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Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Student questions lack of recognition for prestigious international events
Arishah Rusydan, portraying a Malawi delegate, emerged as the best delegate at the conference but her achievement has gone unrecognised in Malaysia. (Asia Youth International Model United Nations pic) PETALING JAYA : A secondary school student has questioned the education ministry's policy of awarding marks for co-curricular activities only for recognised programmes, after failing to receive any credit for participating in an international youth conference. Arishah Rusydan, 17, said she was denied marks under the Psychometric Assessment and Assessment of Physical Activity Co-curriculum (PAJSK) despite emerging with the 'Best Delegate' award at the 16th Asia Youth International Model United Nations in Kuala Lumpur recently. The event, which brought together 1,000 participants from 38 countries, was not endorsed by the ministry and therefore did not qualify for PAJSK consideration. 'Imagine winning first place in a prestigious international competition, only to be dismissed because it wasn't endorsed by the ministry,' the SMK Convent (M) Kajang student told FMT. Arishah said teachers advised her to focus instead on programmes that were 'worth her time' – referring to ministry-approved events. Under PAJSK, only activities endorsed by the ministry qualify for co-curricular marks, which account for 10% of the merit score used in university admissions and scholarship applications. External certificates, even from rigorous or internationally recognised events, are not accepted. Arishah pointed out that the policy could discourage students from taking part in global events that help build practical skills and self-confidence. 'The system should allow a process for recognising unendorsed competitions and certificates. It would help validate students' efforts and promote self-driven learning,' she said. She urged the ministry to review PAJSK guidelines to reflect real-world achievements rather than limiting recognition to a fixed list of approved activities. 'If this strict system continues, students who push beyond its boundaries will remain unrecognised. It disheartens us,' she said. She said her experience may reflect the frustrations of other students who feel sidelined despite meaningful achievements outside the classroom. 'Let students build real skills, not just chase marks. Recognising our achievements can unlock potential and help us grow – which is what PAJSK was meant to do in the first place,' she said. Arishah said she contacted the education ministry via email to seek clarification. In reply, the ministry said PAJSK marks are only granted for programmes by external agencies that follow official procedures. These procedures include submitting an application at least 45 days before the event and obtaining formal recognition – rules the ministry said are in place to protect students and ensure proper oversight. Participation in programmes under other ministries, such as the higher education ministry, does not automatically qualify one for PAJSK marks. However, Arishah said it was 'ridiculous' to expect international organisers to be aware of such procedures and apply for recognition when hosting events in multiple countries. The ministry did not respond to further queries on the matter.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Biden reemerges on the attack, but doesn't mention Trump
CHICAGO — Former President Joe Biden ripped the Trump administration's efforts to slash Social Security spending in his first major public speech since leaving the White House, but never mentioned the current president. 'In fewer than 100 days, this administration has caused so much damage and destruction. It's breathtaking,' Biden told about 200 people gathered for the conference of Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled on Tuesday. 'They've taken a hatchet to the Social Security Administration." Biden attacked the Trump administration for thousands of job cuts at the federal agency, arguing that they've eviscerated services and endangered benefits for the roughly 73 million seniors who rely on the popular financial assistance program. 'They're shooting first and aiming later,' Biden said. 