Latest news with #Ministers'QuestionTime
The Star
6 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Zara Qairina death probe: No one will be shielded, deputy minister tells Parliament
KUALA LUMPUR: No individual will be shielded or protected in the case of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir as alleged by certain quarters, says the Education Ministry. Its deputy minister Wong Kah Woh said with respect to incidents that occur, whether disciplinary cases or bullying in schools, the ministry has established clear guidelines and circulars that are enforced from time to time. "The Education Ministry will not, and has never, attempted to protect anyone involved, contrary to certain claims that have been made by certain quarters," he said in reply to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Semporna) during Ministers' Question Time. Shafie wanted to know the concrete actions taken on the case of Zara Qairina and how the ministry plans to tackle the issue of bullying at schools Wong stressed that at all levels and at all material times, the ministry remains ready to cooperate fully with the police and to assist in every aspect of the investigation into this case. "In the case of Zara, we now know that the matter is under police investigation. "This issue is currently being handled by the police, and the Education Ministry will leave it to the authorities to carry out their investigations," he said, adding that the ministry will not compromise on the issue related to bullying. The lawyer representing the family of the late Zara Qairina said an inquest may be requested if the results of her post-mortem examination are deemed unsatisfactory by the family. Lawyer Shahlan Jufri said a complete post-mortem report is not yet available, as the procedure was only completed at 7.30pm on Sunday (Aug 10) after beginning at 11am. "The complete post-mortem report is not yet available. It still needs to be prepared," said Shahlan. On Aug 8, the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) instructed the immediate exhumation and post-mortem of deceased Form One student Zara Qairina by the police. Zara Qairina had been pronounced dead at a hospital in Sabah on July 17, a day after she reportedly fell from the third floor of her school dormitory. Her tragic death went viral and sparked mass reactions on social media, which included widespread allegations of bullying.
The Sun
24-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
New Labuan Corporation chairman appointment in final stages
KUALA LUMPUR: The appointment of the new Labuan Corporation chairman is in its final stages and will be announced once a decision has been finalised, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. She said that the appointment was not deliberately delayed but was being carried out with careful consideration to ensure that the selected individual truly understands Labuan's needs and is capable of driving its economic growth. 'I don't think we need to rush the decision. More importantly, we are considering the merits of the candidate and how the chairman can contribute meaningfully to Labuan's development. 'The origin of the chairman should not be an issue. Whether the individual is from Labuan, Sabah, or elsewhere, what truly matters is our shared commitment to serving Labuan,' she said during the Ministers' Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today. Dr Zaliha was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Siti Aminah Aching (BN-Beaufort), who asked about the delay in appointing the Labuan Corporation chairman and whether a candidate from Sabah would have an advantage in securing the position. Meanwhile, in another development, Dr Zaliha said the Federal Territories Department (JWP) was exploring several new sectors, including agriculture and the blue economy, as part of efforts to diversify Labuan's economy. The initiative aims to reduce Labuan's reliance on the oil and gas industry and offshore financial services by formulating a clear, focused, and structured policy for development. 'If you look at the agro-island concept, it represents a progressive policy that could position Labuan as an island with a high level of food security. The only challenge we currently face under the structural plan is that only 0.22 per cent, or 154.45 hectares, of land in Labuan is zoned for agricultural use. 'However, we can explore ways to expand monitoring and meet current needs by applying modern technology to this limited agricultural zone. This includes attracting investments in smart agriculture or focusing on high-potential crops, such as vegetables,' she said. Dr Zaliha was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman (PN-Labuan), who asked about the government's plans to strengthen the local economy and reduce its dependence on the financial services and oil and gas sectors. She said that under the blue economy initiative, modern aquaculture methods would be explored, alongside the establishment of several marine research zones aimed at attracting both local and international research teams to Labuan. Their long-term presence, she added, would contribute to boosting the island's economy. In response to Suhaili's original question regarding the Borneo Flora Festival 2025 (BFF2025), scheduled to take place from July 26 to 30 at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex (KSLA), Dr Zaliha said the festival marks the first step towards positioning Labuan as a regional hub for exhibitions and flower shows. 'In addition, the festival is expected to stimulate the local landscaping and horticulture industry, generate community-based economic activity through increased tourist arrivals, and encourage a shift in mindset among tourists from Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan, Indonesia to consider Labuan as a preferred weekend and holiday destination. On the return on investment (ROI) of BFF2025, Dr Zaliha said that its impact should not be measured solely by on-site transactions but also through the broader indirect benefits to the local community. 'For example, the programme is expected to attract around 50,000 visitors, with an estimated direct expenditure of RM20 million, based on a projected RM400 per visitor, covering accommodation, food, transport, and souvenirs. 'In addition, the economic multiplier effect is projected to generate RM35 million in gross value added (GVA) and create approximately 400 temporary job opportunities. The advertising value equivalency (AVE) from media exposure is also expected to reach RM8 million,' she added. - Bernama
