Latest news with #CentreforMediaandInformationWarfareStudies
Barnama
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Negative Sentiments Should Not Deter Malaysians From Flying Jalur Gemilang
By Yasmin Ahmad Zukiman KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysians have been urged to fly the Jalur Gemilang with confidence throughout this national month, despite attempts by a few parties to spread fear over issues such as hoisting the flag upside down, or not following proper procedures. Experts stress that hoisting the Jalur Gemilang should be encouraged and reinforced, as it symbolises not only love for the nation but also serves as a powerful expression of patriotism and unity, uniting people across all races, religions, and political affiliations. Senior lecturer in Security and Politics at the Centre for Media and Information Warfare Studies, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin, said that the Jalur Gemilang represents the nation's dignity and sovereignty, and must not be undermined by negative elements. 'This flag unites the people with the nation. It is the tangible embodiment of our patriotic spirit. We must not allow negative sentiments to weaken that spirit. Flying the Jalur Gemilang should be celebrated, not feared,' he told Bernama. Noor Nirwandy added that, while precautions should be taken to avoid upside-down or damaged flags, unintentional mistakes should not be exploited to intimidate the public. He stressed that such negativity should not discourage the majority of Malaysians, who have long celebrated National Month with enthusiasm and pride. Yesterday, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, urged Malaysians not to be afraid or discouraged from expressing their patriotism by flying the Jalur Gemilang during National Month. Fahmi, who is also the MADANI Government spokesperson, noted that, while a small group of individuals have attempted to instill fear around the practice, their actions should not diminish the nation's spirit of patriotism. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr Mohd Azhar Abd Hamid, a researcher with the Nationhood and Social Well-being Research Group at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), emphasised that authorities should reassure the public that flying the Jalur Gemilang is a commendable act, and that only deliberate offences intended to insult the country warrant legal action.
Barnama
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Timor-Leste's AMM Participation Marks Key Step Toward ASEAN Membership
GENERAL By Nurunnasihah Ahmad Rashid and Zufazlin Baharuddin KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 (Bernama) -- Timor-Leste's participation as an observer at the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings in Kuala Lumpur starting Tuesday marks a significant step towards its full integration into the regional bloc, with membership expected to be formalised at the ASEAN Summit in October. Security and political analyst from the Centre for Media and Information Warfare Studies at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, Selangor Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin, Timor-Leste's active engagement as an observer has laid a strong foundation for its eventual accession as a full ASEAN member. 'The relationship with ASEAN leaders and Timor-Leste is a very progressive transition. All the countries in ASEAN have basically agreed to the adoption of the accession of Timor-Leste since the beginning of the development of observer status in 2022,' he told Bernama. In May, ASEAN leaders have agreed to accept Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the regional bloc at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October, subject to the fulfilment of several remaining requirements for full membership. This underscores the bloc's unified political will to welcome the country as its 11th member and support its institutional readiness. Timor-Leste, which gained independence in 2002, was granted observer status in ASEAN in 2022 and has since been working towards full membership based on a structured Roadmap endorsed by the regional bloc. At the ASEAN summit in May, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn highlighted Timor-Leste's growing engagement noting that the country attended about 90 per cent of ASEAN meetings in the first quarter 2025 compared to 83 per cent last year. Noor Nirwandy pointed out that ASEAN members need to continue focusing on providing technical and institutional support to ensure a smooth transition to full membership for the country.
