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Daily Express
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Express
Learn about own nation, Indo kids at Community Learning Centres urged
Published on: Friday, May 30, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 30, 2025 By: Lagatah Toyos Text Size: Aris (centre) with Indonesian children at the Mostyn Estate CLC in Kunak. TAWAU: Indonesian children studying at Community Learning Centres (CLCs) under plantation companies in Malaysia are urged to use their gadgets to seek knowledge and information about Indonesia. Chief Representative of the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia (KRI) in Tawau, Aris Heru Utomo, said they need to learn more about their country in order to deepen their pride in being Indonesian. 'Use your mobile phones not just to search for entertainment but seek knowledge and information about Indonesia as much as possible,' he said. He noted that Indonesia is a vast country made up of over 17,000 islands, rich in natural resources and home to various ethnicities and religions. 'With a strong love for their homeland, they will understand their nation, including its geography, natural beauty and unity in diversity,' he said. He also encouraged Indonesian children in Sabah to appreciate the song 'Tanah Airku' composed by Saridjah Niung Bintang Soedibjo, better known as Ibu Sud, as it reflects national values and love for the homeland. Advertisement 'The lyrics show that no matter where Indonesians wander, they will always love their homeland. 'To love means to be proud, to uphold the good name and to defend Indonesia through attitudes and actions… And since you are students, your actions should be to study, study and study,' he said during a visit to the Mostyn Estate CLC in Kunak, as part of the 'Consulate Goes to Community Learning Centre (CLC)' programme, which included a flag presentation ceremony by 57 of its students. He said the flag ceremony is important to nurture the spirit of Indonesian nationalism, while recognising the four national symbols: the red and white flag, the national language, the Garuda Pancasila emblem and the national anthem Indonesia Raya. He emphasised that it is the duty of all Indonesians, including students born and raised in Sabah, to honour and uphold these four symbols, which were forged by the nation's heroes. During the visit, Aris also presented a set of Pancasila Education Guidebooks for teachers and students from grades 1 to 9, along with a 2025 calendar featuring Unesco-recognised elements of Indonesia's intangible cultural heritage. * 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
New Straits Times
30-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
KRI: Night markets a key driver of Malaysia's economy
KUALA LUMPUR: Night markets have emerged as a key driver of the Malaysian economy, especially during economic downturns, according to a study by Khazanah Research Institute (KRI). In its second discussion paper under the night market project, it said that night markets are found to be an "essential lifeline", particularly in times of crisis. The sector offers employment opportunities to individuals who have been laid off and provides a platform for those seeking to transition into business or self-employment to sustain their livelihoods, said the paper. The discussion paper titled "Why Night Markets Matter?: A Review of Literature" is authored by Nur Sofea Hasmira Azahar and Dr Mohd Amirul Rafiq Abu Rahim. It examines the evolving economic, cultural, and social significance of night markets in Malaysia. "This publication builds upon KRI's earlier work published in January this year on the overall hawking landscape by shifting the focus specifically to night markets as dynamic, multifunctional spaces that blend entrepreneurship, community life, and cultural vibrancy. "While night markets continue to serve as accessible economic platforms for diverse groups, there remains a need for a deeper and more systematic understanding of how they adapt to urbanisation trends, evolving food consumption patterns, rising living standards, and digital transitions," said Nur Sofea. The discussion paper underscored that night markets are deeply embedded in Malaysian society and are seen as an alternative to supermarkets. Night markets have also benefitted many amid the shifts in consumption patterns where more individuals are opting for food away from home. "With a wide variety of stalls offering goods at generally more affordable prices, night markets also help ease financial pressures, particularly in the face of current economic challenges." However, several emerging issues surrounding night markets require deeper examination. KRI said that findings from the literature review revealed that the evolution of night markets is closely tied to urbanisation trends and changing food consumption patterns. There is also limited empirical work that explores how these shifts intersect with licensing frameworks, spatial access, and trader resilience. "Persistent gaps in waste management, food safety compliance, and enforcement by local authorities suggest systemic weaknesses that cannot be resolved through regulation alone. Moreover, rising living standards and evolving consumer expectations around health, convenience, and retail experiences may increasingly challenge the traditional night market model, while the benefits and risks of the food-away-from-home consumption trend remain underexplored. "Although digitalisation is reshaping operations, evidence on its full impact, particularly in promoting inclusive entrepreneurship among women, youth, and B40 groups, remains limited," it added. Through this ongoing work, KRI aims to generate new empirical insights that capture the lived realities of night market traders and consumers across diverse income and demographic groups.
