Latest news with #Saraswathy
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Malaysia backs India on counter-terrorism
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia voiced strong support for India's stand on counterterrorism and emphasised regional peace and prosperity during a visit by an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation following April 22 Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. Malaysia's deputy minister of national unity, Saraswathy Kandasamy, reaffirmed Kuala Lumpur's zero-tolerance stand on violence. "India is not interested in war, rather the focus is its economic trajectory," she said Monday. "What we heard today was that friendly countries like Malaysia should use its influence to bear upon Pakistan to shun terrorism and work for progress of people." Saraswathy said Malaysia stood ready to condemn violence and advocate peace when required, echoing India's call for partners to help break cycles of poverty and conflict. The delegation led by JDU MP Sanjay Jha met key Malaysian politicians and officials as part of the final leg of its Asia and Southeast Asia outreach. Support also came from governing coalition partner DAP. "India took steps to protect its national interest and we hope that we do not see such cross-border terrorist acts in future," DAP's Kulasegaran Murugeson said. Malaysia's stand marked a shift from 2019, when it appeared to form an alternative Islamic bloc along with Pakistan, and Turkiye. In 2025, Malaysia as ASEAN chair under PM Anwar Ibrahim is embracing a more pragmatic regional role - aligning with India on stability and growth. At a Sunday interaction with Malaysia's Indian diaspora, National Indian Muslim Unity Council chief coordinator Wira Shahul Dawood praised New Delhi's swift crisis management. "The PM ensured safety of all citizens and it is praiseworthy no violence took place in country," he said, thanking Modi and his govt.
The Star
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Budget-conscious beauty
GEORGE TOWN: With the rising cost of living amid global economic uncertainty, many Malaysians are now more thrifty, spending only on special occasions even for their looks. Accounts assistant Candy Loh, 31, indulges in haircare and manicures only when there is something worth celebrating. 'I dyed my hair and got a manicure because my close friend is getting married. I want to look my best for her big day. 'Otherwise, the only other time I treat myself like this was during Chinese New Year. Even then, I searched for salons offering discounts before booking an appointment. 'It's just too expensive these days, and I have financial commitments,' she said when met at a salon in Prangin Mall here. Earning less than RM3,000 a month, Loh said her income could barely cover essential expenses. She has to pay rent, car instalments, utility bills, petrol, food and also give some money to her parents. 'There is hardly anything left after that,' she said. 'The prices of daily necessities, especially food, have gone up. Since I do not have time to cook, I eat out a lot, which adds to my expenses. 'A few years ago, I could save around RM400 to RM500 each month, but now it's nearly impossible. 'I just try to put aside whatever little I can, especially for things like car servicing,' Loh added. With her growing list of financial obligations, Loh said she could no longer afford skincare and wellness products. For the past two years, lawyer M. Saraswathy, 36, has scaled back on facial, manicure and wellness products. She used to go for a facial every three weeks when it was just RM140 to RM160 per treatment. Now, it costs RM240 to RM260 per treatment. 'In this economy, splurging like that just does not feel right,' she said. Saraswathy now limits herself to a facial every three months and saves manicures for special occasions. Even her supplement purchases have changed. 'I used to stock up on popular branded supplements. Now, I look for products with the same ingredients that are on promotion or offer better value,' she added. Although Saraswathy's income has increased over the years, she admits that her savings take a hit whenever she indulges in personal care. 'Previously, I could save up to RM1,500 a month, even with regular facials and self-care. But if I treat myself now, my savings drop below RM1,000. 'These days, the only things I spend freely on are food and good quality groceries,' she said. Optical shop manager Grace Poh, 49, only does her hair and nails at a friend's salon, where she gets a discount. 'Even then, I only go about twice a year. Manicure and pedicure are a Chinese New Year treat for me, as spending over RM100 on nails alone these days just does not make sense. 'That money can go towards paying my bills,' she said. Poh pointed out that items like shampoo and home hair treatment have become pricey. She now waits for discounts before buying them online. However, Poh does not compromise on skincare. 'I cannot imagine spending hundreds on a single facial session. I would rather invest in quality skincare that lasts for months. 'It's more practical and still allows me to care for my skin within budget,' she said. Poh still takes supplements but sticks to basic vitamins for now. She has also adopted a healthier lifestyle to avoid unnecessary health costs, which helps her save a few hundred ringgit each month. Even so, her savings have taken a dive. 'I used to save about RM800 a month. Now, I can only manage RM300 to RM400,' she said, adding that she occasionally treats herself to a new blouse or outfit.
New Straits Times
28-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Balance reputation and expression in defamation law reform, says Bar Council
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Bar has called for reforms to defamation laws that strike a balance between protecting individual reputations and upholding freedom of expression. Its Civil Law and Law Reform Committee co-deputy chairman Saraswathy Shirke Deo said this was especially important in matters involving political criticism and online content. She said the core of any reform to the Defamation Act should focus on strengthening the defences of truth and qualified privilege. Qualified privilege is a legal defence in defamation cases that protects statements made in good faith on matters of public interest, provided there is no malice and the information is shared responsibly. "When we are amending the law, we must make it clear from the start that the crux of the reform must centre on the defences of truth and qualified privilege. "Defamation law is a straightforward concept; the challenge lies in how best to protect the right to reputation without curbing the public's right to information. "Those are the considerations we must focus on, instead of simply restricting discourse," she said at a forum titled Revisiting the Defamation Act, organised by the Malaysian Bar today. Saraswathy also proposed the introduction of provisions that would explicitly protect political criticism, saying this was essential in a functioning democracy. The Defamation Act, in its entirety, should not suppress the right to information, she said. "What we should inculcate instead is the idea of responsible publication," she said, adding that the rise of digital platforms had accelerated the spread of harmful content. She also emphasised the need to encourage ethical journalism and accountable publishing practices. "We must be responsible for what we publish... that is why, through reform, we want to promote responsible writing and responsible journalism," she said.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Mid-term polls in four Chennai wards by month-end
Cleared - mani Chennai: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is set to conduct midterm elections to four wards that have remained without elected representatives for more than two years. The wards — 165 (Adambakkam), 146 (Alapakkam and Maduravoyal), 122 (Alwarpet and Nandanam), and 59 (Island Grounds)— have been vacant following the deaths of their respective councillors. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai Deputy mayor M Mahesh Kumar said the by-elections will be held by the end of the month. "The election process will begin once nominations are filed, and candidates are shortlisted. Campaigns will follow accordingly," he said. The earliest vacancy occurred in Nov 2022, while the most recent was in Ward 59, where Councillor Saraswathy passed away a year ago. As per election regulations, midterm elections must be conducted within six months of a ward falling vacant. However, the delays have left residents without local representation for an extended period. Residents of Maduravoyal, where DMK councillor Shanmugam died in August 2023, said they were struggling to sort out garbage issues and segregation of garbage for almost a year. "Garbage collection has been a menace and improper in Bharathi Nagar. The waste is only collected once every two or three days. It would have been easier for us to raise complaints with the help of a councillor," said R Kavitha, a resident. Residents across the affected wards had anticipated that the elections would be held alongside the recent parliamentary elections. The prolonged absence of elected councillors has also impacted ward-level development activities. "In Ganapathy Colony and the interior lanes of Cenotaph Road, roads damaged during last December's monsoon are yet to be repaired. With a councillor, funds from the ward development scheme could have been used immediately. Now, the Corporation has to follow the tendering process, which takes time," said T Kamesh, a resident of Alwarpet. Ward development funds amounting to approximately Rs 55 lakh per ward have remained unutilised due to the absence of elected representatives. MSID:: 120904310 413 |
