Latest news with #Malay


Sinar Daily
3 hours ago
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Ditch traditional cures, prioritise early cancer detection
Dr Siti Hasmah attributed her courage and determination to the steadfast support of her husband, former two-time Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Never believe in traditional 'bomohs' or 'tok bidan' who claim they have cures for cancer. It's disheartening that many still trust these methods and dismiss professional medical advice, advises Tun Dr Hasmah Women must move away from relying on traditional medicine for cancer treatment and instead prioritise professional medical care, advises Tun Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali. Drawing from her own experience with breast cancer, she cautioned that seeking unverified treatments from traditional healers, or 'bomohs' and 'tok bidan,' only delays crucial medical intervention. "Never believe in traditional 'bomohs' or 'tok bidan' who claim they have cures for cancer. It's disheartening that many still trust these methods and dismiss professional medical advice. "The Malay community, in particular, is deeply affected by this reliance on traditional cures," she shared during a talk at Prince Court Medical Centre last week. Dr Hasmah recounted her journey overcoming breast cancer to highlight the importance of prompt medical consultation. 'It all begins with awareness and taking responsibility for our health. Women must understand that early detection not only saves lives but ensures better outcomes," she stated. She urged women to schedule annual check-ups, including mammograms and ultrasounds, as these screenings are vital for early detection. "If something feels wrong, don't ignore it. Take action immediately. A simple pain or lump could be a sign and waiting only makes things worse," she added. Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily Prince Court Medical Centre Consultant Breast and Endocrine Surgeon Dr Harjit Kaur described that most breast cancers are painless, which can make them particularly insidious. Often, by the time symptoms appear and patients seek help, it may be too late. "Early detection through screenings like mammograms and ultrasounds is vital. These procedures are straightforward and could save countless lives," she said. Dr Hasmah also addressed the stigma surrounding breast cancer, observing that shame and fear continue to prevent women from seeking medical attention. 'Women often hesitate because the affected area is private, or they are scared of what the doctor might confirm. But if God has given us the pain, He has also given us the remedy. It is our responsibility to find that solution," she added. She commended young women who use reliable internet sources to educate themselves and confidently seek medical advice. 'There is a positive shift among the younger generation. Many are proactive, asking doctors the right questions and taking charge of their health,' she added. Reflecting on her personal battle, Dr Hasmah attributed her courage and determination to the steadfast support of her husband, former two-time Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. "When the doctor brought the positive diagnosis report to my house, my husband was disappointed that I hadn't told him earlier. But he was proud of my determination to get well. His support meant the world to me," she added. Dr Hasmah passionately urged women to make their health and well-being a top priority in their lives. She emphasised the importance of overcoming fear and stigma, encouraging women to be proactive about their health. "To all women out there, don't be afraid. Seek help, get your check-ups, and take charge of your health. If you want a happy and long life with your family, fear and shame have no place in this journey," she said.

Barnama
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
TV3 Or Astro Set To Be Crowned Champion At HAWANA-DBP 2025 Pantun Festival On June 14
KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 (Bernama) -- TV3's Islamic Programming Department and Astro Radio News have advanced to the finals of the inaugural HAWANA-DBP Pantun Festival, a traditional Malay poetry competition held in celebration of National Journalists Day (HAWANA) 2025. The winner is expected to be announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on June 14, during the official highlight of HAWANA 2025. The champion will take home RM3,000 in cash, while the runner-up will receive RM2,000. Both teams will also be awarded trophies and certificates.

Barnama
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
HAWANA-DBP 2025 Pantun Festival Highlights Linguistic Heritage In Journalism
KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 (Bernama) -- The HAWANA-DBP 2025 Pantun Festival has successfully raised awareness on reviving Malay cultural arts, particularly within the field of journalism, says Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. She said the inaugural competition proved the ability of media practitioners to express current issues through the beauty of the national language while showcasing their creativity. 'I witnessed how the pantun (Malay poetic verses) exchanged were not only amusing but also highlighted current issues in their own unique style. 'It's no easy feat, as composing pantun requires skill and a deep appreciation for the language,' she told Bernama after the event at Wisma Bernama here today. Also present were Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, Deputy Editor-in-Chief (News Service) Nasriah Darus, Deputy Editor-in-Chief (Economic News Service) Azlina Aziz, and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Language and Literature Development Department director Abang Haliman Abang Julai. Commenting further, Nur-ul Afida said the festival was not merely a competition, but a platform to empower the nation's cultural heritage. She said Bernama was committed to supporting efforts to strengthen the use of the Malay language in journalism and believed that such culture-based initiatives could bridge connections between the media, language, and society. 'I have discussed with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and expressed hope that the Pantun Festival can be continued next year as the second edition in conjunction with the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA), God willing,' she said. Meanwhile, Abang Haliman praised the organisation of the pantun festival, which he described as capable of instilling deep awareness among media professionals regarding the importance of language and literature.


