Latest news with #Ruslan
Daily Express
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
GRS components say it's what Sabahans want
Published on: Sunday, May 11, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 11, 2025 Text Size: Ruslan (left), Christoper (centre) and Chin Su Phin. Kota Kinabalu: The ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is ready for any scenario, including contesting on its own if necessary – this is the stand of several GRS components following the decision by Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional to collaborate in the coming state election. PBS Vice President Datuk Ruslan Muharam said the decision by BN and PH to limit cooperation to themselves could actually strengthen GRS as a coalition comprising truly local parties. The Lumadan Asssemblyman said the grassroots actually desire only Sabah parties to lead Sabah, just like in Sarawak. 'We at the local party level have no issue as there is a desire for only local parties in the state election. Besides, we are not the ones rejecting the cooperation. 'The people have seen it work in Sarawak, as well as Sabah's lagging development and leakages in our rights, including lack of balanced allocations that Sabah should receive.' Ruslan believed Sabah PH is more inclined to work with GRS due to their existing strong ties in the current GRS-PH Plus State Government. 'We see Sabah PH leaders are more comfortable working with GRS, but they may have to abide by the central leadership's decision. 'This also means Sabah PH and BN Sabah do not have full autonomy as claimed but controlled by their leadership in Putrajaya. There were discussions between GRS and Sabah PH, but Sabah PH has no autonomy… they want to work with GRS but must comply with Federal decisions,' he said. Parti Bersatu Sabah Youth Chief, Christoper Mandut welcomed the readiness by Chief Minister cum GRS Chairman, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, to contest solo should BN and PH decide that would be best. This would mean an election battle where the opposing coalitions for control over Sabah would be decided by either one led by peninsula-based parties or that by 100 per cent Sabah parties. 'Hajiji also stated that GRS will focus on collaborating with other local parties that share the same goals and direction in order to face PRN17 in a more organised manner. 'This (State) coalition is led by experienced and visionary figures. I believe the Chief Minister and the entire GRS leadership have solid strategies to defend this coalition and to ensure political stability in Sabah is preserved,' he said in a statement, Saturday. 'We aspire to achieve a stable and competitive administration, as demonstrated in Sarawak, and I believe Sabah can realise this aspiration through the strength and unity of GRS,' Christoper said. Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Datuk Chin Su Phin praised Hajiji's readiness for GRS to contest on its own in line with the unwavering commitment to prioritise Sabah's rights, identity and local governance. 'The idea of Sabah being led by local parties is not merely political strategy, it is a necessity rooted in the aspirations, culture and realities unique to the people of this state. 'Sabahans have consistently voiced their desire for homegrown leadership, one that understands and fights for their everyday needs without compromise,' he said. He said LDP believes in a Sabah that stands tall, not in defiance of the Federal Government, but in defence of its rightful autonomy and development agenda. 'We will always support a path that ensures political stability and empowers our people economically and socially,' he said in a statement. Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Tanjung Keramat Youth Division Chief Burhanuddin Yahya Hussin said the State Government should be led by a local party to ensure the interests and future of its people. 'GRS stands by the principle that Sabah's leadership must come from its own people, who truly understand local needs and aspirations,' he said. He also urged voters, particularly youths, to back local parties committed to safeguarding Sabah's future. Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS) Sec-Gen Christy Chok Lee Lui said the decision by PH and BN aligns with the aspirations and wishes of the people of Sabah of being led by local parties. 'This is the dream of Sabah people. We can be self-reliant through our own efforts. The decision of other parties to cooperate is their right. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Canada initiates court proceedings to seize Russian Antonov An-124 aircraft
Canada has initiated court proceedings to seize a Russian Antonov An-124 "Ruslan" transport aircraft, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna said on May 6. The aircraft, owned by Russian Volga-Dnepr cargo airlines, has remained grounded at Toronto Pearson International Airport since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, amid a travel ban on Russian aircraft in Canadian airspace. A spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada confirmed to Canadian publication InSauga that the Canadian government had initiated proceedings in the Ontario Superior Court. "The Attorney General of Canada commenced forfeiture proceedings by seeking the issuance of a Notice of Application by the Superior Court of Ontario on March 18, 2025," the spokesperson said. The aircraft, which is approximately 69 metres long and 21 meters tall and originally produced in Ukraine, is the world's largest mass-produced cargo plane. The similar Ukrainian-owned and produced Antonov An-225 Mriya aircraft served as a one-off flagship of the Antonov An-124, until it was destroyed by Russian forces at Hostomel airport in February 2022. "I am convinced that all these actions are leading to one outcome: the 'Ruslan' will soon have a new home — in Ukraine, where it will serve our country's needs," Stefanishyna said in a statement. "I'm grateful to Canada for its unwavering support and decisive actions. Justice is not just a word — it's the concrete steps we are witnessing today. And this is just the beginning." Read also: European Commission prepares 17th sanctions package against Russia, Reuters reports We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Star
