Latest news with #Sara
Malaysiakini
2 hours ago
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Don't insult rakyat by saying PM trying to buy votes
MP SPEAKS | It seems to me that some people are determined to find fault with whatever initiatives that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the government carry out for the benefit of the people. This is clear after the several major initiatives including the one-off RM100 grant under the Rahmah Necessities Aid (Sara) programme, the delay in toll hikes for 10 highways, and the lower RON95 petrol price subsidy at RM1.99 per litre. We have stable growth, inflation, low unemployment rates, high foreign investment volume, and good EPF rates. We are bouncing back from Covid-19 and the economic mismanagement of previous administrations, such as the recession-ridden days of Muhyiddin Yassin. Just imagine my annoyance at reading false claims that the latest initiatives are ill-advised handouts and wastage designed to buy the people's votes at the next election. I wonder if the critics would be happier if the government did not try to help the people at all! Despite the good figures, these are difficult and unpredictable times with international tariffs and sales and services tax (SST), electricity tariffs also making possible impacts on the economy. There are difficult decisions that have to be made, because of the corruption and economic mismanagement of the past. So, when the government tries to give the people a buffer, why complain? Elite entitlement We are trying and have succeeded in combating the fiscal deficit, improving governance, and restoring investor confidence over the past two and a half years. One of the main initiatives is the expansion of the Sara programme, which will benefit 22 million citizens aged 18 and above, with an allocation of RM2bil. This is across the board and eligible Malaysians can redeem the one-off RM100 Sara aid credited to their MyKad at over 4,000 participating outlets nationwide to purchase essential goods, such as rice and eggs. So, the critics are upset, saying that this is nothing. To me it reflects the privilege and entitlement of the elite to fail to recognise that these contributions will mean something, especially to those in the B40. Let's not forget that aside from the expanded Sara programme, the government is also doubling the allocation for the Rahmah Sales programme from RM300mil to RM600 mil. Then how about the reduced RON95 petrol price, from the current rate to RM1.99 per litre, with the mechanism to be detailed by the Finance Ministry. Surely this will help us all, by easing the burden on the people and increasing the cash flow in the economy. Reducing fuel prices shows the government is committed to inducing growth and restoring some imbalances, particularly as in the long term the strategy is to have targeted subsidies on fuel prices. Greater economic programme All this is part of a greater economic programme with the 13th Malaysia Plan scheduled to be tabled on July 31, followed by Budget 2026 in October. So, we know that the opposition wants to disrupt the progress, but we don't mind, we are committed to peaceful assembly for rallies like 'Turun Anwar'. We know that some columnists and cybertroopers are being paid to attack our initiatives and confuse the people, but we are committed to freedom of speech. We know that some try to divide us on the basis of race and religion, but we remain committed to a progressive and prosperous Malaysia for all. R YUNESWARAN is the Segamat MP. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
Focus Malaysia
3 hours ago
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
How would a tycoon spend his RM100 'extraordinary tribute for Malaysians' gift from PMX?
Editor's Note: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded all parties not to belittle the RM100 additional cash aid for Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme. '(Critics say) it's just RM100 but you're earning RM40,000 or RM20,000 a month. Of course, RM100 means nothing to you but I know its value when we go to the villages,' PMX who is also Finance Minister said told the Finance Ministry's assembly in Putrajaya yesterday (July 24). He went on to explain that for a poor household with two adult children and a married couple, the cash assistance would total RM400 which when combined with the existing Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), the amount could increase to as much as RM700. '… so don't trivialise these efforts because this is what we (the government) can do to add to the existing allocation from RM13bil to RM15bil,' added PMX. I ASKED a billionaire Tan Sri through WhatsApp the following question: 'Apologies. Seriously what do you plan to do with the RM100 SARA (Sumbangan Asas Rahmah) cash aid the Prime Minister gave?' He answered with two emojis; a thumbs up and thank you. RM100 isn't much considering that he is worth more than RM3 bil, according to Forbes. The richest of them all – Robert Kuok Hock Nien – is worth RM48.8 bil. Love to see media coverage of Robert Kuok Hock Nien and other billionaires, pushing shopping carts to buy RM100 worth of groceries – either for themselves or to be donated to the poor. This would certainly be an award-winning media coverage. I'm not sure if a recipient is allowed to give his or her MyKad to a trustee to shop on his or her behalf. If this is allowed, the rich who are too bashful to be seen shopping for RM100 worth of groceries at Mydin or Econsave can get their bodyguards or amah (house helpers) to do the shopping for them. This would also be helpful to the old and the invalid who cannot do the shopping themselves. These are the people who are truly entitled to this state-funded sadaqah (voluntary charitable giving in Islam). It would also be beneficial in the long term if recipients are given an option to credit the RM100 into their government-sponsored unit trust like the Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) and Amanah Saham Malaysia (ASM). A digital facility should also be established to enable overseas Malaysians to benefit from this Madani generosity. They can use their RM100 Madani SARA to buy groceries for donation. Or the unclaimed SARA be put in a pool for the benefit of the needy such as residents of charity homes and the homeless. An AI search points to reports indicating an increasing trend of elderly parents being abandoned by their children in our country. This includes cases of parents being left at hospitals, care centres or even religious institutions with little to no support from their families. The case of anak derhaka (disobedient children). – July 25, 2025 National journalism laureate Datuk A. Kadir Jasin was formerly the group editor-in-chief of mainstream New Straits Times. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Scoop
4 hours ago
- General
- Scoop
150 Years Of Connection And Learning At Mt Cook School
150 years of education, diversity and inclusion will be celebrated in Mt Cook, Wellington next month when the current school gathers with past students, teachers, whanau and supporters to mark this important milestone. This is a particularly special occasion for one immediate past pupil, Sara Ha-Morris and her whānau. Sara's great, great, great, great grandmother Sarah Wilkinson was the first teacher/principal at the Mt Cook Girl's School that opened on 10 November 1875. An infant's school and boy's school were also established in 1875 and together formed what was then known as Buckle St school - now Mount Cook School. Now living in Korea, after a move with her whānau last month, Sara says, 'it feels really special to have that connection. It's amazing to know that I'll always have that link to Mt Cook School'. Principal, Adrianne McAllister, says the current students are really enjoying learning more about what school was like over the 150 years through both research and for the more recent experience, talking to past pupils. Notable alumni include William (Billy) James Hardham, the first ever New Zealander to be awarded a Victoria Cross. 'When you look through the history, it's also wonderful to see that Mt Cook School has always been a welcoming place known for its multi-cultural community. Today we have over 30 nationalities represented in our school community and we look forward to celebrating together at the end of August with events centred around our themes of 'Whakapapa' and 'Belonging'. I think Sarah would be very happy if she saw the thriving school we are today.' Celebrations are happening on 30th and 31st August 2025.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sara Ali Khan's heel breaks during brother Ibrahim Ali Khan's ‘Sarzameen' premiere; paps hilariously tell her, ‘Fevicol laga lo'
Sara Ali Khan had an unmissable red carpet moment at the premiere of her brother Ibrahim Ali Khan 's latest film 'Sarzameen'. Looking effortlessly chic in an all-black co-ord set, Sara was making her way towards the cameras when, all of a sudden, one of her heels gave way and snapped off. For many, it would've been a fashion disaster, but not for Sara. Calmly steps aside to fix the heel Instead of getting flustered or embarrassed, Sara quietly stepped aside with the help of a woman nearby. She didn't let the moment ruin her evening or distract from the celebration. In a move that surprised many and amused even more, Sara headed back and used glue to reattach her broken heel. Fun interaction with the paparazzi As the paparazzi watched the scene unfold, someone joked, 'Fevicol laga lo.' With a smile and a quick comeback, Sara responded, 'Laga li hai.' Cheering proudly for brother Ibrahim Later, Sara was seen posing next to her brother Ibrahim on the red carpet. She smiled, posed, and proudly supported his latest film, adding both glamour and warmth to the event. It was clearly a proud and emotional evening for the Khan family. While all eyes were on Ibrahim, Sara's presence added sparkle. All about 'Sarzameen' 'Sarzameen' is directed by Kayoze Irani and stars Ibrahim Ali Khan, Prithviraj Sukumaran , and Kajol in key roles. It will stream on OTT from 25 July. According to the official synopsis, the film tells the story of a father who refuses to bow down to threats, and a son who is given up for the nation. It is a powerful tale about a family divided by the past, full of secrets and sacrifices.
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Be wary of suspicious links received via WhatsApp, says Bukit Aman CCID director
KUALA LUMPUR: The police have opened 26 investigation papers into a scam syndicate that tricks victims into revealing their one-time password (OTP), resulting in losses totalling RM151,000 since January this year. Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Comm Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said the victims claimed they had received a suspicious message and clicked on an embedded link. "Once the victims enter information related to the OTP, there is a risk their WhatsApp accounts might be taken over by the syndicate," he said when contacted on Friday (July 25). Comm Rusdi explained that the syndicate's modus operandi involves sending random messages with links to potential victims. "If the victim clicks on the link and follows the syndicate's instructions to provide certain details, the perpetrators might be able to take over the WhatsApp account," he added. He advised the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling for such tactics. "People should delete suspicious messages or links immediately and verify the source of any URL before clicking on it. Never provide personal details, and always change your password regularly," he said. Recently, suspicious links were being spread online regarding the RM100 additional cash aid for Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme. The link is a prompt for people to supposedly check their Sara status.
