Latest news with #Muhibbah
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Living muhibbah: A Madani blueprint for Malaysia's future — Asma Abdullah
AUGUST 15 — We call ourselves a land of Muhibbah — love, goodwill, and harmony. But in a world where differences can divide, the real test is whether we can carry the spirit of Muhibbah beyond the open house and into the everyday moments that shape our shared future. Malaysia is home to over 34 million people from diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Outsiders often marvel at this variety, calling us a salad bowl or a mosaic of cultures. A Canadian visitor once described Malaysia perfectly: 'In Malaysia, you get Asia in one stop.' Yet beyond the colourful tourism posters and festive advertisements lies a deeper question: Are we truly multicultural in how we live, or do we simply perform diversity on special occasions? Most of us who enjoy Malaysian cuisine are familiar with the two food metaphors to describe Malaysia: rojak and yee sang. Both are mixtures bound by a distinctive sauce — peanut for rojak, plum for yee sang. The challenge today is to invent a new 'sauce' that binds us all together in a genuinely multicultural Malaysia. This leads to four guiding questions: Are we a multicultural society in practice, or does one dominant group still define our national character? Is there a shared 'Malaysian identity' that resonates across all communities? Do we understand what it means to coexist in diversity beyond slogans? Under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Madani vision, how can ordinary Malaysians help build a civilised, skilled, and inclusive nation? One way of understanding Malaysia's multicultural life is to use the three levels of cultural engagement. At the Intracultural level it is understanding one's own cultural roots, values, and traditions. At the Intercultural level it is engaging authentically with other Malaysian cultures and at the cross-cultural level it is interacting effectively with people from other countries in a globalised world. While many of us in urban Malaysia navigate these three levels of interface daily — ordering nasi lemak for breakfast, attending a Deepavali open house, and later collaborating with foreign colleagues online the situation in non-urban areas may not be so. Still the goal is to move toward unconscious competence in all three areas. Yet beyond the colourful tourism posters and festive advertisements lies a deeper question: Are we truly multicultural in how we live, or do we simply perform diversity on special occasions? — Picture by Miera Zulyana In embodying multiculturalism meaningfully, seven qualities are essential: Self-cultural awareness – Knowing your own values, symbols, and rituals. Multilingual skills – Communicating in more than one language. Cultural literacy beyond books – Understanding lived experiences, not just textbook facts. Historical and cultural knowledge – Appreciating the histories of all major communities. Perspective-taking in conflict – Seeing disputes through multiple lenses. Acknowledgement of contributions – Recognising all communities' roles in nation-building. Cross-cultural sensitivity – Respecting and integrating other values into our thinking. These qualities are not abstract ideals — they are practical skills that can be learned and practised daily by all Malaysians of different ethnicities. Since 1963, the word Muhibbah — derived from the Arabic habibba, meaning love and goodwill — has captured Malaysia's aspiration for harmony. It means respecting different ways of life, sharing joys and sorrows and standing together in times of crisis and celebration. We see Muhibbah in our shared festivities — Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Gawai, and Christmas. But in the 21st century, unity must go beyond festive gestures. It requires substantive practices that bring people together not just on public holidays, but every day. One commendable effort is to build on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Madani vision based on the six values of: Sustainability (Kestabilan) – Preserving culture, ecology, and our shared future Compassion (Kesejahteraan) – Practising empathy across communities Respect (Kemanusiaan) – Rejecting stereotypes and embracing equality Innovation (Keberdayaan) – Welcoming diverse ideas and approaches Prosperity (Kemakmuran) – Ensuring fairness and inclusion in economic growth Trust (Kehormatan) – Building honest, respectful relationships Together, these values act as a moral compass for balancing tradition and progress, unity and diversity. To help translate the spirit of Muhibbah and Madani in our daily lives six strategies are highlighted: Inclusive mindsets – See diversity as a strength. Greet people in their mother