Latest news with #EastMalaysia
Daily Express
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Kian Kok national singing contest to raise funds for needy students
Published on: Thursday, July 17, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 17, 2025 Text Size: Paul (middle) with Jimmy on his right, Clement (fifth right) with Eliza on his right. Kota Kinabalu: The 'Voice In The Shadows – Our Concert' National Senior Singing Competition (East Malaysia), scheduled for August 16–17, here, is shaping up to be far more than a musical event. It will be a celebration of senior vocal talent, a platform for national unity, and a significant fundraising initiative for Kian Kok Middle School. Advertisement The event is being organised with a clear dual purpose, that, is to honour senior citizens through music and to raise funds for educational support, particularly for students in need. This year's Grand Finals will welcome Tan Sri Paul Lim Pau Chang and Datuk Clement Yeh as Special VIP Guests, both of whom bring a strong commitment to cultural exchange and social impact. At a recent luncheon hosted by the Opening Committee, led by Datuk Eliza Goh, influential figures including Jimmy Goh came together not just to promote the concert, but to discuss broader themes of education, social development, and regional collaboration. 'This is an opportunity to build bridges between East and West Malaysia. Music transcends boundaries, and platforms like this can also promote business opportunities and broader collaborations across regions,' said Paul. Echoing his view, Eliza, who is also a member of the Kian Kok Middle School Board said beyond the music, this is a valuable avenue for fostering mutual respect and meaningful cultural exchanges. 'Through initiatives like this, we can bridge not only geographical distances but also social and educational divides,' she said. Chairman of the Board of Kian Kok Middle School, Clement, also expressed his personal commitment to the cause. 'Education is the foundation of our society, and it is our duty to ensure that no child is left behind due to financial difficulties. 'I'm heartened to see initiatives like this that not only entertain but also uplift,' he said. The competition is raising funds specifically to support financially challenged students at Kian Kok Middle School, a prominent institution in Sabah. Clement further shared the school's progressive educational direction, including the recent introduction of a culinary programme and the globally recognised IGCSE curriculum. 'We are committed to maintaining Kian Kok Middle School's role as a premier institution of learning in Sabah. 'By introducing new programmes such as culinary arts and IGCSE, we are preparing our students not just for local success but for international opportunities,' he said. Jimmy, appointed as Event Advisor, will guide the strategic execution of the concert to ensure its cultural and charitable goals are successfully achieved. Eliza said: 'Supporting education is one of the most impactful ways we can contribute to society. Through this event, we hope to showcase not only the rich talents of our seniors but also the importance of uplifting our youth.' As the Grand Finals draw near, the Organising Committee invites community members, corporate partners, and philanthropists to join in this unique celebration of music, unity, and hope helping ensure that education remains a beacon of opportunity for future generations. * 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
South China Morning Post
11-07-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Malaysia's South China Sea defences set for fighter jet boost in ‘quiet' military build-up
The United States' approval of Malaysia 's purchase of dozens of fighter jets is set to bolster the Southeast Asian country's air capabilities – especially in the South China Sea – as part of a strategy to 'quietly' build deterrence while also preserving cordial ties with China. Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) chief General Tan Sri Asghar Khan Goriman Khan confirmed during a June 17 briefing that Washington had approved Malaysia's request to acquire up to 33 used F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter jets from Kuwait. The move, which requires congressional sign-off under the US Arms Export Control Act, comes after years of negotiations that began in 2017. Malaysian Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari has said the deal is expected to be finalised this year. Abdul Rahman Yaacob, a research fellow at the Lowy Institute's Southeast Asia programme, said the purchase of the fighter jets would significantly bolster Malaysia's air defence capabilities. 'This is critical in East Malaysia, where Malaysia's energy blocks are located in the South China Sea, close to Sarawak,' Rahman said. If deployed in East Malaysia, the Hornets would complement newly developed naval facilities in Sarawak and demonstrate Kuala Lumpur's efforts to build deterrence in an area that had seen increasing Chinese activity, Rahman added.
