Latest news with #Kedah
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Communications Ministry sec-gen Mohamad Fauzi receives ‘Datuk Seri' honour at Penang Governor's birthday ceremony
GEORGE TOWN, July 29 — Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa was today conferred the Darjah Gemilang Pangkuan Negeri (D.G.P.N) award, which carries the title 'Datuk Seri', in conjunction with Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib's 84th birthday. The award was presented during the investiture ceremony at Dewan Sri Pinang here, in recognition of his contributions towards strengthening the public service delivery system and the development of the national communications policy. Mohamad Fauzi, 57, has held several strategic positions, including as Immigration Department deputy director-general (Operations) and Home Ministry deputy secretary-general (Policy and Control). Hailing from Kepala Batas, Kedah, he has contributed to numerous transformational initiatives in government administration, particularly in organisational development, security and communications since his appointment as Communications Ministry secretary-general on May 3, 2023. Throughout his public service career, he has also received various honours and awards, including the Ahli Mangku Negara (A.M.N.), Setia Diraja Kedah (S.D.K.), and Darjah Pangkuan Seri Melaka (D.P.S.M.), in recognition of his contributions to the public sector. The third day of the investiture ceremony also saw 389 other recipients being awarded state honours, decorations and medals, including two recipients of the Darjah Yang Mulia Pangkuan Negeri (D.M.P.N) and 31 recipients of the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (D.S.P.N). — Bernama
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Malay Mail
Ride it or lose it: Loke urges Kedah folks to ride Bas.My and keep RM78.5m service alive
ALOR SETAR, July 28 — The Ministry of Transport is calling on the public to make full use of the stage bus service introduced under the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme, which is being rolled out in phases this year. Minister Anthony Loke said the government has allocated substantial funding to support this initiative, particularly in urban areas where the service is in operation. 'To convince the Finance Ministry to continue providing allocations to us, I need to show data and performance — that this service truly benefits the people. 'If the public doesn't use this service despite the affordable fares and convenience offered, we will struggle to justify further funding for its expansion,' Loke told reporters after launching the Kota Setar service today. Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who is also the co-chairman of the Kedah State Development Action Council, and Kedah State Agriculture, Plantation and Transport Committee chairman Dzowahir Ab Ghani. Loke said that the federal government has allocated RM78.5 million over five years, or RM15.7 million annually, to operate 13 SBST routes in Kedah. The Kota Setar service, which began operations in stages on June 1, has recorded approximately 30,000 users monthly, with numbers expected to reach 40,000 by the end of this month. 'We hope more people will use it. The cost to the government is fixed at RM15.7 million a year for Kedah, regardless of how many passengers use the service. 'The more passengers we have, the lower the average cost per passenger, making the government's investment more worthwhile,' the minister remarked. On a separate note, Loke addressed the recent fatal accident involving a bus in Kota Sarang Semut, saying the matter is under police investigation. The ministry will assist with technical investigations, but whether the driver was negligent or will face charges is up to the police to determine, he said. 'Of course, all bus operators are required to adhere to strict safety regulations, including speed limits and mandatory driver training programmes,' he added. — Bernama
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Saifuddin Nasution: Govt respects free speech rights but democracy belongs in Parliament
ALOR SETAR, July 26 — The Madani government is committed to upholding the principles of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech for Malaysians, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Saifuddin Nasution said that due to this principle, his ministry did not place too much emphasis on the assembly held in the capital today. 'When the court says there's no need to notify the police, we go along with it. 'But the main issue I want to raise is this — if the Opposition truly respects democratic principles, I wish to pose the question, do they want to act outside Parliament or inside Parliament?' he said. He was speaking to reporters after officiating the opening of the Kedah Contingent Children Interview Centre (CIC) here today, which was also attended by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay and Home Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Awang Alik Jeman. Saifuddin Nasution said that if demands towards the government were made outside Parliament, such as by holding assemblies, it would have no impact. 'In Parliament, the prime minister has opened up the opportunity fully, and the Opposition can table a motion of no confidence. In this case, the Prime Minister even said the Opposition's motion would be given priority, and government business would be postponed. But Parliament has been sitting for five days now, and it's been silent,' he said. According to Saifuddin Nasution, if the Opposition understands the democratic process and wants to use democratic means to topple someone, it should be done through Parliament. 'All we see now is noise outside about the gathering. So, the people can now see — do they want to uphold democratic principles or simply create uneasiness? 'Do they want to paint an ugly picture, send negative signals to potential investors, just as the economy is beginning to move in a better direction?' he said. — Bernama
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Kedah ripe for leadership change, says Zahid
ALOR SETAR, July 26 — Umno is confident that the people of Kedah are ready for a change in state leadership, in pursuit of a more stable future, as they increasingly recognise the need for leaders who can safeguard their welfare and guide the state's direction. Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said after the challenges faced in recent years, it is time for the people of Kedah to once again choose leaders who are capable of doing so. 'I hope change will come. It is not easy to bring about change overnight, but it is not impossible. Insya-Allah, Kedah will return to being under better leadership — one that truly cares for the people,' he said. He was speaking at the launch of the 2025 KEDA Rural Youth and Programme Implementation Planning Committee (4P) Convention here yesterday night. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development, also expressed hope that Kedahans would strive for meaningful and consistent change, noting that the people's role is vital in shaping the future through wise choices. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
6 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
I'm not ready to be PAS vice-president, says Sanusi
Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor said he has no issues with remaining in the second tier of the PAS leadership if there are more capable and suitable candidates. PETALING JAYA : Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor says he is not ready to take up the post of PAS vice-president, despite receiving open backing from the party's top leadership. He said he would have no issue remaining in the second tier of the party leadership if there were more suitable and capable candidates for the role, Berita Harian reported. 'I believe there are others who are more qualified for the position, so let them have it. I don't mind staying lower down the ranks. 'Give the post to those with the right capabilities, credentials, and who know how to speak carefully, but we still need some loose cannons, too,' he was quoted as saying. PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin recently expressed his support for Sanusi's nomination, citing his strong performance as menteri besar and his influence within the party. However, Sanusi said he has yet to receive any official notification of the nomination, which usually only comes after the nomination period closes. 'This year, I'll consider whether it's necessary (to stand for the post). If there's someone better and more qualified, I'll campaign for him. PAS isn't like other parties. We don't scramble for posts to the point of quitting ministerial positions,' he said. He also said the three current vice-presidents – Idris Ahmad, Amar Abdullah and Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar – each bring unique strengths that party members should weigh ahead of the party elections in September.