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
FUELLING TALENT GROWTH
FOR over three decades, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) has been a catalyst for nurturing highly skilled talent within the oil and gas industry, evolving in tandem with the sector's growing complexity and innovation. As the company celebrates over 50 years of operations, it continues to champion workforce development, notably through its Vocational Institution Sponsorship and Training Assistance (VISTA) programme. Steady pipeline of talent Delivered in collaboration with key industry players, VISTA ensures technical training remains aligned to real-world needs, helping build a robust pipeline of talent equipped for the dynamic energy landscape. Launched in 1992, VISTA is now enhanced as VISTA i-Plus—a more integrated and industry-led model designed to ensure a steady flow of skilled professionals, not only for PETRONAS, but for the oil and gas ecosystem at large. 'This is not just a PETRONAS initiative, it is a collective commitment by the industry, for the industry,' said PETRONAS senior vice president and group chief human resource officer Ruslan Islahudin. 'Through VISTA i-Plus, we're creating a structured, collaborative ecosystem where industry players, government agencies and institutions work hand-in-hand to build future-ready talent.' To date, the programme has supported 35 institutions nationwide and channelled over RM90mil to train nearly 12,000 graduates in critical oil and gas skillsets. The company's long-standing partnership approach strengthens the oil and gas services and equipment (OGSE) sector by expanding access to competent talent, particularly in high-demand areas such as 6G welding, scaffolding and rigging, pipefitting and welding inspection. PETRONAS has benchmarked the enhanced model against best practices from 10 leading technical and vocational education and training (TVET) nations, including Germany, South Korea and Australia, where strong industry-education-government collaboration is the common denominator of success. 'Malaysia has more than 1,300 TVET institutions, with around 500 linked to oil and gas trades. Strengthening this ecosystem together is vital to meeting industry demands and unlocking broader economic impact,' said Ruslan. Ruslan Islahudin VISTA i-Plus Central to VISTA i-Plus is the newly established VISTA Advisory Council, comprising leaders from key industry bodies including Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation, Malaysian Oil, Gas and Energy Services Council, Human Resources Development Corporation, Petroleum Arrangement Contractors and PETRONAS. The council plays a pivotal role in co-shaping a unified workforce development strategy for the oil and gas industry, ensuring VISTA i-Plus is governed not by one company but by the collective voice of the sector. The programme also features two other governance platforms—the VISTA Working Committee, which oversees execution, and the VISTA Engagement Network, which provides training institutions with centralised resources and knowledge sharing. Together, these bodies form a responsive and resilient framework that keeps the model attuned to evolving industry needs. The success of the VISTA i-Plus model can be measured through several metrics, including the take-up rate of the programmes, courses and initiatives, active overall participation in supporting the model, and an increase in the employability rate to meet the talent demand in the oil and gas industry. Its effectiveness can also be gauged through in-kind support from industry players, mechanisms to leverage existing levies, the establishment of VISTA i-Plus as the preferred choice among industry stakeholders, and the capacity of learning institutions to produce a talent pool that aligns with market demands. Collaborative ecosystem Ruslan added that the 'by industry, for industry' philosophy is central to the VISTA i-Plus approach and is underpinned by the strong commitment of key stakeholders, who actively participate as council members. This commitment, he said, will ensure the model's long-term sustainability, with clear roles, responsibilities and aligned expectations for all involved. 'Other industries beyond oil and gas could benefit from adopting similar collaborative models, creating cross-industry synergy. 'For example, welders trained through specialised courses can apply their skills in both the oil and gas industry and the automotive industry, fostering a versatile workforce,' Ruslan added. Looking ahead, PETRONAS has identified three strategic priorities for VISTA i-Plus—aligning training to current industry demands, embedding practical hands-on learning and fostering strong industry participation through mentoring, career pathways and continuous development opportunities. 'Developing talent cannot be done in silos. Through VISTA i-Plus, we are reinforcing our belief that talent development is a shared responsibility, and when we do it together, we build a stronger, more sustainable industry for all,' said Ruslan.