Free Malaysia Today
30-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Be realistic, Sabah Umno not the force it once was, Bung told
Lee Kuok Tiung of U niversiti Malaysia Sabah said Warisan poses a bigger threat to GRS than Sabah Umno, especially if multi-cornered clashes occur. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Bung Moktar Radin needs to accept the reality that Sabah Umno is no longer the force it used to be in the East Malaysian state, says a political analyst. Universiti Malaysia Sabah's Lee Kuok Tiung said while Umno used to dominate Sabah, the state's political landscape was vastly different then, with fewer local parties in contention. He pointed out that several parties have emerged in Sabah after multiple leaders broke away from Umno, namely Shafie Apdal's Warisan, Hajiji Noor's Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), and even Bersatu's Sabah chapter, led by former Umno man Ronald Kiandee. 'There was no Warisan, GRS or even Sabah Bersatu in the past, and some of Sabah Umno's other past leaders are with different parties today. 'The political landscape and political set-up at that time was very different from the current scenario. So, wouldn't it be fair to say that Sabah Umno is not as it was before?' he told FMT. Lee also said Warisan, which intends to go solo in the upcoming state election, posed a bigger threat to GRS than Sabah Umno, especially if multi-cornered clashes occur. 'Warisan still carries a strong local branding compared with Umno, which carries 'federal baggage'. Warisan also appeals across the races more effectively than Umno. 'Although GRS currently holds the administrative power, any erosion of support (by way of multi-cornered contests), especially in mixed or urban seats, could benefit Warisan,' he said. While Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan have agreed to an alliance for the state election, talks are ongoing to rope GRS into the pact. Nonetheless, Sabah BN and GRS leaders have continued to trade barbs. On Wednesday, Bung said leaders of Sabah-based parties have failed to unite Sabahans despite constantly pushing sentiments that they were local parties. The Sabah Umno chief said he appreciated the 'local struggle' spirit, but the narrative that only local parties could defend Sabah was a broken record, specifically training his guns on GRS deputy chairman Jeffrey Kitingan. Bung said only national coalitions like BN could bring major change, ensure long-term stability and defending Sabah's right through federal channels. Lee warned Bung that undermining local party sentiments risked alienating voters, especially with more and more of them seeing local representation in the state assembly as crucial. 'Maybe he should slow down or lie low a little because what goes around comes around. Wouldn't it be a laughing stock if, in the 17th state election, Sabah Umno suddenly has to work with a local party? 'Some leaders need to move beyond the belief that they alone hold all the answers, and refrain from launching personal attacks against those with differing views. It's time they set aside their arrogance.' Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara agreed that it would be unwise to play down local party sentiments, which he noted was 'very, very high', though he believed Umno was still a force to be reckoned with in Sabah. Azmi said Umno's awareness of local party sentiments was evidenced by its federal leadership pushing the narrative that Sabah Umno had autonomy to make decisions, even on electoral pacts. However, he said, the federal BN leadership was making the final calls to unite the warring factions within Sabah Umno aligned with Bung, Abdul Rahman Dahlan and Salleh Said Keruak. Azmi also argued that BN and PH had the upper hand over local parties at the polls because of their access to federal power and resources.
Malay Mail
26-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Batik Air to launch Bangkok, Kuching routes from Subang in July
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Batik Air will launch its first international route from Subang Airport on July 28 with daily flights to Bangkok. The airline will also begin daily services to Kuching on the same day, strengthening Subang's role in domestic connectivity. This move marks a key step in reviving Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) as a city-based hub offering an alternative to KLIA. Batik Air said the Bangkok route offers Klang Valley travellers a faster and more convenient gateway to Thailand's capital. Flights to Kuching are expected to improve accessibility for East Malaysians while promoting Borneo tourism among West Malaysians. The airline sees Subang's proximity to Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam as a major advantage for urban travellers. CEO Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy said the Bangkok service is just the beginning of Batik Air's regional growth from SZB. With existing routes to Penang, Kota Baru and Kota Kinabalu, Batik Air will soon serve five key destinations from Subang.
Malay Mail
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
No ‘moon' in Sabah? PAS wants bigger tent against BN-Pakatan for state election, says Tuan Ibrahim
KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 — PAS is likely to forgo its signature 'moon' logo once more in Sabah's upcoming state election, as the party explores forming a wider electoral pact to challenge the ruling coalition. PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man confirmed to Malaysiakini today that the party is looking to contest at least six seats and may campaign under a different logo. 'PAS has identified at least six seats to contest in the Sabah election, and maybe we will use the logo of any party in our pact,' he reportedly said. While PAS is part of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition alongside Bersatu and Gerakan, Tuan Ibrahim hinted at ambitions beyond PN, suggesting an alliance with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and even Warisan, in a bid to avoid fragmented contests against Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH). 'Umno (BN) has decided to work with Harapan, and in Sabah, we have Warisan, GRS, and PN. 'So I feel if we can create a grand coalition that would be better, and I see the need for this framework, for PN, GRS, and Warisan to create a pact to face Umno-Harapan,' he was quoted as saying. He noted PAS' 'good relationship' with GRS and said the party would also engage Bersatu to assess the feasibility of a united front. PAS, which has yet to win any seat in East Malaysia, faces cultural and political headwinds in Sabah, where religious pluralism is deeply valued. By using a more locally accepted party's logo, PAS hopes to appeal to a broader segment of voters. Tuan Ibrahim's proposal could hit a roadblock, however, due to tensions between Bersatu and GRS. Several GRS representatives defected from Bersatu in 2022 and later aligned with the ruling coalition. The fallout worsened after corruption allegations surfaced involving GRS assemblymen, prompting strong criticism from Bersatu leaders. The Sabah election is expected to be called later this year.