Shafaq News
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
March 11, 1970 Agreement: President Barzani asserts Kurdish rights undeniable
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, Kurdistan Region (KRI) President Nechirvan Barzani affirmed that Iraq is still paying the price for 'failing' to implement the March 11, 1970 Autonomy Agreement, urging political forces to foster peaceful coexistence. In a statement marking the 55th anniversary of the agreement—led by Kurdish nationalist leader Mullah Mustafa Barzani—the president described it as 'a historic turning point' in the Kurdish struggle, calling it the first official document to acknowledge part of the Kurdish people's legitimate rights and the legal foundation for their current achievements. 'No authority in Iraq can deny our rights again.' The March 11 Agreement, he noted, was a model for a fair resolution based on understanding and dialogue. However, Iraq's authorities later withdrew from it, leading to decades of conflict and wars that brought only "tragedy and suffering" to the country. "Even today, Iraq continues to pay the price for failing to uphold this agreement, true partnership, and the constitutional rights of all its components," he added. Barzani further emphasized that stability can only be achieved through democracy, pluralism, joint efforts, and the reinforcement of justice and equality, noting, "Iraq's future depends on enforcing the constitution, strengthening genuine partnership, and building a secure country." 'Unity and cohesion are the true guarantees for protecting constitutional gains and securing future generations," he stressed, urging political forces in the Region and Iraq to act with national responsibility in strengthening federalism, safeguarding the rights of all Iraqi communities, and fostering peaceful coexistence. About The Agreement The Autonomy Agreement, signed on March 11, 1970, between the Iraqi government and Kurdish leader Mullah Mustafa Barzani, followed the first Iraqi-Kurdish war. It aimed to create an autonomous region comprising the three Kurdish provinces (Erbil, Duhok, and Al-Sulaymaniyah) and other nearby areas with a Kurdish majority, as determined by the census. At the time, it was the most significant attempt to resolve the long-standing Iraqi-Kurdish conflict. The agreement recognized Kurdish national rights, ensuring their participation in the Iraqi government and the use of Kurdish in education. However, a final solution to the Kirkuk issue was not reached, awaiting a determination of the province's ethnic composition.
Shafaq News
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
KRI calls for real minority inclusion in Nineveh local government
Shafaq News/ Various ethnic minorities are facing political and security pressures in Iraq's Nineveh, Aydin Marouf, the Minister of Affairs of Minority Groups in Iraqi Kurdistan (KRI) said on Thursday. During a press conference held in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, Marouf noted that the communities in the districts of Sinjar, Tal Afar, and other areas of the Nineveh Plain are 'dissatisfied with the conditions they are enduring,' calling on both the Iraqi government and the local government of Nineveh to consider their situation. The minister further emphasized the need for 'peaceful coexistence and the resolution of the challenges they face, particularly the Turkmen, Chaldeans, Syriacs, Assyrians, and other minority groups, stressing that 'these communities should have a genuine role in the local administration of Nineveh.'