tongues, listen without prejudice, and include minority voices in decisions. Respectful coexistence – Live side-by-side with understanding. Attend cultural events, respect sacred spaces, and teach children about different customs and taboos. Shared prosperity – Ensure benefits reach all communities. Support diverse businesses, mentor across ethnic boundaries, and create inclusive community projects. Sustainable interdependence – Recognise that our destinies are linked. Reduce waste at cultural events, advocate equitable access to resources, and build rural-urban as well as East–West Malaysia partnerships. Collective innovation – Use diversity to solve problems. Blend traditional wisdom with modern tools, encourage multicultural teamwork, and celebrate cultural fusions in arts, food, and design. Deep-rooted trust – Build relationships that last. Keep promises, speak well of others, and create safe spaces for open dialogue. In today's borderless digital world, our children grow up watching Korean Tok-toks, attending international schools, and absorbing global values at every turn. While these influences broaden their horizons, they also risk diluting the roots that anchor their identity. Balancing global exposure with a strong local grounding is essential. By internalising the Madani values as Malaysians, they gain not only the moral compass to stay true to their heritage but also the cultural fluency to thrive in a future where understanding people is as valuable as mastering technology. Malaysia's strength lies not in avoiding differences but in embracing them consciously and respectfully. We need to move from slogan to substance, from tolerance to inclusion, and from coexistence to collaboration. This shift starts with each of us asking the following questions of am I building bridges, or staying in my silo, do I truly understand what matters to my fellow Malaysians and what am I doing every day to strengthen multiculturalism? If we want a new Malaysian identity, we must stop treating 'Unity in Diversity' as a tagline and start living it as a value. Let us reclaim the spirit of Muhibbah, reinvent it through Madani, and transform difference into our greatest strength. As actress Michelle Yeoh reminds us: 'Diversity is strength.' and Ramli Ibrahim, a Malay master of Indian dance, demonstrates — culture has no borders when the spirit is open. As Malaysians we each carry multiple cultures within us. The task is to develop the skills to connect with those who are different from us. Multiculturalism is not a slogan — it is a skill. and like any skill, it grows when we practise it — every single day. * This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Rakyat Post
03-07-2025
- General
- Rakyat Post
64 Years Of Muhibbah For Seremban Aikido Dojo
Subscribe to our FREE The Shudokan, a respected Seremban landmark and Malaysia's first Aikido dojo, welcomed over 100 visitors to its Aikido Open Day on Saturday, 28 th June 2025, marking 64 years of cultivating unity, wellness and community spirit in the town and beyond. Founded by the late Thamby Rajah Sensei in 1961, The Shudokan has built a reputation as more than just a martial arts school. It has long served as a gathering place where Malaysians from diverse backgrounds grow together in the spirit of Muhibbah, guided by the discipline and philosophy of Aikido. The Open Day treated guests to dynamic demonstrations, beginner-friendly trial classes, family activities, games, and local food stalls, with attendees experiencing firsthand the values of respect, resilience and harmony that the dojo continues to promote. Joe Thambu Shuseki Shihan (Chief Instructor) of Aikido Shudokan International performs a demonstration during The Shudokan's Open Day. Joe Thambu Shuseki Shihan (Chief Instructor) of Aikido Shudokan International, and nephew of Thamby Rajah, has spent his life carrying forward his uncle's vision of using Aikido as a bridge for unity and self-improvement. He expressed pride in The Shudokan's enduring relevance and how it mirrors Malaysia's social harmony. 'The Shudokan has always been a reflection of what makes this country special, a place where people of all races and beliefs come together with mutual respect,' he said. 'For 64 years, this dojo has stood as a quiet, steady example of how unity can thrive through shared values and friendships.' He also shared his hopes for the future of Aikido in Malaysia and what it can continue to offer in modern times. 'Aikido isn't just a tradition we preserve for nostalgia; it's a way forward. In an increasingly divided world, it reminds us to move with empathy, to resolve conflict without aggression, and to uplift those around us,' he added. 