Daily Express
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Beaufort schools cannot cope, says Ruslan
Published on: Saturday, May 03, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 03, 2025 By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: Ruslan (right) being briefed on the project during a site visit. BEAUFORT: The growing student population in Zone Padas Damit sparked calls for new secondary and primary schools to be built to ease congestion at existing institutions. Lumadan Assemblyman Datuk Ruslan Muharam said Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Gadong and Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Gadong are struggling to accommodate the rising number of students each year. 'With SMK Gadong and SK Gadong being the only nearby schools, parents have no choice but to send their children there. However, both are now overcrowded. 'Therefore, we propose the construction of new secondary and primary schools in Zone Padas Damit to meet the schooling needs of students in the area while also reducing congestion at SMK Gadong and SK Gadong,' he said. He said this during a site visit for the proposed school construction, accompanied by the Beaufort District Education Officer (PPD), Gani Senang, and the Beaufort District Engineer from the Lands and Surveys Department (JTU). Ruslan, who is also the Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, said a 285-acre village reserve in Kampung Lalangut had been identified for the project, with 50 acres allocated for a secondary school and 17 acres for a primary school. 'We propose allocating five acres for the establishment of a Fire and Rescue Station to cater to emergency needs in all villages within this zone. 'This is a Federal project, so it will take time, but I will push for it to be realised within five years,' he said. Ruslan also urged the Education Ministry (KPM) and Sabah Education Department (JPNS) to find a solution to the frequent flooding at SK Suasa and SK Lago. He said the situation disrupts school sessions every time floods occur, requiring drastic action, including a proposal to relocate both schools to a new site. 'Another option is to build a larger school on a 10-acre flood-free village reserve nearby to accommodate more students,' he said. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
Borneo Post
21-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tariffs to have minimal impact to Bintulu Port, says group CEO
Ruslan fields questions from reporters. KUCHING (April 21): The sweeping tariffs imposed by the United States are expected to have minimal impact on Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (BPHB), says group chief executive officer Ruslan Abdul Ghani. He said while it is still too early to draw a firm conclusion, the group does not expect to be significantly affected. He explained this is because most of BPHB's exports do not go directly to the United States. 'We normally export to India, especially for our crude palm oil (CPO); to China, even to Africa. 'We don't deal directly with America, so hopefully that will have quite a minimum impact to us,' he told reporters after the group's 29th Annual General Meeting at Hilton Hotel here today. Ruslan however acknowledged that there could still be some indirect effects. 'It's a bit too early to say, because there's the direct impact, and there's also the indirect impact. So we are currently evaluating all of this,' he added. The group had earlier posted a record-breaking total revenue for its financial year ended December 31, 2024 at RM888.47 million, representing an 8.13 per cent growth driven by disciplined operational management and strong support from the state government. The group also achieved a total cargo throughput of 51.94 million tonnes, making BPHB the third largest port in Malaysia in terms of volume handled. The port's vessel traffic also reached a record 8,026 calls that positions BPHB as a critical maritime logistics hub in the region Despite the uncertainties ahead, Ruslan remains hopeful about the group's outlook in 2025. He said growth will be supported by new throughput, including volumes from green energy, as well as the continued strong performance of Sarawak PetChem and liquefied natural gas (LNG). On 5 April, a blanket 10 per cent tariff was imposed on almost all imports into the United States. Four days later, the US announced even higher 'reciprocal' tariffs on goods from around 60 countries based on trade deficits. Malaysia faces a 24 per cent reciprocal tariff. However, on the same day, Trump walked back parts of the policy by suspending the country-specific tariffs and while maintaining the 10 per cent blanket duty on almost all US imports. Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad lead ruslan abdul ghani tariffs
