Latest news with #AssociationforWelfare
Focus Malaysia
3 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
13MP: Education that upholds human dignity
THE Association for Welfare, Community and Dialogue (ACID) welcomes the assertion by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is not a conventional government blueprint but a concerted endeavour to embody the people's aspirations and driven by the priority of upholding human dignity. He added that 'To realise this aspiration, the Government will build a social system that guarantees a decent and dignified life, not merely focused on access and material achievements, but one that reinforces the spiritual foundation, human values, and intellectual excellence of every citizen. The prime minister's desire to uphold human dignity seems to contradict the preoccupation of Malaysian major political parties and politicians on ethno-religious grievances and aspirations. On the other hand while the aspiration to uphold human dignity, reinforcing spiritual, human values and intellectual excellence is noble, the prime minister has not laid out in practical terms how such a vision will materialise in a society that is very much conscious of ethno-religious identity that tends to be sectarian and dominating. The younger generation are currently trapped by politics of ethnicity and religion of the major parties which does not reflect the broader dimension of human dignity. The respect for human dignity in essence has a broad dimension of solidarity and respect for the dignity and rights of those who are poor and marginalised irrespective of race and religion. No communities will feel marginalised in this context. Such an understanding begins when education is not reduced to a utilitarian, sectarian and materialistic concept. One has to progressively interpret the Rukun negara principle in the belief of God from the current static and conservative worldview that focuses on a particular religion to a broader world view of divine inclusivity that embraces all communities. It is a pity that major ethno-religious-centric parties like UMNO and PAS continue to use race religion as a political bait that projects the belief in God in the Rukun Negara among sectarian lines. In this regard it is vital that the Malaysian school and university education be transformed in reference to the belief in God in the Rukun Negara that empowers metaphysical education that embraces universal spiritual values that is embodied by major religions in the world. Philosophy, spiritual contemplation, peacemaking, human solidarity and ecological integration should be core subjects that reflect the belief in God. ACID believes that such an approach is the best way to reinforce the Malaysian spiritual foundation as stated by the prime minister. A right balance between metaphysical and utilitarian education is crucial for a harmonious society built on mercy, justice, peace and solidarity. Therefore it is hoped the current Malaysian government would transform our education in the spirit of Rukun Negara that respects human dignity. The belief in God cannot be separated from the importance of upholding human dignity. Upholding human dignity is about loving our fellow human being irrespective of race and religion. This would nurture the younger generation to be more conscious of others and instead of being trapped or caved in ethno-religious cocoons. Let's build an education system that upholds human dignity that transcends sectarianism. ‒ Aug 6, 2025 Ronald Benjamin is a human resources practitioner based in Ipoh. He is currently secretary of the Association for Community and Dialogue. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main pic credit: Facebook/Anwar Ibrahim
The Sun
29-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Genocide, starvation in Gaza stir global conscience
THE Association for Welfare, Community and Dialogue (Acid), part of the global family, welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement to recognise Palestinian statehood. It is particularly significant because France is a major power in the European Union, and its recognition of a Palestinian statehood could inspire other reluctant EU nations to follow suit. In the United Kingdom, more lawmakers have called on the British government to recognise a Palestinian state as pressure mounts on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to take concrete action amid Israel's war on Gaza. Some 221 MPs from across the political spectrum have signed an open letter calling on Starmer's Labour government to recognise a Palestinian state in advance of the upcoming United Nations conference on Palestine. It is surprising that UK MPs across the political divide have taken a stand since Britain is largely responsible for planting the Zionist state in the land of Palestine in the 1940s. The UK has a historical duty to correct the wrongdoing that has created a high magnitude of suffering in the Middle East. Last year, Ireland, Norway and Spain recognised a Palestinian state with its borders to be demarcated as they were before the 1967 Middle East War, when Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. The Vatican, which represents the Catholic world, has consistently called for peace, and it has used a stronger language, like barbaric, in condemning the war. What is particularly interesting is to see lively debates by prominent conservative and liberal commentators in the US, who are beginning to question their nation's blind loyalty to Israel despite the atrocities it has committed. It is clear that the indiscriminate bombing of civilians and the use of hunger as a weapon of war in Gaza, combined with the violence and forced evictions of Palestinians by Jewish settlers in the West Bank, have awakened the conscience of the Western public. While it is imperative for European powers to recognise a Palestinian state, it is equally vital to take decisive action at the UN to declare expansionist Zionism as ethnoracism, a threat to world peace. The current regime in Israel has all the characteristics of far-right ultranationalism, including elements resembling fascism, such as an emphasis on national and ethnic supremacy. It is important to separate Zionist ideology and behaviour from the majority of the Jewish population, who are also suffering from insecurity due to endless conflict and war perpetrated by their government. The reluctance of the US and Zionist leaders to mention Palestinians by nationality in press conferences shows how oppressive and unjust these hegemonic powers have become. In this context, the declaration of Palestinian self-determination by the international community has become imperative. This should be followed by diplomatic and economic pressure on Israel to agree to an immediate ceasefire. It is hoped that the awakening conscience in the West and the world at large will ultimately bring about a just and comprehensive settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Focus Malaysia
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Why Malaysians should reject the impending ‘Turun Anwar' rally
