Latest news with #NIBONGTEBAL
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
‘Not happy? Let MPs decide or wait for GE'
Honouring indigenous traditions: Anwar participating in an event with Orang Asli dancers at the opening ceremony of the national-level Unity Week celebration in the vicinity of Batu Kawan Stadium. — Bernama NIBONG TEBAL: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim cautioned that any legitimate changes in government should follow constitutional procedures and not be attempted through street demonstrations. Responding to recent protests calling for his resignation, the Prime Minister said while the government does not oppose peaceful assemblies, any transition of power should be carried out through democratic and lawful means to uphold stability and the rule of law. 'If someone believes that the Prime Minister no longer commands the majority in Parliament, they should follow the Dewan Rakyat Speaker's advice and file a motion of no confidence. 'Let it be decided through votes in Parliament, if there are the numbers. If not, wait until the next general election. 'You cannot try to topple the government just because you are dissatisfied or impatient,' he said at the National Unity Week celebration. Anwar gave assurance that the government is always willing to listen to the people and does not govern by inciting hatred or destruction. 'We do not govern through anger or hatred, but by listening, reviewing and improving,' he said, dismissing allegations that the government suppresses freedom of speech. 'Don't think it's all easy. Building (a nation) takes time; destroying it is far easier. This country remains peaceful because the people are more mature and do not give in to incitement that causes division.' Anwar said on the international stage, Malaysia's stability has attracted global attention, with Kuala Lumpur recently hosting key discussions during the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting. 'Kuala Lumpur has recently drawn global attention, and for the first time since Donald Trump became president, high-level talks took place between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi. 'They both held discussions, but more importantly, Malaysia was given space (to host such engagements). For the first time ever, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also held high-level discussions with Rubio,' he said. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang gave an update on the ongoing National Unity Index, a key instrument to measure and strengthen national unity. 'The National Unity Index is expected to achieve a score of 0.7, which reflects the level of unity among Malaysians. 'This index assesses key aspects such as inter-ethnic relations, perceptions of national identity, and social trust, and serves as a main reference in formulating policies and ministry initiatives aimed at strengthening national unity.' Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, in his speech, reaffirmed the state government's strong commitment to community development and social unity through grassroots initiatives and inclusive representation. 'The state prioritises community development as a key agenda. 'This is evident through the appointment of the Village Community Management Councils, which remain active, attentive and close to the people across all walks of life,' he said.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Do not incite hatred through protests, says Anwar
NIBONG TEBAL: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded Malaysians that while peaceful protests are a right in any democratic nation, actions that incite hatred and division undermine national unity and hinder progress. He said this is especially so if the incitement is along racial or religious lines. Speaking at the national-level Unity Week 2025 celebration at Batu Kawan Stadium, Anwar addressed ongoing demonstrations calling for his resignation, acknowledging that public dissent is a legitimate part of democracy. "This is a democratic country. If people want to express dissatisfaction through protests, that is their right. I will not stop them," he said on Saturday (July 19). However, Anwar drew a firm line between peaceful protest and attempts to sow discord. "Acts of protest, defamation, and inciting hatred will not solve problems. Instead, they will only provoke anger among the people and prevent us from moving forward," he said. Anwar said that political discourse must remain civil and constructive and warned that divisive rhetoric could fracture the country's social fabric. He stated that those in positions of power should prioritise the needs and welfare of the people by addressing pressing issues and ensuring that no community, regardless of race, is left behind. Earlier, at the launching ceremony of the Tunas Madani and JKPSB Housing Project at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Penang Branch in Permatang Pauh, Anwar revealed that an announcement aimed at addressing the rising cost of living is expected next week. He said the Finance Ministry is in the final stages of refining several proposals that could be implemented immediately to help ease the burden on the people and tackle pressing economic concerns.
The Star
15-07-2025
- The Star
Fadhlina: Stick to ministry-approved development programmes
NIBONG TEBAL: Teachers have been advised to avoid motivational programmes organised by external entities that lack clear content. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek (pic) said teachers should refer to the ministry for appropriate support. 'We should avoid getting involved in motivational programmes if we are unsure of the content and 'substance'. 'We should focus on our issues at the school level,' she said in a media conference after visiting SMK Taman Widuri here yesterday, Bernama reported. Elaborating further, Fadhlina said the ministry has various development and motivational programmes for teachers, including counselling services that can be fully utilised. 'We do not want our teachers involved in programmes that can raise doubts or undermine the integrity of the teaching profession. 'We provide many internal development programmes. 'Therefore, my advice is to be careful. Avoid participating in inappropriate external programmes,' she said. She was commenting on the marriage motivation programme (eHATI) targeting working women facing household crises. On Sunday, Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said an inquiry paper had been opened to identify offences related to the eHATI marriage motivational programme, which was accused of promoting inappropriate and provocative content. He said that they intend to call in numerous witnesses to verify the allegations, which include the purported hallucination-causing use of water.
The Sun
14-07-2025
- The Sun
Teachers warned against unclear motivational programmes by Fadhlina
NIBONG TEBAL: Ministry of Education (MOE) members have been advised to steer clear of motivational programmes organised by external entities if the content is unclear. Minister Fadhlina Sidek emphasised the need for teachers to seek ministry-approved support instead. 'We should avoid getting involved in motivational programmes whose content and 'substance' we are unsure of. We should focus on our issues at the school level,' she said during a media conference after visiting SMK Taman Widuri. Her remarks followed concerns over the eHATI marriage motivational programme, which targets working women facing household crises. The programme has drawn criticism for allegedly promoting inappropriate content. Fadhlina highlighted that the MOE offers various development and motivational programmes for teachers, including counselling services. 'We do not want our teachers involved in programmes that can raise doubts or undermine the integrity of the teaching profession,' she added. Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed that an inquiry paper has been opened to investigate potential criminal offences linked to the eHATI programme. Witnesses will be called to verify claims, including the alleged use of hallucinogenic substances. - Bernama
New Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Avoid dubious external motivational programmes, Fadhlina cautions teachers
NIBONG TEBAL: Teachers should avoid participating in external motivational programmes with dubious substance. Highlighting the need to prioritise programmes that genuinely support teacher development, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek warned against participating in unsuitable motivation programmes. She was asked if any teachers had participated in a recent family motivation programme in Selangor following claims of immoral activities during the session. The family motivational programme targeted working women. "Teachers, if you lack motivation, come see me. I can give motivation. This is a serious matter. If possible, we should avoid motivational programmes whose content and substance we do not know," she said after a working visit to SMK Taman Widuri here today. It was reported that Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari had asked the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) to investigate allegations of immoral activities during a family motivational programme at a convention centre in Selangor recently. Elaborating, Fadhlina said teachers should focus on issues at the school level. "We also have teacher development and motivational programmes, as well as counselling and many other teacher development programmes that I think are important. "So, if there are unsuitable programmes, they should be avoided. My advice is to be careful when joining outside programmes and focus on motivation within the education context," she added. Fadhlina was met after a review session of the 'Program Anak Kita' national student intervention initiative, which aims to improve academic outcomes through tailored, school-based support. She reiterated that the ministry already offered structured professional development, including personal coaching, psychosocial counselling and targeted subject mentoring — all developed with direct input from educators. "Motivational support should be grounded in our system, aligned with the needs of both teachers and students. We already have strong internal programmes," she said.
