Latest news with #Sijil
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Leave PM to decide issue of ministers' resignation, says Loke
SEREMBAN: All parties are urged not to put pressure on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim following the resignation of two ministers from the cabinet recently. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said Anwar will make a decision based on thorough consideration and at his discretion, in the best interests of the country. "The appointment of ministers is the jurisdiction and prerogative of the prime minister… I am confident that he will act wisely in this matter and will take various factors into account in filling any vacancies. So far, there are no vacancies. "As stated by the PM, he only approved the leave for both ministers. So far, they still hold their positions, (they are) just on leave," he told reporters after attending a Hi-Tea event with 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) top achievers in Negri Sembilan. On Wednesday, Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad resigned from the cabinet, effective June 17 and July 4 respectively, after losing in the 2025 PKR party elections. Rafizi failed to defend his post as PKR deputy president after losing to Nurul Izzah Anwar while Nik Nazmi lost in the race for vice-presidency. The Prime Minister's Office said in a statement that Anwar had received letters from the two ministers requesting leave and tendering their resignations from the cabinet posts. The statement also confirmed that Anwar had approved their leave requests, and that any further decisions would be communicated by the prime minister. Meanwhile, Loke, who is also the Seremban member of parliament, said that DAP would not interfere in the internal affairs of any party, including component parties. "The issue of Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz quitting Umno and applying to join PKR is not our party's business. So, I'm taking the approach that if it does not involve my party, I will not comment. "DAP members also know that and have not made any statements. I do not encourage anyone to make the situation worse if the issue involves component parties… if there is an appointment or vacancy, that is their business," he said. Yesterday, Tengku Zafrul, who is investment, trade and industry minister, announced his resignation from Umno and all the posts he held in the party.
New Straits Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Tahfiz students with 10As to receive full scholarships at UniKL, UPTM
AYER KEROH: Tahfiz students who score 10As and above in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) will be offered full scholarships if they pursue further studies at Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and Universiti Poly-Tech Mara (UPTM). Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he would propose the idea to Mara management in discussions with its chairman, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, soon. "This 100 percent scholarship has already been implemented by the Mara Education Institute (IPMA) for outstanding students, and for UniKL and UPTM students, we will prioritise tahfiz students this year," he said. "Besides becoming huffaz or Quran memorisers, they will also become professionals after graduation," he said after officiating the Huffaz Graduation and Ulul Albab Excellence Appreciation Ceremony 2025 for Sekolah Menengah Imtiaz Ulul Albab Melaka at Mudzaffar Hotel. Also present were the school's board chairman and member of the Melaka Islamic Religious Council (MAIM), Prof Datuk Dr Mizan Hitam, and Melaka Mufti Datuk Abdul Halim Tawil. A total of 82 students who completed memorising all 30 juz of the Quran last year, along with 46 high-performing SPM students, received certificates of appreciation at the event. Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Day 2025, to be held at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) from June 11 to 13, will feature new elements. He said these will include electric vehicles (EV), information technology (IT) and e-sports. "We will offer wide-ranging opportunities to potential participants or students at the TVET celebration to view exhibitions and explore the opportunities they can gain by enrolling in TVET institutions across the country," he said. "At the same time, they will also be able to see for themselves the job prospects and salary scales they can expect after graduating from these TVET institutions," he said.
The Star
09-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Poignant speech highlight at birthday do
A SON'S tribute to his late mother added an emotional touch to a celebration marking the 70th birthday of Universiti Malaya alumnus Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy – an event hosted by the university's Chinese Studies Department in recognition of his lifelong contributions to Chinese education and literary scholarship. During the dinner, held in Kuala Lumpur on May 4, Chan paid heartfelt tribute to his late mother who worked tirelessly in the canteen of SJK (C) Khai Mun Pagi to support their family of 12. He shared that he had always celebrated his birthday alongside his mother. 'After her passing, I rarely celebrated my birthday. I am deeply grateful to my mother, who gave me the gift of life, even at the risk of her own. 'When I was told the Chinese Studies Department wished to organise a celebration for me, it took me a long time to say yes,' he added. An orchestral performance at the dinner. Chan's birthday falls on May 17. The former Transport minister explained that he ultimately agreed because he regarded the schools he attended as having played a vital role in shaping his life. 'In many ways, these institutions are like a second mother to me. They taught me valuable life lessons that helped me persevere. 