THE Association for Welfare, Community and Dialogue (ACID) welcomes the right of Malaysians to dissent on particular issues that affect the country but the rationale for the upcoming 'Turun Anwar' rally on July 26 requires prudence among Malaysians. There are various factors that needs to be taken into consideration before one supports a rally to oust a sitting prime minister who has a strong mandate in Parliament. Mandate to rule The current Government was the result of the general election in the year 2022. Due to the fragmented nature of the mandate ,a unity government was rightly formed, and the designated Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim went a step further by calling a vote of confidence in Parliament for his administration. He succeeded in Parliament and that brought about a modicum of political stability in the country. This was unlike former premier Tan Sri Muhiyiddin Yassin who came up with the state of emergency to remain in power when he realised that it was impossible for him to win the vote of confidence in Parliament. The fact is the main leaders for the impending rally are the same former premier and PAS leaders who supported the undemocratic state of emergency. Can we trust such leaders to govern the country again? Economic situation Currently Malaysia as a trading nation is going through challenges with impending tariffs by the United States (US) which require constructive ideas among parliamentarians and civil society to ensure the nation's survival. We need opposition parties that are constructive in Parliament and to work with the government to generate creative solutions to navigate this challenging economic times that affects all Malaysians whatever their political leanings are. To date the opposition parties are too busy with racial rhetoric or articulating the high cost of living without concrete ideas to address the root causes, besides not having any constructive opinions in navigating the tariff threat imposed by the US. Any threat to political stability in the current context will affect investors' confidence and pressure the ringgit, since there are no concrete alternatives if the unity government collapses. Understanding the motives of opposition leaders It is obvious that certain leaders of the opposition parties are facing corruption trials. In the Malaysian system, obtaining power is the way to escape from prosecutions. These leaders are not really sincere in addressing the real problems facing Malaysians. If they were, the Parliament would have the best place to dissent and contribute. The current motive is to get as many people in the street to force an unstable situation so that the prime minister could be toppled and a new government formed that would release these leaders from prosecution. Therefore it is vital for Malaysians to be prudent and understand the motives behind the impending rally. There are various issues related to judiciary, economy and unity that are not adequately addressed by the unity government. Unfortunately we do not have opposition parties that are capable of offering a concrete alternative. They have even failed to come up with an alternative budget. A street protest to undemocratically topple a government will ultimately affect the economy and it will bring further hardships to Malaysians. The next general election is the best way to ensure capable leaders with integrity are part of parliament and governance. That said, a government should be toppled only if its oppressive and cause hardships to the people. The unity government is imperfect but not extremely oppressive to be toppled. ‒ July 24, 2025 Ronald Benjamin is a human resources practitioner based in Ipoh. He is currently secretary of the Association for Community and Dialogue. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Harakahdaily
Focus Malaysia
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Judiciary is not a playground of partisan preferences
LATELY there have been statements from various groups on the government's decision not to extend former Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat's tenure following her retirement on July 1 this year. Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has criticised the government's decision not to extend Tengku Maimun's tenure, saying it signals a lack of consideration for the future of the country's legal system. For weeks prior to the chief justice's retirement, questions had arisen among legal practitioners , politicians over the lack of an extension for her and an announcement of a successor. DAP came out late with a statement saying the judiciary is of paramount importance, and reiterated its position that the extension of the tenures 'would be consistent with the reformist agenda of the Madani government'. It is obvious from these statements that Tengku Maimun has shown integrity and defense of judicial independence. The question is does the Malaysian public's trust in the judiciary have to be confined to individuals, or would it be better that judges, whoever they are, are able to safeguard the independence and integrity of the judiciary? Is it not the judiciary a guiding light to the objectivity of constitutional principles? What the public aspires for is not only judges with integrity but also able to collectively safeguard constitutional principles that makes it truly independent. If this is the case Tengku Maimun's retirement is not the issue to the people since whoever comes after will carry on the torch of justice through balance and enlighten interpretation of the constitution that protects the life and liberty of all Malaysians. Therefore the Association for Welfare, Community and Dialogue (ACID) believes that it would be wise that judicial appointments should be separated from the preferences of the prime minister or politicians who have their own agendas. Judiciary is the carrier of holistic constitutional principles, it cannot be a playground of partisan preferences or ideological battles. ‒ July 7, 2025 Ronald Benjamin is the Secretary for the Association for Welfare, Community and Dialogue. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Bernama
Malaysiakini
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Judiciary not playground of partisan preferences
LETTER | Lately, there have been statements from various groups on the government's decision not to extend former chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat's tenure. She retired on July 1, 2025. Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin has criticised the government's decision not to extend Tengku Maimun's tenure, saying it signals a lack of consideration for the future of the country's legal system. For weeks, before her impending retirement, questions had arisen among legal practitioners and politicians over the lack of an extension for her and an announcement of a successor. The DAP came out late with a statement saying that the judiciary is of paramount importance, and reiterated its position that the extension' of the tenures 'would be consistent with the reformist agenda of the Madani government'. It is obvious from these statements that Tengku Maimun has shown integrity and defends judicial independence. The question is, does the Malaysian public's trust in the judiciary have to be confined to individuals, or would it be better if judges are able to safeguard the independence and integrity of the judiciary? Is the judiciary not a guiding light to the objectivity of constitutional principles? What the public aspires for is not only judges with integrity but also for them to collectively safeguard constitutional principles that make the judiciary truly independent. If this were the case, the retirement of the chief justice would not have been an issue to the people, since whoever comes after would carry on the torch of justice through a balanced and enlightened interpretation of the Constitution that protects the life and liberty of all Malaysians. Therefore, the Association for Welfare, Community and Dialogue believes that it would be wise for judicial appointments to be separated from the preferences of the prime minister or politicians who have their own agendas. The judiciary is the carrier of holistic constitutional principles; it cannot be a playground of partisan preferences or ideological battles. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
