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New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
After 17 years, Legal Board's RM20mil accounts finally face audit
KUALA LUMPUR: The accounts of the Legal Profession Qualifying Board (LPQB) are currently being audited by the Auditor General — the first public audit in 17 years. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran acknowledged the lapse and confirmed that the audit was now underway. "I admit that for 17 years, the LPQB's accounts were not audited. This is a serious matter. "At the end of last year, we amended the Act to empower the Auditor General to carry out the audit. I have been informed that the process is in progress and all related matters will be made known soon," he said. He was responding to concerns raised by Abd Ghani Ahmad (PN–Jerlun), who highlighted the board's trust accounts, which reportedly manage a fund worth RM20 million. Kulasegaran also said that the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) would be revamped, and a new Common Bar Course (CBC) introduced. "The CLP, which is currently entirely written-based, will be enhanced to include assessment components involving practical skills training such as criminal litigation, advocacy, and professional ethics," he said during Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat. In response to a separate question from S. Kesavan (PH–Sungai Siput), Kulasegaran said further study was required into the syllabus, curriculum, assessment methods, course providers, trainers, and administrative and management structures. He added that a committee and taskforce had been formed to examine the development of the CBC's curriculum and standards. "The CBC taskforce will commence its study on Aug 1, with completion targeted within eight months, by March 31, 2026," he said. Nation Feb 11, 2025 @ 10:53pm Govt considers overhaul of Legal Profession Qualifying Board Nation Apr 30, 2025 @ 4:54am 320 law graduates receive CLP at 28th convocation Nation Feb 23, 2025 @ 10:19pm Govt resolves 11,594 audit issues, 799 still under review Nation Jul 23, 2025 @ 4:35am PM orders ministers to rectify recurring audit issues
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Drums, dance and unity on full display at Vaisakhi Fest 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Vaisakhi Fest 2025 brought vibrant colour, culture, and community spirit to the Malaysia Tourism Centre, as families and visitors gathered to celebrate the Punjabi harvest festival. World Sikh Chamber of Commerce Malaysia president Jalbir Singh Riar said cultural celebrations such as Vaisakhi play a vital role in fostering unity, connection, and understanding among Malaysians of diverse backgrounds. "Unity is our strength, together, we thrive as one Malaysia," he said, adding that such festivities honour the nation's rich cultural heritage and reinforce the importance of togetherness. The event, organised by the Kuala Lumpur Sikh Sports & Recreation Club and supported by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, featured traditional performances, folk dances, a Gatka (Sikh martial art) showcase, food stalls, and family-friendly activities. Among those in attendance were Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor, who officiated the event, Tunku Besar Tampin Tunku Syed Razman Tunku Syed Idrus Al-Qadri, and the ministry's deputy secretary-general Surrendren Sathasivam, who represented Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. Nation Apr 13, 2025 @ 6:54am Sikhs throng gurdwaras to celebrate Vaisakhi Nation Apr 13, 2025 @ 2:29am King, Queen extend Vaisakhi, Tamil New Year greetings Nation Apr 14, 2025 @ 1:19am Anwar conveys Tamil New Year, Vaisakhi, Vishu greetings Nation Jun 1, 2025 @ 1:35am Syed Saddiq completes 4km swim at Langkawi fest
Fox News
a day ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Obama's Silent Coup
'Life, Liberty & Levin' explores the fundamental values and principles undergirding American society, culture, politics, and current events, and their relevance to the nation's future and everyday lives of citizens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Zahid calls for 5G network expansion to rural areas
ALOR SETAR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for the expansion of 5G network coverage beyond urban centres to include rural areas. Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said digital inclusion is a fundamental requirement for holistic rural development. "In areas under the Kedah Regional Development Authority (Keda), Felcra, and other rural settlements, 5G should not be a luxury; it is a necessity. Even in villages, our children need fast internet for education and entrepreneurship," he said during the opening of the Keda 4P and Rural Youth Planning and Implementation Committee Convention at Albukhary International University (AIU) here today. He added that the ministry would hold discussions with the Communications Ministry and the Digital Ministry to coordinate the expansion of 5G infrastructure in strategic rural locations with development potential. "High-speed internet access will empower rural students, strengthen youth entrepreneurship, and enhance administrative efficiency in local communities," he said. Meanwhile, Zahid reminded grassroots leaders to remain present on the ground and not rely solely on reports. "We must be leaders who are with the people, not just on paper. We need to hear their concerns directly, not just through office memos," he said. He also said that integrity must be at the heart of rural leadership, warning that leadership without trust is like a house without pillars, bound to collapse under pressure. Nation May 17, 2025 @ 10:53am Zahid: RM1.11bil allocation for rural development in Sabah this year Nation Feb 1, 2025 @ 9:50pm Govt creating more economic opportunities in rural areas to curb urban migration [WATCH] Nation May 8, 2025 @ 12:24am Zahid proposes rural youth plan to develop skilled, adaptable human capital Nation Feb 4, 2025 @ 2:39am Zahid seeks electricity tariff exemption for homestays and kampung stays
USA Today
5 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Panera Bread to lay off hundreds as it ends fresh dough production nationwide
Panera Bread will permanently shut down its fresh dough production facilities in areas with underperforming locations as part of its nationwide effort to move away from baking bread from scratch in its cafés. According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notifications notice earlier this month, a production facility in Brentwood, Missouri plans to close by September 12, with all 72 employees set to lose their jobs as a result. As of June 24, four locations across the U.S. have already shut down operations, per Nation's Restaurant News. Panera says affected employees will receive a severance package as well as outplacement services. The Missouri location is the latest in a series of closures the company has undertaken in the last year as it transitions to a new model for how it makes its baked goods. Panera says it plans to shutter all of its remaining fresh dough facilities within the next two years. In case you missed it: Panera Bread launches mac and cheese-flavored lip balm: How to get yours Panera moving to par-baked model for bread A Panera spokesperson detailed the company's shift to what it calls its "on-demand" bread production model to Nation's Restaurant News in April. Under its previous model, Panera's fresh dough facilities would mix and shape the dough used for its bread and other baked goods. The dough loaves would then be sent to its cafés where they would then be proofed and baked in the morning. But with its new system, third-party contractors prepare the dough instead while following Panera's recipes and instructions. The dough is then partially baked, or "par-baked," at those sites before being frozen and shipped to cafés for final baking. The spokesperson said under the par-baked model, cafés are now able to prepare baked goods throughout the day as needed instead of just in the morning, making them more readily available for customers. They also said the move allows the company to open more stores in the future in places where they couldn't otherwise because of the limited distances fresh dough facility delivery trucks could travel.