'Now it's time for me to give back, and serving my alma mater is a meaningful way to do so,' he said. Nearly 200 guests, including distinguished figures from the fields of education, culture and business, attended the celebration. The evening featured lively music and dance performances, as well as a special poetry recital paying tribute to Chan's contributions to education. As a highlight, Professor Cheng Haw Chien from Renmin University in Beijing, China, presented Chan with a painting symbolising longevity. Chan began his academic journey at Tunku Abdul Rahman College in 1974, pursuing his Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM). He graduated with first-class honours in Chinese Studies from Universiti Malaya in 1979 and obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the same university the following year. Over the decades, he has held numerous public and academic roles. Dr Ang Tian Se, a retired professor and mentor to Chan from the Universiti Malaya's Chinese Studies Department, conveying good wishes to Chan. Chan was MCA vice-president in 1999. He also served as deputy minister of Energy, Communications and Multimedia, deputy minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism, and deputy Finance minister. After retiring from active politics, Chan followed his passion for business and academia. He is currently serving as an adjunct professor at Universiti Malaya. He now serves as chairman of the board of SJK (C) Khai Mun Pagi and was recently appointed chairman of the board of governors at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), succeeding Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai. Chan shared that his lifelong passion was the study of Dream of the Red Chamber, and his greatest hope is to help Universiti Malaya become a prominent centre for Redology research beyond China. In 2007, he lent his support to a decade-long effort to translate the Chinese literary classic into Malay. Violinist Matthew Yap playing a song for the 'birthday boy'. The project, led by the late Dr Seng Yan Chuan, Dr Khor Boon Eng and Dr Chia Jee Luen of Universiti Malaya, was completed in 2017, making the novel more accessible to Malay-speaking audiences across the region. 'Chan's encouragement and guidance were pivotal,' said Dr Chia, a senior lecturer at the university's Hong Lou Meng Research Centre, which was also established with Chan's support. 'The translation has enabled many, including Malay scholars, to appreciate this literary masterpiece – on par with Shakespeare in world literature,' Dr Chia added. Chan has also donated rare editions of Dream of the Red Chamber, Redology publications, and classical Chinese texts to the Universiti Malaya Library and the university's research centre. As honorary president of Pejati – the Chinese Studies alumni association – he has played a key role in strengthening academic and alumni ties. 'Thanks to strong alumni like Chan, the department has become a model for others. 'Pejati's support ensures we continue to thrive,' said Dr Chia. Today, the department's Master of Chinese Studies (coursework) programme attracts hundreds of applicants annually, with a balanced mix of local and international students.
Borneo Post
09-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
SMK Sacred Heart's SPM 2024 top-scorers receive incentives totalling RM38,500 from Bukit Assek rep
Chieng (front, eighth left) and SMK Sacred Heart principal David Teo, on his right, join others in a group photo with the school's SPM 2024 top-scorers. — Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (May 9): Ninety-two Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2024 top-scorers from SMK Sacred Heart received incentives totalling RM38,500 from Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng today. It was informed that the recipients were those who achieved 5As and above in the public examination. 'This marks a significant increase compared to SPM 2023's results, when 77 students achieved this standard with a total incentive of RM30,400. 'This is a proud moment for the school, and a clear sign of continuous improvement – an increase of 15 students, and RM8,100″ said Chieng in his remarks for the SPM 2024 Incentive Presentation Ceremony at SMK Sacred Heart today. The assemblyman said in 2022, he introduced this incentive programme in four secondary schools in his state constituency, including SMK Sacred Heart, with the simple yet meaningful purpose of encouraging academic excellence and rewarding students who strove for success. 'But beyond just the financial support, I hope this initiative serves as a symbol of encouragement, a reminder that every effort matters, and every step you take toward your dreams is worth celebrating.' In this regard, Chieng encouraged the students to continue aiming higher, including pushing their boundaries and believing in their potential. Moreover, he extended his congratulations to SMK Sacred Heart for reaching a remarkable achievement this time, ranking among the top secondary schools in Sarawak for SPM 2024 results. incentives joseph chieng Sibu SMK Sacred Heart SPM
New Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Govt allocates RM99mil for army housing project in Tawau
TAWAU: The government has allocated RM99 million for the construction of multi-class housing units at Kabota Camp here to enhance the comfort and well-being of its personnel, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said the appointed contractor and the Public Works Department (PWD) have given assurance that the project can be completed by September next year. "The ministry will closely monitor this project to ensure it is completed as promised by the contractor and PWD. "This housing is crucial because we want our personnel to have proper and suitable accommodation for themselves and their families," he told reporters after visiting the stingless bee honey project site and the construction site for additional Armed Forces Family Housing (RKAT) units at Kabota Camp today. Also present was Army chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan. Khaled warned that contractors who fail to deliver development projects would face immediate termination, citing the recent dismissal of the Kukusan Camp housing project contractor. Speaking at a separate event with Kabota Camp personnel, he acknowledged that existing military housing nationwide requires extensive maintenance. "We are grateful that maintenance allocations have increased since the Madani government took over. "Previously, it was under RM100 million, but starting 2023, the armed forces have been allocated RM400 million specifically for maintenance. "This year, Kabota Camp alone received RM1 million for housing maintenance. The welfare of personnel remains a top priority," he added. He also said the ministry is currently implementing a programme to help retiring military personnel secure quality employment. "We are working with several universities and the Department of Skills Development to offer qualifications to serving personnel. For example, those with Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia qualifications working in food services can now obtain diplomas through work experience. "There is no cost involved because, for the first time, the government has allocated RM3 million to fund this programme. "We will begin advertising the programme soon, which will offer around 10 to 15 job categories eligible for diplomas or skills certificates," he said. Khaled added that personnel who retire at 41 or 42 years of age cannot rely solely on pensions, and the government is committed to ensuring they secure well-paying jobs to support their families. "All these efforts reflect our appreciation for the service and sacrifices of our uniformed heroes," he said.
