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New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Eight Malaysian journalists to perform haj under Saudi Media Ministry initiative
KUALA LUMPUR: Eight Malaysian media personnel have been selected to perform the fifth pillar of Islam – the haj pilgrimage – this year, courtesy of Saudi Arabia's Media Ministry. The ministry's media facilitator, Datuk Izelan Basar, said over 500 media practitioners worldwide, including those from leading news organisations, are invited each year to take part in the pilgrimage and document the world's largest religious gathering. The initiative by the ministry recognises global media professionals who have contributed to intellectual development, innovation, talent cultivation, and the strengthening of bilateral ties between Saudi Arabia and Islamic nations. The initiative also aims to enhance collaboration between traditional, and new media, while delivering the values, experiences and spiritual significance of the haj to a broader international audience. "This is also an acknowledgement of the media's broad digital presence, ability to disseminate information rapidly, and their role in positively shaping public understanding of the haj," Izelan said. Among those invited is two-time Kajai Award-winning journalist Farrah Naz Karim, who is Media Prima Bhd's News and Current Affairs deputy group managing editor. She is also the New Straits Times group editor. Farrah Naz is expected to be part of a panel at the Global Hajj Symposium to discuss The Future of Faith-Based Reporting: Coverage of Pilgrimages in a Digital Age. The June 1 event is organised by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Also in the Malaysian media haj delegation are Berita Harian news editor Adha Ghazali, as well as representatives from Bernama TV, TV AlHijrah, and Astro Oasis. The group departed early this morning and is scheduled to return on June 12. While in Jeddah, the delegates will be briefed on Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which has recorded strong progress, with 93 per cent of its key performance indicators achieved since the initiative was launched nine years ago. The delegation is also expected to document features on the pilgrimage, highlighting the scale and behind-the-scenes preparations by Saudi Arabia in welcoming nearly two million pilgrims from more than 183 countries. Riyadh has introduced various initiatives to ensure the highest standard of pilgrim management during the haj season, with a focus on enhancing the pilgrim experience, ensuring safety, and leveraging technology. Key preparations include road infrastructure upgrades, public health measures, and the implementation of digital solutions for crowd management and information access. These include providing a helpline for pilgrims to seek reliable religious support from a select group of some 300 qualified scholars and professional translators. The Saudi government has also taken preventive measures against extreme heat, including planting more trees, expanding shaded walkways, and installing water stations and mist fans.
BBC News
04-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Newscast Local Electioncast: The Reaction! (Part 3)
Today, we look at how the political parties are reacting to this week's local election results. The Health Secretary Wes Streeting spoke to both Laura and Paddy to give the Labour view. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, the Lib Dem leader Ed Davey and Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf were all on Laura's Sunday show. We also look at what party staffers are saying behind the scenes and how Zia Yusuf earned the cash that he's funding his party with. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast'. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Paddy O'Connell, Laura Kuenssberg and Henry Zeffman. It was made by Chris Flynn and Josh Jenkins. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.
BBC News
03-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Newscast Local Electioncast: The Results! (Part 2)
Today, we look at the local election results in full. Reform now have well over 600 councillors. Party leader Nigel Farage said the victory over Labour and the Conservatives was 'unprecedented'. The Liberal Democrats are also celebrating after successful election results. The party increased their number of councillors, with its leader Ed Davey saying they are now 'the part of Middle England'. Pollster Luke Tryl joins Paddy and Laura. And we'll have all the latest reaction from Prince Harry's bombshell BBC exclusive interview on Friday. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast'. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Paddy O'Connell and Laura Kuenssberg. It was made by Chris Flynn and Josh Jenkins. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.
BBC News
30-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Newscast Are We (Finally) About to See a US-Ukraine Minerals Deal?
Today, the long-anticipated minerals deal may be about to be signed by the US and Ukraine. Adam speaks to BBC chief presenter Caitriona Perry and BBC diplomatic correspondent James Landale about why an agreement is back on the agenda. We also discuss President Trump's cabinet meeting where he blamed former president Biden for 'bad numbers' after a report found the US economy has shrunk by 0.3% since January, the first time since 2022. And, has the government been challenged on its climate change policies by former Labour prime minister Tony Blair? Climate editor Justin Rowlatt joins Adam to discuss. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast'. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Shiler Mahmoudi and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Mike Regaard The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.
BBC News
30-03-2025
- BBC News
Newscast The Justin Welby Interview
Laura's full interview with the former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. In November, he became the first Archbishop to quit as a result of a scandal in the Church in more than 1,000 years, after a damning independent review found he did not follow up rigorously enough on reports about John Smyth, a serial abuser of children and young men. Advice and support is available at You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast'. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds:
