Latest news with #Rahimah
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Borneo Post
Bersatu Sabah condemns police failure, calls for independent inquest
Rahimah KOTA KINABALU (Aug 9): Bersatu Sabah Women chief Rahimah Majid has issued a scathing condemnation of the police over their gross failure to professionally and impartially investigate the suspicious death of 13-year-old student, Zara Qairina Mahathir. Rahimah said the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) have failed the most basic test of their duty — to investigate a sudden and suspicious death thoroughly, fairly, and without delay. 'For almost three weeks after Zara's death, no meaningful investigation took place. No post-mortem was conducted. Her personal belongings, including her clothing, were returned to the family without any forensic examination. Until today, no transparent report has been released. This is an outrageous breach of duty,' she lambasted. She stressed that these glaring lapses violate Sections 329 and 300 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which clearly require a post-mortem and full investigation in any unnatural death. Rahimah also noted that the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) recently returned the preliminary investigation report to the police for further action and completion, along with specific instructions on matters still requiring investigation. 'If the police had done their job properly from the start, the AGC would not need to send the file back. This is a clear sign that something is seriously wrong with the way this case has been handled,' she charged. Calling the failure inexcusable, Rahimah demanded that the case be immediately removed from the current police team and reassigned to an independent, professional and experienced investigative unit. She also called for immediate disciplinary and legal action against the officers responsible for what she described as a serious dereliction of duty. 'In Zara's case, the police did not just fail — they abandoned their duty. This is not a procedural oversight. It is a betrayal of public trust,' she said. Rahimah said the only way to restore public confidence and uncover the truth is through a full, independent inquest. 'An inquest will allow a transparent, impartial, and thorough examination of the facts. Without it, the truth will remain buried, justice will be denied, and public trust in our justice system will continue to erode,' she stressed. She urged the government to convene the inquest without delay, warning that continued inaction would only fuel public suspicion of a cover-up. Rahimah also questioned whether the school had effective systems to monitor bullying and whether complaints from students or parents were taken seriously and acted upon. 'The school must be held accountable for its role, or lack thereof. Immediate reforms are needed in how student welfare and discipline are managed,' she said. She urged the Ministry of Education to enact urgent, nationwide reforms, including: · Law-backed anti-bullying policies in all schools. · Continuous staff training on prevention and intervention. · A government-led framework that prioritises student voices, early intervention, and parental involvement. · A national oversight body to enforce accountability of school authority. As a mother, Rahimah also urged parents to remain vigilant and responsive to any signs of emotional distress in their children. 'Sudden withdrawal, fear of going to school, persistent sadness — these are not just phases. They are cries for help and must be taken seriously. Parents must engage with schools, file official complaints if necessary, and seek professional counselling. Early action can save lives,' she said. 'Zara's life mattered. Her death must not be swept aside by silence, incompetence, or inaction. We demand accountability from the police, the school, and all responsible parties. Justice for Zara must prevail — not just for her, but for every child at risk,' Rahimah concluded.