'The result is a lot of needless pain and sleepless nights.' Biden-isms shined throughout the sometimes rambling, roughly 30-minute speech, as he used the phrases 'folks' and 'I mean it sincerely' to make his points. The former president told well-trod stories of growing up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and of seeing his parents struggle to make ends meet, and he reminisced about his decades on Capitol Hill. Biden's comments were timed with "Social Security Day of Action" on Tuesday to protest what advocates describe as severe threats to the program under the Trump administration. His gradual reemergence comes as other — more critical — voices begin to shape the narrative surrounding his term. Biden's aides have been bracing for the release of several books documenting his physical and mental state before he abandoned his reelection campaign last year, with allies already challenging reporting about his decline. The speaking engagement in Chicago's River North neighborhood was held just blocks from a high-profile campaign fundraiser held last year for Biden before he dropped out of the 2024 presidential race. The central argument of Biden's speech Tuesday was that the Trump administration presents an untenable threat to Social Security. 'Social Security is more than a government program; it's a sacred promise," he said. The White House response to Biden's speech? 'Embarrassing,' said a spokesperson, who referred POLITICO to the Social Security feed on X, which accused Biden of 'lying to Americans.' Two former administration officials granted anonymity to discuss private plans said that although Biden wants to remain 'engaged,' his speech in Chicago is not necessarily a sign of a more aggressive public schedule. Instead, Biden is expected to pick his spots on specific issues, like Social Security, that matter deeply to him, these officials said. In recent weeks, he's spoken to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, accepting an honorary membership, and he dropped in on students at the Model United Nations conference. 'Coming out with a big democracy, rule of law speech would have been, maybe, too on the nose, so picking Social Security, something that is real to people ... and it matters to him, makes a lot of sense,' said a third former Biden administration official. 'No one would be talking about Social Security tomorrow if Joe Biden wasn't giving this speech, so that alone is proof positive that he can still command a certain level of attention and ability to set the agenda." He's also working on another book, these officials said. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, "The unprecedented assault on Social Security is an all-hands-on-deck moment that requires all of us to show up, stand up and speak up, which is why President Biden's voice in this fight is going to be so incredibly important.' Former Democratic Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, who introduced Biden at the event, said he thought the former president waited the 'appropriate' (almost) 100 days to make his first big speech. And former Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who also was in attendance, said it was 'absolutely' important that Biden speak out on what's happening in Washington, even as some Democrats still have hard feelings about Biden staying in the campaign as long as he did last year. Earlier in the day, David Hogg, vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, described Biden's return to public view as a natural step taken by former presidents who want to share their expertise. 'He's not gonna stop being involved. He is a workhorse and he wants to get things done and he wants to help with the party,' Hogg said. But Biden left office with sagging approval ratings, and many Democrats blamed their party's losses in November on him staying in the presidential race for so long. Hogg, responding to some of the criticism about Biden in 2024, said: 'Somebody can be very good at legislating, but not necessarily the right person to be out there on the front and center of things.' Biden is not the only former world leader stepping out in recent days. Biden's predecessor, President Barack Obama, took to social media on Monday night to criticize the Trump administration's funding freeze for Harvard University. And on the same day Biden spoke in Chicago, Justin Trudeau, who had been laying low since resigning as Canada's prime minister last month, was back in public view with an exit interview scheduled to air on a PBS station in Buffalo. Canada is in the middle of a snap election, and voters have largely moved on from the three-term Liberal leader who was intensely unpopular at the time of his exit. And as with Biden, Liberals in Canada may not be eager to see him back in the spotlight. The conversation with broadcaster Valerie Pringle for 'Canada Files' was taped after Trudeau's final Cabinet meeting Although there is seemingly little in the interview to hijack a campaign, the timing is less than ideal for a Liberal Party that's counting on Canadians to forget the reasons they wanted Trudeau gone in the first place. 'How are you feeling?' Pringle asked Trudeau off the top of the half-hour broadcast. 'Really good,' he replied. 'I'm feeling serene about everything that I got done. I think I had a good run.' Sue Allen and Nicholas Wu contributed to this report.
