Latest news with #Kamarul
The Star
6 hours ago
- General
- The Star
Preserving heritage in a digital age
AS DIGITAL technology transforms daily life, Malaysia's museums face the challenge of remaining relevant. This issue was central to the Malaysia International Museum Day 2025 seminar in Kuala Lumpur, themed 'The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.' Held in Kuala Lumpur, the event brought together regional cultural custodians, academics and community voices to reimagine the role of museums. Museums are no longer just quiet halls of the past; they must become dynamic hubs for learning, innovation and dialogue, declared International Councils of Museums Malaysia (Icom) chairperson and Department of Museums Malaysia director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim. He said museums were uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between tradition and technology. International Museum Day, celebrated annually on May 18 since 1977, also emphasises the need for museums to adapt and innovate to remain relevant, he added. The celebration spans 158 countries and sees participation from over 37,000 museums worldwide. Museums face the challenge of remaining relevant. — Photos: ONG SOON HIN/The Star Youth and new technologies Kamarul's keynote outlined three key strategies to guide the evolution of Malaysia's museums: protecting intangible heritage, engaging youth and adopting new technologies. While most visitors associate museums with ancient textiles or dusty heirlooms, the essence of culture often lies in what cannot be touched – rituals, songs, dialects, craftsmanship, and storytelling traditions. 'Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is increasingly at risk, and museums are uniquely placed to act as stewards of this fragile heritage,' said Kamarul. This, he said, resonated with the call to harness 'youth power' and their growing role in shaping the future of museums. 'Our youth are the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. 'It is crucial we understand how to harness this energy and creativity to ensure museums remain relevant and appealing to future generations,' he emphasised. The exterior of Muzium Negara in Kuala Lumpur. Teaching intangible heritage In his keynote address, Icom executive board member Prof Zhao Feng said teaching ICH and training intangible inheritors in both universities and museums were equally important. He hopes to build a platform for this at universities and museums, especially in the Asia-Pacific. 'The plan is to offer courses in ICH worldwide. For example, a two-week course inviting people from five countries to show their techniques, share their cultures and experience themes around typical textile techniques,' said Prof Zhao, who is also Unesco Silk Road Heritage chairperson. Regional experience The Philippines' National Museum Network significantly adapted during the Covid-19 pandemic, enhancing its digital engagement. Its Museums deputy director- general Jorell Legaspi noted a 400% increase in website traffic in just one year by offering virtual tours, livestreams and downloadable materials, reaching even remote areas. He said more than 20 museums across the archipelago focused on improving digital infrastructure alongside physical galleries, providing free admission and enriching visitor experiences. However, Legaspi cautioned about the complexities of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR), emphasising the need for tech developers to align their strategies with museum goals. Ultimately, he said, the transformation of cultural institutions would require collective effort from various sectors to thrive in the 21st century. Local museums are urged to learn and improve visitors' experience. Smart collaborations Offering a 'non-museum community' perspective, independent management advisor Penny Ong Lean-Ping suggested that the Department of Museums Malaysia work with Higher Education Ministry or tertiary institutions. 'Imagine final-year IT or Multimedia students lending their skills to digitalise and transform our museums, fulfilling academic requirements while addressing a national need. 'This infuses youthful energy and cutting-edge skills directly into our heritage sector,' she said. Ong also drew inspiration from international models for what she termed 'open museums.' Her visit to the Dunhuang Grottoes in China was a revelation, she shared. 'They offered three distinct experiences: live performances bringing grotto characters to life, a breathtaking VR 360-degree rotating theatre, and the actual site visit. 'Malaysia, too, is rich with open museums in historic Melaka, the charming streets of George Town in Penang, and countless old towns with stunning architecture. 'These aren't just sites; they are immersive experiences waiting to be curated, protected and presented with innovative flair.' Ong also raised concerns about the valuation of artefacts in private museums, emphasising the need to assess their cultural significance alongside monetary value. 'Statistics show 44 private museums in Malaysia, about 20% of the total nationwide. 'My worry is that artefacts, especially those unique to specific tribes, may be undervalued,' she said. Legaspi (centre) in a panel discussion with moderator and Icom Malaysia secretary Janet Tee SIew Mooi (left) and National Museum of China research fellow and curator Joan Ma Min. — Courtesy photos. Next generation of curators From TikTok reels to Instagram takeovers, youth-led digital narratives can breathe new life into Malaysia's storied past. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said by integrating digital technologies, local museums could enhance the visitor experience, engage with diverse communities and ensure cultural narratives were preserved. 'The National Unity Ministry is committed to ensuring our museums reflect the values of inclusivity, accessibility, sustainability and diversity. 'We will work closely with the Department of Museums to develop and implement strategies that align with these principles,' he said. For example, he cited, all museums should digitise their collections and provide virtual and augmented reality experiences, interactive digital exhibits, mobile applications, and online platforms along with community engagement.