The Sun
04-08-2025
- Health
- The Sun
13MP marks historic pivot towards ageing nation
PETALING JAYA: The 13th Malaysia Plan is a watershed moment in the nation's response to an ageing population, laying the groundwork for sweeping reforms in long-term care, retirement and social protection systems. The plan reflects an urgent recalibration of policy direction as the country braces to become an aged nation by 2043, according to Universiti Putra Malaysia's Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing. Its director Assoc Prof Dr Rahimah Ibrahim described the 13MP as a 'major step forward' in preparing for the demographic shift. 'The plan is significant in terms of the government's commitment to long-term care (LTC) and social protection reforms in preparation for aged nation status. No change happens overnight, but these are bold steps in the right direction.' For the first time, a national development plan has explicitly prioritised long-term care as a strategic policy issue. 'Under the plan, a dedicated entity will be established to coordinate a comprehensive care ecosystem that includes eldercare, childcare, disability care and faith-based residential institutions.' Rahimah said Malaysia's long-term care sector is still in its infancy and is in urgent need of regulation, sustainable funding and professionalised staffing. 'It is an emerging industry that needs structure. Right now we lack standardisation, adequate manpower and regulatory oversight.' She stressed that long-term care should not be conflated with clinical healthcare. While hospitals and clinics focus on medical treatment, LTC encompasses personal, social and functional support to help individuals maintain dignity and independence in their daily lives. Rahimah also welcomed the inclusion of the National Ageing Blueprint 2025–2045, calling it a 'critical strategic document' that must be finalised, presented and made publicly accessible to guide implementation efforts. On the proposed review of the mandatory retirement age, she voiced support but urged a phased and pragmatic rollout. 'The government should start with expanding re-employment schemes, while gradually phasing in any extension of the retirement age across both public and private sectors. While the retirement age was raised to 60 in 2012, labour force participation among those aged 55–59 did not increase significantly. However, it did reverse the downward trend, which is encouraging.' She also commended the plan's emphasis on older adults' economic participation, particularly through flexible work arrangements and lifelong learning initiatives via Technical and Vocational Education and Training. However, Rahimah acknowledged that enticing younger Malaysians into the aged care sector remains a challenge. 'Will youths be drawn to the care industry? Maybe yes – if there are clear wages, defined career pathways and if they find satisfaction in the work. Like the childcare industry before it, aged care can evolve into a respected profession.' At present, she said Malaysia's aged care landscape remains largely informal and under-regulated. 'Anyone can become an aged care worker. But without proper registration or certification, the workers are easily replaced. The sector also suffers from high turnover and chronic manpower shortages.' Rahimah also expressed support for the proposed hybrid Employees Provident Fund payout model – combining lump sum withdrawals with monthly disbursements – as a step towards a stronger social safety net. While underlying inequalities in the pension system persist, she said the new model was 'a bold step' towards enhancing income security for the ageing population. 'There's a lot to unpack in the 13MP. But what's clear is that the government is no longer treating ageing merely as a demographic trend – it's being seen as a transformative opportunity. We urge all stakeholders to view the shift as a challenge to reimagine Malaysia as a more inclusive, caring and sustainable society for all ages.'
The Sun
23-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Plan needed to raise retirement age
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia could miss out on the untapped economic potential of its ageing population if it fails to act now by investing in skills training and creating age-friendly workplaces for those aged 45 and above. The warning comes from Universiti Putra Malaysia's Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing) director, Assoc Prof Dr Rahimah Ibrahim, following a recent call by former Swedish prime minister Fredrik Reinfeldt for countries like Malaysia to consider raising the retirement age to 75 to ease pension pressures. Closer to home, last month Law and Institutional Reform Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said suggested the government consider extending Malaysia's retirement age to 65, noting that many Malaysians remain active, capable and energetic well into their 60s. Malaysia last raised the retirement age in 2014 — to 60, from 58 in the public sector and 55 in the private sector. However, Rahimah warned that Malaysia is not yet prepared to support adults working into their 70s. She stressed that any changes to the retirement framework must be gradual and flexible, not abrupt. 'Working longer must be a choice backed by robust systems, not a necessity born out of financial desperation. 'Rather than fixating on a single retirement age, we should link pensionable age to gains in healthy life expectancy, and ensure early-exit options remain available, especially for physically demanding jobs.' She said senior workers need adaptable, meaningful roles and the right support to stay healthy and productive. While Sweden has successfully kept senior adults in the workforce, Rahimah said that achievement came after decades of investment in near-universal pension coverage, retraining programmes, and inclusive labour policies – elements that Malaysia currently lacks. 'In Sweden, over 80% of those aged 55 to 64 are still working. In Malaysia, it's just under 50%. 'More than half of senior Malaysian workers are in informal employment, with no social protection, limited upskilling and little ergonomic support.' She added that health is another limiting factor. 