Latest news with #ROSE
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
ROSE calls for transparency in Sarawak govt's overseas trip expenditures
ROSE has voiced concern over recent statements from the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), including the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, who argued against disclosing the costs of these trips, citing the economic 'returns' they have brought to Sarawak. KUCHING (May 29): Persatuan Pemangkin Daya Masyarakat (ROSE) has urged the Sarawak government to reconsider its current approach and publish itemised reports on public expenditures related to official overseas trips, particularly those involving top state leadership. ROSE voiced concern over recent statements from the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), including the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, who argued against disclosing the costs of these trips, citing the economic 'returns' they have brought to Sarawak. 'ROSE extends its congratulations to the state leadership for successfully securing billions of ringgits in investments for Sarawak. These achievements are commendable and reflect the capability of the government in pursuing development and economic growth for the state. 'However, it must be clearly stated that the returns or benefits gained from these trips must not be used as justification to avoid transparency and accountability. Public spending and investment outcomes are two distinct matters, and both must be subject to scrutiny,' said the civil society organisation in a statement today. ROSE emphasised that the people have a right to know how much public funds were spent on official international travel, stressing that transparency is not a political attack, but a fundamental pillar of responsible and trustworthy governance. 'Civil society organisations, including ROSE, have a legitimate role in monitoring, reviewing and offering constructive feedback to ensure public funds are spent prudently and ethically.' ROSE said it was deeply concerned by recent developments in the DUN involving the 2025 Supplementary Supply Bill, particularly the allocation of an additional RM100 million to the Premier's Department for chartered flight services. 'What is more troubling is that questions raised about this expenditure were disallowed, effectively shutting down avenues for public scrutiny and parliamentary oversight. 'Simultaneously, the approval of a taxpayer-funded study tour to the United States for assembly members raises pressing concerns about the state government's spending priorities and its commitment to transparency and accountability,' it said. ROSE stressed that these are legitimate concerns, particularly when ordinary Sarawakians are struggling economically. It added that elected representatives should lead by example by ensuring transparency, justifying expenses and staying accountable to the people who put them in office. 'ROSE firmly believes that a strong government has nothing to fear from transparency. In fact, openness strengthens public trust and reinforces the legitimacy of the government's efforts.'
Straits Times
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
K-pop stars Rose and Ateez up for American Music Awards
K-pop star Rose and American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars' viral hit Apt. has been nominated for Collaboration of the Year at the upcoming American Music Awards. PHOTO: ROSE/YOUTUBE K-pop girl group Blackpink's Rose is in the running for two prizes at the 2025 American Music Awards, which is set to take place in Las Vegas on May 26. According to the nominee list unveiled on April 23, the New Zealand-born star, who was recently named one of The 100 Most Influential People of 2025 by Time magazine, is nominated for Favourite K-pop Artist. Her viral hit song Apt. (2024) – a duet with American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars – is in the running for Collaboration of the Year. The song's music video has more than one billion views on YouTube and is the fifth-fastest clip to achieve this milestone. The nominations mark the first time Rose has been recognised at the American Music Awards as a soloist. Blackpink were previously nominated for Favourite K-pop Artist in 2022, with BTS winning. This time, Rose will be up against boy bands Stray Kids and Ateez, as well as BTS members RM and Jimin. In the Collaboration of the Year category, the other nominees are Kendrick Lamar and Sza's Luther; Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars' Die With A Smile; Marshmello and Kane Brown's Miles On It; Post Malone and Morgan Wallen's I Had Some Help; and Taylor Swift and Post Malone's Fortnight. Rapper Lamar leads the nominations at the American Music Awards with 10 nods, including for Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for his Grammy-winning diss track about fellow rapper Drake, Not Like Us. Across the Atlantic, for the Ivors – Britain's annual awards honouring songwriters and screen composers – pop star Charli XCX and rising singer-songwriter Lola Young picked up nominations on April 23. The awards will be given out in a ceremony held in London on May 22. Young's Messy (2024) went viral on TikTok and eventually made its way to the top of the UK Singles Chart. She led with three nominations, the first time she has been recognised by the Ivors. Her release This Wasn't Meant For You Anyway will compete for Best Album alongside Charli XCX's Brat, which includes the TikTok-viral song Apple (2024). Messy is nominated for Best Song Musically and Lyrically while Young is up for a Rising Star award. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
