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New Straits Times
03-08-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Rebuilding public trust is key, says new integrity institute chief [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: For the newly appointed Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM) president and chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Ramdzan Daud, the fight for national integrity begins with an uncomfortable truth — rebuilding public trust is no small feat. Lack of trust, he said, makes it extremely difficult for any institution to function effectively. Speaking to the New Straits Times in his first interview as IIM head, Ramdzan, who joined the institute on July 23, said public confidence in the system hinged on more than just slogans or regulatory targets. With more than 38 years' experience in the police force, including as Special Branch director, he brings a practitioner's lens to an institute often dismissed as symbolic. "The government is serious about integrity, and we're trying to strengthen it across the board," he said, thanking Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and the IIM board for placing their trust in him. "It's about meaningful service delivery. As an officer, yes, you have your core responsibilities — fighting crime, upholding the law. But what the public wants to see is more than that. "They want to see officers go the extra mile. Present, engaged and willing to help even in small, everyday situations," he said. Today, Ramdzan is focused on embedding integrity education from the earliest stages, with a dedicated preschool module currently in development and set for pilot implementation next year. "We (IIM) are working with multiple ministries, government agencies and relevant non-governmental organisations, developing a module for nurseries and preschools. Once finalised and approved, it will be used as a national guideline," he said. This initiative complements the institute's Integrity Youth Ambassador (IYA) programme launched in 2024 — a strategic effort to cultivate integrity-driven leadership among youth. Targeted at students aged 16 and above with demonstrated leadership potential, the IYA programme offers a platform for the students to become positive change agents through structured training, mentorship and community-based engagement in ethics, good governance and civic responsibility. "If you don't start instilling integrity early, you can't expect people to grasp its meaning later in life," Ramdzan said. Beyond policy reforms and institutional safeguards, he said, building integrity must be a whole-of-society effort. He cited past abuse cases, including one involving a child, that only came to light because of concerned neighbours. "If the neighbours hadn't spoken up, that child might not have survived. Everyone plays a role in building a culture of integrity; it's not just the government."
Wales Online
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Llangollen International Eisteddfod evening cancelled due to 'extraordinary medical incident'
Llangollen International Eisteddfod evening cancelled due to 'extraordinary medical incident' Llangollen International Musical Eisteddford sees 50,000 people attend over the six days Singers and dancers from around the world are invited to take part in the festival (Image: IYA ) An annual music festival in north Wales has been cancelled at the last minute to an "extraordinary medical incident". Organisers of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddford said that the event still intended to run as normal tomorrow morning. The music festival is hosted over six days and sees singers and dancers from around the world compete in over 20 competitions. It has a huge attendance of over 50,000 over the event and previous performers have included Luciano Pavarotti, Julian Lloyd Webber and Katherine Jenkins. A statement from the festival read: "Due to an extraordinary medical incident - tonight's event has been cancelled. "We want to thank our own medical teams who are managing the extraordinary medical incident "We are working with the ambulance services and medical teams managing the incident giving them the support necessary. Article continues below "The Llangollen International Eisteddfod intends to run as normal from 9am tomorrow, but this will be based on the expert medical advice we receive. "We apologise for any inconvenience caused." Article continues below Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice .
The Hindu
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Muthukad to perform magic in Kozhikode as a tribute to his father
That young magician was nervous as he stepped onto the Tagore Centenary Hall here on February 20, 1987, for his first performance. He had left his legal studies midway and was uncertain about his future. But the audience in Kozhikode embraced Gopinath Muthukad with warmth as he went on to chart his own path in the field of magic thereafter. Mr. Muthukad is returning to the city again with a grand show titled 'Illusion to Inspiration', as a tribute to his father, Kunjunni Nair, on August 9. 'It is based on the concepts described in the book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, envisaging the clearing of our commitments to the people to whom we are indebted. For me, it is my parents. This two-hour show is dedicated to the memory of my father whose belief in me was the foundation for everything I have accomplished,' he told the media on Wednesday. The event, to be inaugurated by legendary magician P.C. Sorcar Junior, would be held at the Providence College Auditorium at 5.30 p.m. The two-hour programme would be a blend of magic, music, dance, and cutting-edge technology. Mr. Muthukad said Kozhikode remained close to his heart for many reasons. 'It was from here that I saw sea for the first time when I was five. It was a kind-hearted man in Kozhikode who printed the posters of my first performance for free. I bought the first vehicle for my troupe from here. When I defaulted on its loan, it was another man here who helped me clear it. My father passed away at a hospital in Kozhikode as well,' he recalled. Mr. Muthukad stopped his professional performances around four years ago and is now running the Different Art Centre in Thiruvananthapuram for differently abled children. He is presently working on an International Institute for People with Disabilities in Kasaragod to promote their holistic development. The event is organised in association with the Different Arts Centre, OISCA International, Malabar Chamber of Commerce, and the Indian Youth Association (IYA). IYA president T.D. Francis, OISCA International secretary general Aravindababu, OISCA International north Kerala president Philip Antony, and Malabar Chamber of Commerce president Nityananda Kammat were present.