'According to the World Health Organisation, Malaysians aged 60 have an average of 18.5 healthy years remaining, compared with the 21 years in Sweden. 'We can't expect people to work longer if their bodies are already exhausted. Health must be part of the retirement equation.' Rahimah also flagged concerns about financial preparedness. 'Only 36% of active Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributors reach the basic savings threshold of RM240,000 by age 55. 'The updated benchmark, based on the Belanjawanku model, is RM650,000 – roughly RM2,690 a month for 20 years. But most low-income workers fall short. 'A B40 household earning RM3,401 a month may retire with just RM180,000 – enough for only RM750 a month,' she said. Rahimah argued that EPF savings alone are not enough, and called for a three-pillar model: personal savings, a universal pension floor and long-term care insurance. Her colleague, senior research officer Chai Sen Tyng agreed and called for a unified retirement policy that ensures portability of savings across job sectors. 'Our system wasn't built for longer lifespans. 'We need a national health financing model that supports people across the life course, from early screening to rehabilitation and community care. 'Our healthcare remains too hospital-centric, too expensive and often out of reach for older Malaysians.' Chai added that healthy ageing should be viewed as an intergenerational investment, not just a senior citizen issue. 'We continue to work in silos. What we need is integrated thinking and coordinated reform.' Former MyAgeing director and gerontology expert Datuk Dr Tengku Aizan Tengku Abdul Hamid echoed this, urging a fundamental rethink of how Malaysia perceives ageing. 'Let's stop asking what older people cost and start asking what value we can unlock from healthy longevity. 'Malaysia has the capacity to lead in this space. What we lack is political will and imagination.' Rather than raising the retirement age, she said Malaysia should prioritise reemployment opportunities and flexible work arrangements. 'Our institutions haven't kept up with how people live and work today. It's time we stop viewing senior adults as dependents and start seeing them as contributors,' she said.
Daily Express
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
MACC told to restore public confidence in mining probe
Published on: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 17, 2025 Text Size: Rahimah said the commission should provide a public update on the status of investigations involving all individuals named by the whistleblower and urgently introduce external oversight, either through a Parliamentary Select Committee on Corruption or the creation of an Independent Anti-Corruption Ombudsman. Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) must take immediate steps to restore public confidence by ensuring transparency in its Sabah mining scandal probe, says Sabah Bersatu Women Chief Rahimah Majid. Rahimah said the commission should provide a public update on the status of investigations involving all individuals named by the whistleblower and urgently introduce external oversight, either through a Parliamentary Select Committee on Corruption or the creation of an Independent Anti-Corruption Ombudsman. Advertisement 'These steps are essential to rebuild trust. Malaysians deserve full clarity on who is being investigated, and they need to see that no one is above the law,' she asserted. Her remarks follow MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki's recent statement confirming that at least two individuals are expected to be charged soon in connection with alleged bribery tied to a controversial mining project in Sabah. However, the whistleblower who initially exposed the scandal claims that at least eight other individuals were involved, raising serious concerns about the completeness of the current investigations. 'The people must be assured that justice is being applied fairly. It's troubling if only a few individuals are held accountable when more names have reportedly been submitted to the MACC,' she said. She stressed that the scandal extends beyond state-level politics, highlighting it as a national test of Malaysia's commitment to transparency, accountability, and equal justice. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
15-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah mining: MACC must restore public confidence, says Bersatu women's chief
KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) must take immediate steps to restore public confidence by ensuring transparency in its Sabah mining scandal probe, says Sabah Bersatu Women chief Rahimah Majid. Rahimah said that the commission should provide a public update on the status of investigations involving all individuals named by the whistleblower and urgently introduce external oversight, either through a Parliamentary Select Committee on Corruption or the creation of an Independent Anti-Corruption Ombudsman. "These steps are essential to rebuild trust. Malaysians deserve full clarity on who is being investigated, and they need to see that no one is above the law," she asserted. Her remarks follow MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki's recent statement confirming that at least two individuals are expected to be charged soon in connection with alleged bribery tied to a controversial mining project in Sabah. However, the whistleblower who initially exposed the scandal claims that at least eight other individuals were involved, raising serious concerns about the completeness of the current investigations. "The people must be assured that justice is being applied fairly. It's troubling if only a few individuals are held accountable when more names have reportedly been submitted to the MACC," she said. She stressed that the scandal extends beyond state-level politics, highlighting it as a national test of Malaysia's commitment to transparency, accountability, and equal justice. "Sabahans are watching. Malaysians are watching. Justice must not be selective. This is not just about one case; it is about whether our institutions can be trusted to act impartially," she added.
