaysia now have more local students than foreign ones. This extreme diversity in our education system is a major challenge to building a common national identity.' While acknowledging that vernacular schools are protected by law and institutions, Anuar argued that the challenge is not their existence but how the nation manages diversity to produce a generation that is patriotic. 'We must ask ourselves how we can ensure that our children feel love and loyalty for the country when they grow up so separated by language, curriculum and school culture.' He criticised current educational priorities that focus primarily on exam results and individual success, sidelining national values like patriotism and unity. 'For years, our education discourse has revolved around academic achievement and teacher workloads, but rarely have we asked how education builds a strong, united nation.' Calling for a bold reset in the next national education blueprint, he proposed that patriotism, unity and self-worth be embedded not just in the curriculum but also in co-curricular activities and policies. 'We are starting a new education development plan. This is our opportunity. If we fail to strengthen these values now, in 10 years we may find ourselves with a generation that is technically skilled but emotionally detached from the nation. 'Our children are growing up in silos – Chinese schools with one ethos, religious schools with another. If we don't build a shared patriotic foundation, we risk becoming strangers in our own country.' Anuar urged educators and the government to treat patriotism and national unity as urgent priorities, not as an afterthought.
The Star
26-05-2025
- The Star
QuickCheck: Are fake invitational haj visa offers being promoted on social media?
The haj quota for Malaysia this year is 31,600, which is 10,000 more than last year. However, according to the Pilgrims' Fund Board (Tabung Haji), they received 85,000 applications to perform the haj this year. With the high demand for haj visas, some unscrupulous parties are offering fake invitational haj visas (Mujamalah Visas) on social media. Is this true? Verdict: TRUE According to Tabung Haji there had been a rise in fraudulent offers of Mujamalah Visas on various social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. Its director (Haj Operators), Anuar Ahmad, advised those who obtain the visa to register and perform the pilgrimage through any of the 37 haj operators licensed by Tabung Haji under Section 28 of the Tabung Haji Act 1995 (Act 535) to safeguard their welfare and ensure a smooth pilgrimage. "If the Mujamalah Visa is offered by a company or individual not listed among the 37 licensed PJHs, it poses a big risk. "Tabung Haji does not know the capabilities of the parties concerned, the location of the pilgrims' accommodation, nor the form of service that will be provided. What's more concerning is that these parties are not subject to any supervision or monitoring by Tabung Haji," he said when met by the media here recently. Anuar said that only agencies registered under Tabung Haji are allowed to manage Malaysian haj pilgrims to ensure every stage of the pilgrimage runs smoothly and to avoid any risk of fraud or abuse. "Therefore, we urge the public not to be easily deceived by dubious haj offers, especially those offering prices that are too cheap or too expensive. Avoid making any advance payments or deposits without official confirmation from Tabung Haji," he said. Anuar said that the Saudi Arabian government has the sole prerogative of issuing Mujamalah Visas, which fall outside Malaysia's official haj quota. He also assured that Tabung Haji would minitor the operations of the 37 haj operators licensed for this year's haj season, compared to 25 last year. "Haj operators' licenses are only issued after going through a strict application and assessment process by TH. They are valid for one haj season only, with no guarantee of automatic renewal in the following year. "Therefore, each haj operator must maintain a consistently high level of service," he said. According to him, to date, 28.3% of pilgrims in the official quota chose to perform the haj pilgrimage through haj operators, with the rest performing the pilgrimage under the management of muassasahs (Tabung Haji). However, he said, every pilgrim is required to first receive an official offer letter from Tabung Haji before choosing the haj package. – Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Academic proposes 25-student classroom limit
UKM's Anuar Ahmad said every classroom should have high-speed internet access, a smart board, and an LCD screen. PETALING JAYA : An academic has proposed that each classroom be limited to a maximum of 25 students to ensure the quality and effectiveness of teaching and learning. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's (UKM) Anuar Ahmad said the recommendation is aimed at supporting educational reform as highlighted by education minister Fadhlina Sidek last Friday. Anuar also stressed the need for every classroom to have high-speed internet access, a smart board, and an LCD screen. 'With fewer students in a classroom, teachers can give adequate attention to each individual,' said the deputy director of the Malaysian Institute of Inclusive Development and Advancement (MINDA-UKM) in a Facebook post. 'Classrooms should also be equipped with better basic facilities than they currently have, including bright lights, working fans, air-conditioning, and proper tables and chairs.' In her Teacher's Day speech last Friday, Fadhlina said the empowerment of the education sector must begin with the smallest unit – the classroom. She said systemic change and reform should not only focus on educational policies, but also on fundamental aspects such as teacher-student interaction on the ground. The issue of overcrowded classrooms has been raised before, with some schools reportedly accommodating up to 50 students. To address the issue, the government approved the construction of 44 new schools – the highest number in the last four years – last year. It also approved RM100 million for the construction of temporary cabin classrooms to address overcrowding in schools.
Barnama
24-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
PETRONAS Dagangan Reports Record FY2024 at 43rd AGM, Thrives Forward with Customer Focus and Operational Strength
KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PETRONAS Dagangan) today held its 43rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) here – the Company's first fully physical AGM since 2019 – where it shared performance highlights and reaffirmed its strategic direction following a resilient and milestone year. The AGM was chaired by PETRONAS Dagangan Chairman Datuk Anuar Ahmad, accompanied by Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Azrul Osman Rani, Chief Operating Officer Azureen Azita Abdullah and Chief Financial Officer Farzlina Ahmad Murad, alongside members of the Board.