Politico
16-04-2025
- Business
- Politico
Biden reemerges on the attack, but doesn't mention Trump
CHICAGO — Former President Joe Biden ripped the Trump administration's efforts to slash Social Security spending in his first major public speech since leaving the White House, but never mentioned the current president. 'In fewer than 100 days, this administration has caused so much damage and destruction. It's breathtaking,' Biden told about 200 people gathered for the conference of Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled on Tuesday. 'They've taken a hatchet to the Social Security Administration.' Biden attacked the Trump administration for thousands of job cuts at the federal agency, arguing that they've eviscerated services and endangered benefits for the roughly 73 million seniors who rely on the popular financial assistance program. 'They're shooting first and aiming later,' Biden said. 'The result is a lot of needless pain and sleepless nights.' Biden-isms shined throughout the sometimes rambling, roughly 30-minute speech, as he used the phrases 'folks' and 'I mean it sincerely' to make his points. The former president told well-trod stories of growing up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and of seeing his parents struggle to make ends meet, and he reminisced about his decades on Capitol Hill. Biden's comments were timed with 'Social Security Day of Action' on Tuesday to protest what advocates describe as severe threats to the program under the Trump administration. His gradual reemergence comes as other — more critical — voices begin to shape the narrative surrounding his term. Biden's aides have been bracing for the release of several books documenting his physical and mental state before he abandoned his reelection campaign last year, with allies already challenging reporting about his decline . The speaking engagement in Chicago's River North neighborhood was held just blocks from a high-profile campaign fundraiser held last year for Biden before he dropped out of the 2024 presidential race. The central argument of Biden's speech Tuesday was that the Trump administration presents an untenable threat to Social Security. 'Social Security is more than a government program; it's a sacred promise,' he said. The White House response to Biden's speech? 'Embarrassing,' said a spokesperson, who referred POLITICO to the Social Security feed on X , which accused Biden of 'lying to Americans.' Two former administration officials granted anonymity to discuss private plans said that although Biden wants to remain 'engaged,' his speech in Chicago is not necessarily a sign of a more aggressive public schedule. Instead, Biden is expected to pick his spots on specific issues, like Social Security, that matter deeply to him, these officials said. In recent weeks, he's spoken to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, accepting an honorary membership, and he dropped in on students at the Model United Nations conference. 'Coming out with a big democracy, rule of law speech would have been, maybe, too on the nose, so picking Social Security, something that is real to people ... and it matters to him, makes a lot of sense,' said a third former Biden administration official. 'No one would be talking about Social Security tomorrow if Joe Biden wasn't giving this speech, so that alone is proof positive that he can still command a certain level of attention and ability to set the agenda.' He's also working on another book, these officials said. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, 'The unprecedented assault on Social Security is an all-hands-on-deck moment that requires all of us to show up, stand up and speak up, which is why President Biden's voice in this fight is going to be so incredibly important.' Former Democratic Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, who introduced Biden at the event, said he thought the former president waited the 'appropriate' (almost) 100 days to make his first big speech. And former Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who also was in attendance, said it was 'absolutely' important that Biden speak out on what's happening in Washington, even as some Democrats still have hard feelings about Biden staying in the campaign as long as he did last year. Earlier in the day, David Hogg, vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, described Biden's return to public view as a natural step taken by former presidents who want to share their expertise. 'He's not gonna stop being involved. He is a workhorse and he wants to get things done and he wants to help with the party,' Hogg said. But Biden left office with sagging approval ratings, and many Democrats blamed their party's losses in November on him staying in the presidential race for so long. Hogg, responding to some of the criticism about Biden in 2024, said: 'Somebody can be very good at legislating, but not necessarily the right person to be out there on the front and center of things.' Biden is not the only former world leader stepping out in recent days. Biden's predecessor, President Barack Obama, took to social media on Monday night to criticize the Trump administration's funding freeze for Harvard University. And on the same day Biden spoke in Chicago, Justin Trudeau, who had been laying low since resigning as Canada's prime minister last month, was back in public view with an exit interview scheduled to air on a PBS station in Buffalo. Canada is in the middle of a snap election, and voters have largely moved on from the three-term Liberal leader who was intensely unpopular at the time of his exit. And as with Biden, Liberals in Canada may not be eager to see him back in the spotlight. The conversation with broadcaster Valerie Pringle for 'Canada Files' was taped after Trudeau's final Cabinet meeting Although there is seemingly little in the interview to hijack a campaign, the timing is less than ideal for a Liberal Party that's counting on Canadians to forget the reasons they wanted Trudeau gone in the first place. 'How are you feeling?' Pringle asked Trudeau off the top of the half-hour broadcast. 'Really good,' he replied. 'I'm feeling serene about everything that I got done. I think I had a good run.' Sue Allen and Nicholas Wu contributed to this report.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Biden inches back into public spotlight with Social Security speech