Malaysiakini
a day ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Zafrul wants to join PKR
Good morning. Here's what you should know today. Key Highlights Zafrul wants to join PKR Sabah graft cover-up 'perception' Hannah beats Kamarul in court Zafrul wants to join PKR Local politics were delivered another shock on Friday when Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz quit Umno. With just six months remaining on his senator tenure, Zafrul wants to join PKR. Umno is not happy, especially since Zafrul did not relinquish his minister post and is demanding that this be rectified. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, however, appears keen to keep Zafrul in cabinet. HIGHLIGHTS Sabah graft cover-up 'perception' Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim denies any attempts to cover up the Sabah corruption scandal involving videos of assemblypersons talking about taking bribes. He said the cover-up allegations were just "perception". Instead, he said the MACC was just being thorough in doing its job. He also said that the prime minister should not be investigator, prosecutor, and executioner - because that is a dictator's job. HIGHLIGHTS Hannah beats Kamarul in court The High Court found Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) lecturer Kamarul Zaman Yusoff guilty of defaming Hannah Yeoh for claiming she wanted to turn Malaysia into a Christian nation. The judge found that Kamarul had failed to establish a defence of justification and fair comment. However, no apology was ordered as the judge deemed it would be insincere. Kamarul was ordered to pay Yeoh RM400,000 in damages, as well as RM80,000 in costs. He will be appealing the outcome. HIGHLIGHTS Views that matter In case you missed it Other news that matter
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Lecturer ordered to pay RM400,000 to Hannah Yeoh
KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court has ordered Universiti Utara Malaysia senior lecturer Dr Kamarul Zaman Yusoff to pay RM400,000 in damages to Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh over defamatory Facebook posts made in 2017. Justice Aliza Sulaiman ruled in Yeoh's favour, stating that the court was satisfied she had proven her case on the balance of probabilities. 'I am satisfied that the plaintiff has discharged the burden of proving on a balance of probabilities that the first and second publications are defamatory,' said the judge yesterday. The defamatory statements were posted on Facebook on May 10, 2017 under the title 'Hannah Yeoh: Contoh Hipokrasi Terbesar DAP' and on May 17, 2017 as a police report titled 'Laporan Polis Saya Terhadap Hannah Yeoh'. Kamarul argued that he was referring to DAP in his first post but did not raise a similar claim regarding the second publication on May 17. The court found that both publications clearly referred to Yeoh. Justice Aliza also rejected Kamarul's defence of justification, fair comment and qualified privilege, concluding that he failed to substantiate them. The court awarded Yeoh RM200,000 in general and aggravated damages for each post, along with RM80,000 in legal costs to be paid by the defendant. An injunction was also granted, restraining Kamarul or any party acting on his behalf from publishing the defamatory words or anything similar. Kamarul, who was not present in court, later issued a statement expressing respect for the ruling but said he would file an appeal soon. 'I will be filing an appeal to the Court of Appeal to challenge this decision on its facts and law,' he said. Yeoh's lawsuit, filed in 2022, accused Kamarul of defaming her by suggesting in the 2017 Facebook posts that she aimed to proselytise Christianity through her political work. The lecturer also referred to Yeoh's biography as promoting a Christian agenda.
Rakyat Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Rakyat Post
Hannah Yeoh Awarded RM400k After Winning Defamation Suit Against Kamarul Zaman Yusoff
Subscribe to our FREE Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has been The court awards RM400,000 as general and aggravated damages to be paid by the defendant to the plaintiff and RM80,000 in costs. Kamarul claimed that Yeoh was promoting a ''Christian agenda'' through her personal memoir titled ''Becoming Hannah: A Personal Journey.'' He claimed she was using her political platform to advance Christianity and turning Malaysia into a Christian nation. Yeoh filed the lawsuit in 2022 over two of Kamarul's Facebook posts. READ MORE: High Court judge Justice Aliza Sulaiman said Yeoh had proven that the posts were defamatory and painted her as a threat to Islam. In a multiracial and multireligious country where the issue of religion is, of course, very sensitive, this would surely expose the plaintiff to hatred, ridicule and contempt. Judge Aliza The judge additionally dismissed Kamarul's claim that his comments were aimed at DAP as a political party because he had explicitly named Yeoh in both his pleadings and the title of one of his posts. Hannah Yeoh. Image: Malay Mail The court also dismissed Yeoh's application for Kamarul to issue a public apology, saying the act could be seen as insincere, but granted her an injunction to restrain the defendant, his servants, or agents from republishing the impugned words or similar statements. When met by reporters, Yeoh expressed her gratitude to her legal team, adding that justice finally prevailed. She reiterated that the allegations were entirely false and hopes no one will resort to ''exploiting religious sentiments or spreading baseless accusations'' about her or her book. The court has acknowledged that the issue at hand involved religious sentiment. In a multiracial and multireligious country like ours, invoking such sentiments is akin to playing with fire. It is dangerous, especially when it involves slander. I believe slander is prohibited in Islam. Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh Meanwhile, Kamarul asserted that his statements were justified and will file an appeal to the Court of Appeal in the near future to challenge the decision. READ MORE: READ MORE: Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
UUM lecturer to appeal RM400,000 defamation ruling
rahmat@ KUALA LUMPUR: Dr Kamarul Zaman Yusoff will appeal the High Court's ruling ordering him to pay RM400,000 in damages to Hannah Yeoh for defamation. In a statement, Kamarul, a Universiti Utara Malaysia lecturer, said he respected the court's ruling but disagreed with its findings and the reasoning behind the decision. "Therefore, I will be filing an appeal in the near future to challenge the decision based on both facts and legal grounds," he said. "This process is far from over, and I urge everyone to allow the courts to reassess the matter thoroughly at the appellate stage," he added. Earlier, Judge Datuk Aliza Sulaiman said Kamarul, who served as a special officer to the prime minister from 2021 to 2022, had defamed Yeoh, the Segambut member of parliament, in two Facebook posts in 2017. The court said Yeoh, who is the Youth and Sports Minister, had proven, on a balance of probabilities, that both publications were defamatory in portraying her as a threat to Islam and as having abused her position to promote Christianity in Malaysia. The court said that if Kamarul truly believed Yeoh had committed an offence, filing a police report would have sufficed. Instead, he published the report on Facebook. The court also granted an injunction to restrain the defendant, his servants, or agents from republishing the impugned words or similar statements. In 2022, Yeoh filed a defamation suit against Kamarul over two Facebook posts uploaded by him in May 2017. The suit was filed for the two posts, including one in which Kamarul cited Yeoh's biography, Becoming Hannah: A Personal Journey, as evidence of her advancing a "Christian agenda."