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia maintains Gaza stance despite US pressure, says PM Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated Malaysia's firm stance on the Gaza conflict and broader Palestinian issues, stating that the country will not waver despite potential pressure from the United States (US) during ongoing trade negotiations. Anwar emphasized Malaysia's sovereignty, asserting that the nation reserves the right to voice its opinions independently. 'We are not yet at the final stage of negotiations as reported last week. There are still no clear indications, but there are several considerations during the negotiations,' he said during the Ministers' Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat. The discussions primarily revolve around electrical and electronics (E&E) products, semiconductors, and chips, which constitute a significant portion of Malaysia's exports to the US. 'About 60 per cent of our production is exported to the US. However, the US also relies on Malaysia for chips and E&E, accounting for around 25 per cent of its production,' Anwar explained. Expressing optimism for a peaceful resolution, he added, 'So, we hope and pray, insya-Allah, that this matter can be resolved amicably.' Anwar was responding to a supplementary question from Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (MUDA-Muar), who asked whether Malaysia's firm stance in defending Palestinian rights would be taken into account by the United States, which is likely to impose additional tariffs, and whether Malaysia was prepared to compromise on the matter. 'My question is, on Aug 1, Malaysia will face an additional tariff of 25 per cent, even though US President Donald Trump announced this on economic grounds only. However, if we look at what was imposed on Brazil, it is clear that it was not due to a surplus or deficit, but because of Trump's anger towards his friend who is about to be imprisoned,' said Syed Saddiq. The Prime Minister said that although the latest tariff imposed by the US on Malaysia is 25 per cent - which is still lower compared to Vietnam, Cambodia or Thailand - Malaysia does not consider the US decision to be fair as it was made unilaterally and is not in line with the principles of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the international agreements that have been signed. 'We have raised this issue, and Muar is right to mention that because of Brazil's strong stance - with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva openly criticising the US over the genocide in Gaza and opposing unilateral measures to pressure developing countries, including those in BRICS - a 50 per cent tariff was imposed on Brazil. 'We still have time until August and negotiations are ongoing, so I do not want to pre-empt the outcome. However, in my recent meetings with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth in Singapore and US Secretary of State Mark Rubio, although tariffs were mentioned, they were not the main issue of discussion,' Anwar said. Anwar said Malaysia has always respected diplomatic relations with all countries while firmly upholding universal humanitarian principles. 'Regardless of the impact, threats or objections towards our stance on Palestine, Gaza or our good relations with Iran, this will not change our firm position as an independent and sovereign country in voicing our views,' he said. Responding to the original question from Mohd Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat) on the government's short- and long-term plans to address geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly in Palestine, Anwar said Malaysia had done what it could by firmly voicing its stance and views. He said Malaysia has consistently maintained a strong position on the Palestinian issue at international conferences, including joint platforms with the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the United Nations (UN) and other multilateral forums. 'Malaysia has done its utmost to voice its views firmly... but Israel's tyranny and violence have not ceased. Now, it is not only about Gaza, but also involves attacks on Iran, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon,' he said. At the same time, the Prime Minister welcomed suggestions and advice from Members of Parliament to further strengthen Malaysia's efforts in voicing opinions, providing humanitarian aid, and enhancing bilateral relations on the issue. Meanwhile, in response to a supplementary question from Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang) on the government's measures to safeguard Malaysia against the infiltration of Mossad agents, Anwar said the government, through the Home Ministry, had taken additional steps to enhance the country's security capabilities. 'What is being highlighted about Malaysia is perhaps due to our strong voice on the Middle East issue, which may have made the country a target for drug smuggling, weapons trafficking and the infiltration of Mossad agents. 'In the latest briefing by our intelligence agencies, there is genuine concern about national security, particularly since it has been proven that Mossad agents are present and have used, or colluded with, Malaysian spouses,' he said.