New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Friends, co-stars fondly remember Mano as a 'man for all seasons'
KUALA LUMPUR: The late veteran actor Mano Maniam has been hailed as a "man for all seasons" by his friends and co-stars, and a truly Bangsa Malaysia entertainer. Mano, who passed away yesterday at the age of 79, coincidentally starred in a play titled A Man For All Seasons back in 1991. Throughout his illustrious, five-decade acting career, he made his mark across various mediums – television, film, and theatre. Douglas Lim, actor and comedian, who co-starred with Mano in Kopitiam, described the Ipoh-born screen legend as a great "sifu" (master) and friend. "I first met him while we were starring in Kopitiam back in the 1990s, and he was always kind, friendly, helpful, and fun," said Lim. "I'm honoured to have known and worked with him, for he always encouraged me to aim high and helped introduce me to the entertainment industry." Lim also noted Mano's superb sense of humour. While they didn't work together often in the last decade, Lim will always cherish Mano's friendship and guidance, describing his death as a significant loss to Malaysian showbiz. Kopitiam's main actress, acting coach Joanna Bessey, remembered Mano as a great mentor and father figure. "Mano was always a teacher and a friend to me. We actually met in a play called Witness For The Prosecution before Kopitiam began, and I was instantly struck by his jovial, chatty, and playful demeanour," said Joanna, who also highlighted Mano's extensive knowledge. "Over the years, we met many times, and I learnt a lot from him. He taught performing arts in colleges and universities, as did I, and when he couldn't conduct his classes or workshops, he got me to stand in for him!" In 2019, Joanna, Lim, and Mano reunited for Kopitiam Double Shot, reprising their roles as Marie, Steven, and Uncle Chan respectively. Joanna described Mano as one of Malaysia's "brightest stars" in showbiz, who bridged the gap between television, film, and theatre, as well as English, Malay, and Tamil entertainment. "He was truly a Bangsa Malaysia icon in entertainment, and we will all miss him," she added. A PILLAR OF MALAYSIAN ARTS Datuk Faridah Merican, founder of the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC), shared that Mano had been a close friend for five decades. "We first met in the 1970s, and he played my father, a circus owner, in a play titled He Who Gets Slapped," she recalled. "I was impressed not only by his brilliant acting but also his passion for the arts and all-round friendliness." She added that they worked together in many plays over the decades, and he was a regular visitor to KLPAC. Faridah further noted that Mano was a great teacher of the arts, conducting acting classes for senior citizens who greatly enjoyed his workshops. "He didn't confine himself to English language theatre and starred in Malay language television dramas and comedies, as well as movies," Faridah said. "One of the main highlights of his career was playing Moonshee in Anna And The King alongside Jodie Foster and Chow Yun-Fat, which was partly filmed in Malaysia in 1999." Faridah believes Mano helped put Malaysian entertainers on the world map. She lamented that Mano was due to receive a special award for his lifetime contributions but passed away before he could attend the ceremony. "Malaysia has lost a giant in entertainment, but he will always be in our hearts – a passionate actor, a great teacher, and a wonderful friend." INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION Actor and comedian Datuk Afdlin Shauki said that Mano was an inspiration in his acting career. They both attended the same school, Sekolah Menengah Anglo Chinese in Ipoh. "Both of us were active in our alma mater's music and drama society, which staged many musicals in the 1980s," Afdlin said. "I played Datuk Lat in a musical adaptation of the legendary cartoonist's famous, semi-autobiographical cartoon book Town Boy in 1987, and he commended me for doing a great job." Afdlin added that he learned a lot about acting from Mano and also starred with him in Anna And The King. Afdlin described Mano as one of the country's best-known actors who represented Malaysia in several international movies. "He was one of the few actors who put Malaysian talent on the world map, and I'll always remember him for his love of the arts and great humour."


Daily Express
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Malay teachers must reclaim role as community activists, says PN leader
Published on: Saturday, May 31, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 31, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: Bersatu's Saifuddin Abdullah said Malay teachers have long played a pivotal role in shaping national identity and in community leadership. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: A Perikatan Nasional MP has urged Malay teachers to revive the historic role they played in activism that contributed significantly to the Malay independence movement, culture and politics. Saifuddin Abdullah said Malay teachers should serve as catalysts contributing ideas, community leaders and political activists to steer the nation's future. 'Historically, Malay teachers have provided crucial leadership and have taken management roles in political parties. 'Their involvement has enabled parties to reach their peak and played a key role in advancing the interests of the Malay community,' the Indera Mahkota MP said when delivering a keynote address at the Forum Pendidikan Melayu, organised by the Selangor Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semananjung, at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. 'With teachers playing such key roles, they were known then as 'parti berjuang' (parties that led the struggle). Today, with fewer teachers involved, some parties have become 'parti berwang' (cash-rich parties).' Saifuddin, who heads the PN education bureau, also said teachers must be meaningfully involved in decision-making at all levels — from the schools right up to the education ministry. Advertisement To better support teachers, he proposed expanding the number of subject matter experts, increasing funding for education research, improving career schemes, and easing teacher workloads by hiring more support staff and clerical personnel. He added that these ideas were part of PN's education reform proposals, completed in March last year. They outline reforms in philosophy, policy, curriculum, technical and vocational education and training, digital technology, human capital development, governance, and broader stakeholder involvement by parents and alumni. * 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