Joe Biden is inching back onto the national stage. On Tuesday, the former president will deliver a speech to disability advocates in Chicago focused on protecting Social Security and Republicans' attempts to attack it, according to two former administration officials granted anonymity to discuss the remarks. It's the third public appearance Biden has made in recent weeks, drawing the understated contours of his post-presidency into focus. Earlier this month, Biden became an honorary member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, speaking to more than 1,000 members in Washington, D.C. and he dropped in on the Model United Nations conference in New York City in March. He's also working on another book, according to the officials. It's a politically convenient moment for Biden to reemerge, as President Donald Trump's tariff whiplash has upended the economy and Trump has seen his own popularity plunge in public polling. A CBS survey released Sunday found nearly two-thirds of voters oppose Trump's tariffs, and a majority blamed Trump, not Biden, as responsible for the state of the American economy. Even so, many Democrats are not eager to see Biden back in the public eye. One former Biden donor and bundler, granted anonymity to discuss the issue candidly, said the speeches are 'fine' because 'that's what you expect a former president to do, but I don't anticipate crowds of Democrats wanting him as a focal point of the national conversation.' 'It takes a special level of chutzpah as the man most responsible for reelecting Donald Trump to decide it's your voice that is missing in this moment,' said another person who worked closely with the Biden campaign, granted anonymity to speak candidly. 'The country would be better served if he rode off into the sunset.' Biden has largely returned to the schedule he maintained as a senator, commuting to Washington from Delaware, often by Amtrak, about twice a week, according to one of the former officials. He's also catching up with former aides and checking in with members of Congress, the person added. Biden met with Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin in February, and the DNC sent a Biden-signed fundraising email last month. Five months after her defeat, former Vice President Kamala Harris has also started to wade into the public conversation again, as she weighs a bid for California governor. Without mentioning Trump by name, Harris told attendees at a women's leadership conference in California last week: 'There were many things that we knew would happen,' adding with a laugh, 'I'm not here to say I told you so. I swore I wasn't gonna say that.'
Politico
14-04-2025
- Business
- Politico
Biden inches back into public spotlight with Social Security speech
Joe Biden is inching back onto the national stage. On Tuesday, the former president will deliver a speech to disability advocates in Chicago focused on protecting Social Security and Republicans' attempts to attack it, according to two former administration officials granted anonymity to discuss the remarks. It's the third public appearance Biden has made in recent weeks, drawing the understated contours of his post-presidency into focus. Earlier this month, Biden became an honorary member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, speaking to more than 1,000 members in Washington, D.C. and he dropped in on the Model United Nations conference in New York City in March. He's also working on another book, according to the officials. It's a politically convenient moment for Biden to reemerge, as President Donald Trump's tariff whiplash has upended the economy and Trump has seen his own popularity plunge in public polling. A CBS survey released Sunday found nearly two-thirds of voters oppose Trump's tariffs, and a majority blamed Trump, not Biden, as responsible for the state of the American economy. Even so, many Democrats are not eager to see Biden back in the public eye. One former Biden donor and bundler, granted anonymity to discuss the issue candidly, said the speeches are 'fine' because 'that's what you expect a former president to do, but I don't anticipate crowds of Democrats wanting him as a focal point of the national conversation.' 'It takes a special level of chutzpah as the man most responsible for reelecting Donald Trump to decide it's your voice that is missing in this moment,' said another person who worked closely with the Biden campaign, granted anonymity to speak candidly. 'The country would be better served if he rode off into the sunset.' Biden has largely returned to the schedule he maintained as a senator, commuting to Washington from Delaware, often by Amtrak, about twice a week, according to one of the former officials. He's also catching up with former aides and checking in with members of Congress, the person added. Biden met with Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin in February, and the DNC sent a Biden-signed fundraising email last month. Five months after her defeat, former Vice President Kamala Harris has also started to wade into the public conversation again, as she weighs a bid for California governor . Without mentioning Trump by name, Harris told attendees at a women's leadership conference in California last week: 'There were many things that we knew would happen,' adding with a laugh, 'I'm not here to say I told you so. I swore I wasn't gonna say that.'