'I believe this art will keep bringing Malaysians together, generation after generation, because its core message of harmony is timeless.' Children performing a demonstration during The Shudokan's Open Day. The Open Day also acknowledged The Shudokan's recent recognition as the National Press Club–MACROKIOSK Muhibbah Award winner for December 2024, affirming its long-standing contribution to inclusivity and goodwill in Malaysia. People from all walks of life spoke warmly of the dojo's welcoming culture. Sirajuddin Aziz, a parent whose two children have been training at the dojo for the last year already, expressed, 'It's rare to find places like this where values are passed down through generations. It's not just about martial arts — it's about raising good people, learning respect, and being part of a supportive community.' Wilson Wu, a student since 2014, added, 'This place feels like home. The friends I've made here, and the lessons I've learned, go far beyond what happens on the mat.' As the event drew to a close with a warm community gathering, it was clear that The Shudokan remains a living testament to Malaysia's enduring tradition of unity in diversity, and a space where new generations will continue to grow together. 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
02-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Muhibbah still boasts active construction pipeline amid Petronas-Petros issue
KUALA LUMPUR: Muhibbah Engineering (M) Bhd has maintained an active construction pipeline despite short-term uncertainties linked to the ongoing Petronas-Petroleum Sarawak (Petros) dispute, CIMB Securities said. The company's current bid book stands at RM2.6 billion, with 62 per cent of projects located overseas. Its infrastructure jobs account for 50 per cent of the bids, followed by waste-heat energy projects at 38 per cent, and oil and gas-related works making up the remaining 12 per cent. "Muhibbah's 65 per cent-owned subsidiary Favelle Favc is bidding for RM3 billion worth of jobs, with the Middle East region accounting for over RM100 million as massive infrastructure projects such as the New Murabba mixed-use development and the NEOM 2029 Asian Winter Games are fuelling new orders for cranes," it said. According to CIMB Securities, Muhibbah's first quarter of 2025 (1Q25) performance was in line with expectations, with core earnings making up 26 per cent of both its and market consensus estimates. The company posted a 14 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase in net profit to RM16.17 million, up from RM14.19 million previously, driven by stronger contributions from its concession segment. "As with previous financial years, Muhibbah's 21 per cent-owned Cambodia Airports continues to be the key 1Q earnings driver for the group in financial year 2025 (FY25). "This is underpinned by a 22 per cent YoY surge in Cambodian air traffic as the kingdom continues to benefit from a resurgence in the number of tourist arrivals," it said. CIMB Securities expects Muhibbah to declare a total dividend per share of 2.3 sen for FY25, offering a fairly attractive yield of 3.8 per cent. The research house remains positive on Muhibbah due to its involvement in marine and oil and gas-related infrastructure projects. It maintained a 'Buy' rating on the stock with an unchanged target price of RM1.10.
New Straits Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Muhibbah Q1 earnings rise 14pct to RM16mil on stronger concession gains
KUALA LUMPUR: Muhibbah Engineering (M) Bhd's net profit for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, rose 14 per cent to RM16.17 million from RM14.19 million a year earlier, lifted by higher contributions from its concession business. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the group said this was driven by its airport and road concession operations, which contributed RM22.1 million in pre-tax profit, up 116.7 per cent from RM10.2 million previously. Quarterly revenue, however, declined 2.2 per cent to RM319.96 million from RM327.01 million a year ago. Muhibbah said the dip was due to slightly lower construction activity during the quarter. On a proforma basis, which includes its share of revenue from associates, total revenue rose 4.2 per cent to RM431.3 million from RM413.9 million. Earnings per share rose to 2.22 sen from 1.95 sen a year ago. As at end-March, the group had RM516.7 million in cash and bank balances, down from RM571.2 million at the end of December 2024. Total borrowings stood at RM468.2 million, comprising RM306.6 million in short-term and RM161.6 million in long-term loans. The group's outstanding order book stood at RM1.14 billion as at May 22, spanning construction and cranes projects. Despite global headwinds, including inflation, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties, Muhibbah said it will continue to monitor developments and pursue new contracts.