Shafaq News
16-02-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
From Erbil to Munich: President Barzani's active diplomatic engagement at MSC2025
Shafaq News/ The Kurdish President Nechirvan Barzani's sixth participation in the Munich Security Conference (MSC2025) marked a paramount moment for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) as the president held extensive meetings with global leaders and senior officials, discussing pressing regional and international issues. Representing both Baghdad and Erbil, he emphasized the Kurdistan Region's commitment to regional peace, counterterrorism, and economic development. According to observers, President Barzani's participation in MSC2025, along with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, reinforced the Region's strategic importance in regional and global affairs. Through high-level diplomatic engagements, he positioned Kurdistan as a key partner in addressing security challenges, fostering economic growth, and enhancing international cooperation. Stronger Ties with Baghdad Barzani's Participation was not limited to Kurdish issues but also extended to enhancing Iraq's image. He stated in various meetings that the situation in Iraq is "good," with new construction projects underway. He also expressed optimism that the country would not experience major crises affecting its people, 'who deserve a better quality of life.' Barzani praised the improvement in Erbil-Baghdad relations, thanking Al-Sudani for his mediation efforts and emphasizing cooperation as key to mutual interests. Syrian Crisis and Regional Stability During a press conference held on the sidelines of the conference, President Barzani revealed that the Syrian issue was one of the main topics in all the meetings. "What is happening in Syria is encouraging in terms of the fall of an authoritarian regime, and we hope the current authorities will include all components of Syria." Barzani expressed his longing for the cities of Qamishli and Damascus, wishing to visit them someday, as well as Aleppo and Afrin. In a key meeting with Syrian Transitional Government Foreign Minister, Asaad Al-Shibani, he stressed the importance of 'safeguarding the rights of all Syrian communities, including Kurds,' highlighting the need for an inclusive governance framework and reiterating his call for a peaceful transition in Syria. He called for 'a political model acceptable to all Syrian parties, one that reflects a pluralistic vision that accommodates the unique characteristics of each country.' Strengthening US-Kurdistan Relations President Barzani also met with key US officials seeking to deepen strategic ties in security and defense amid ongoing regional challenges. The US officials included Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Senator Elissa Slotkin, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Congressman Chris Van Hollen, to discuss enhanced security and military cooperation. He extended an invitation to Rubio to attend the inauguration of the new US Consulate in Erbil. In turn, Washington reaffirmed, through its officials, its commitment to supporting the Peshmerga forces and broader security coordination. 'The new US administration views matters differently, with President Trump focusing on ending wars and establishing peace in the region, which aligns with the current needs of the world.' Barzani reaffirmed in his meetings. Regional Cooperation: Turkiye and Arab world In a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Barzani emphasized Kurdistan's commitment to continued security cooperation with Ankara. He referred to Fidan as his "friend" and emphasized the mutual interests driving this partnership. In addition, the Kurdish President met top Arab officials including Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Al-Safadi, Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani. Talks centered on deepening political and economic ties, as well as regional security challenges. In a separate meeting with Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, Barzani discussed Iraq's political situation and Middle East developments, with a focus on Syria. 'Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to fostering peace and stability in Syria, while also addressing the Kurdish situation and other communities in the new Syria.' European Partnerships Barzani engaged with key German leaders, including Boris Pistorius, Defense Minister, Niels Schmid, spokesperson for foreign affairs in the Social Democratic Party (SPD); Andreas Schwarz, a member of the Defense Committee; Metin Hakverdi, a member of the Budget Committee; and Niels Annen, Minister of State at the Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development. He also met with Tobias Lindner, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office, and State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community, Hans-Georg Engelke. President Barzani expressed the Kurdistan Region's appreciation for the 'continuous' German support and assistance, emphasizing the importance of its continuation to enhance stability in the Region and Iraq. In turn, the German officials reiterated the country's commitment to supporting the Kurdistan Region, stating that strengthening cooperation between Germany, Iraq, and Kurdistan is essential in the context of international efforts to combat terrorism. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Barzani's discussions focused on security cooperation, economic partnerships, and the Kurdistan Region's role in stabilizing Iraq. Lammy reaffirmed the United Kingdom's commitment to strengthening its ties with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. He highlighted the importance of cooperation in addressing regional security and economic challenges, assuring that the UK would continue to support the Kurdistan Region. In his meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Barzani expressed gratitude for France's ongoing support, particularly in the fight against terrorism and efforts to secure stability in the region. He also met Estonian President Alar Karisand, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, and Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto. NATO and EU Commission In his discussions with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Barzani reaffirmed the importance of NATO support for the Peshmerga forces to preserve regional stability. Stoltenberg also emphasized the shared commitment of NATO, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region to combating terrorism. Both sides stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between NATO, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region, particularly in combating terrorism and boosting the capabilities of security forces. He also held discussions with the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen who praised the Kurdistan Region's stance on the Syrian issue and highlighted the bravery of the Peshmerga in combating ISIS. Expanding Ties with Iran President Barzani did not meet with Iranian officials, however, he described, in an interview, his latest engagements with Iranian officials as marking a "new phase" in Kurdistan-Iran relations. During an interview with ISNA on the sidelines of the Conference, he acknowledged progress in implementing a security agreement between Iraq and Iran, aimed at stabilizing border areas and preventing security threats. Barzani also highlighted Kurdistan's significant role in the Iraq-Iran trade, which exceeds $10 billion annually.
