Latest news with #SijilPelajaranMalaysia
The Star
8 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Let PM decide on issue of Cabinet minister resignations, says Loke
SEREMBAN: All parties are urged not to put pressure on Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim following the resignation of two ministers from the Cabinet recently, says Anthony Loke (pic) . The Transport Minister said the Prime Minister would make a decision based on thorough consideration and at his discretion, in the best interest 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 here on Saturday (May 31). On Wednesday (May 28), Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability 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 MP, 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 also 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. On Friday (May 30), Tengku Zafrul, who is Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, announced his resignation as a Umno supreme council member, Kota Raja division chief and party member.- Bernama
Barnama
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Let PM Decide On Issue Of Ministers' Resignation
SEREMBAN, May 31 (Bernama) -- 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, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke. He said the Prime Minister will make a decision based on thorough consideration and at his discretion, in the best interest 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. bootstrap slideshow '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 Negeri Sembilan here today On Wednesday (May 28), Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad were reported to have 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. bootstrap slideshow 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 Star
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
More than 100,000 social media posts removed by MCMC, majority linked to gambling, scams, says Teo
KULAI: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has taken down more than 100,000 social media posts that have been deemed harmful, says Teo Nie Ching. The Deputy Communications Minister said a total of 107,687 pieces of content have been removed by platform providers on the request of MCMC as of April 14 this year. 'From the amount, 57,669 were related to gambling while 30,427 were linked to scams. 'I take this opportunity to remind social media users not to fall for content that promotes 'too good to be true' or 'get rich quick' schemes,' she said after presenting incentives to Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia high achievers here on Saturday (May 31). Separately, Teo also urged concert organisers to apply for a new initiative by her ministry called the Concert and Event in Malaysia (CEMI), which has an annual allocation of RM10mil. She said concerts with international artists could enjoy a 30% rebate on its actual Qualifying Malaysian Concert and Event Spend (QMCES) expenditure or a maximum of RM1.5mil. 'To qualify for this, the organiser must meet conditions such as having a minimum capacity of 15,000 attendees and hire 30% Malaysian manpower for the event. 'For events with local artists, organisers could enjoy 30% rebate of its actual QMCES or RM1mil if they meet the conditions for the incentive,' she said, adding that the conditions and application could be done online. Teo added that CEMI, managed by MyCreative Ventures with the support of the ministry, was to support the organisation of large-scale concerts and events in Malaysia. She said the incentive is open for application starting May 15 until July 10 for events taking place this year or next year.
The Star
19 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Why is A- no longer an A?
Call for consistency: Dr Wee says the ministry should avoid making arbitrary decisions and changing the goalpost. KUALA LUMPUR: Many students with straight As in their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) are questioning the fairness of the Education Ministry's matriculation entry requirements. Some 190 of these students have turned to MCA for assistance after the ministry's sudden change in the entry qualifications – where those who scored A- in SPM are not considered to have attained an A, and only A+ and A are accepted, said MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. He questioned the 'ad-hoc change' in government policy. In a Facebook video yesterday, Dr Wee noted that the Education Ministry had released a circular on April 30, which was confirmed by Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh on Facebook, that only students with 10As comprising A+ and A in all subjects will be given an automatic offer to enrol into the matriculation programme for the 2025/2026 session. Dr Wee pointed out that this was a significant shift from the government's policy last year when students with 10As in SPM were allocated a place in matriculation, as announced by the Prime Minister. In June last year, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said all SPM students, regardless of background, who scored 10As and above, will get a place in the matriculation programme. Yesterday, Dr Wee said it was odd that now, the matriculation division of the ministry said only 10A+ and A will be automatically given places. 'Last year 5A+, 2A and 3A- is considered 10A. This year, 5A+, 2A and 3A- is considered 7A. What is this?' he asked. With these changes, he said, the ministry has let down many, including outstanding Malay, Chinese, Indian and Orang Asli students from Sabah and Sarawak. 'Now A- is not considered an A anymore. Why move the goalpost? 'Under the Education Ministry standards, A+ is defined as exceptional, A as par excellence and A- as excellent. So, is an excellent grade (A-) no longer excellent?' he asked. Dr Wee said it was common sense to regard all As as excellent, adding that this was something which is practised worldwide. He asked about next year's policy, specifically regarding the Public Service Department's scholarships. 'Avoid making arbitrary decisions and changing the goalpost when people rely on a policy that was promised,' he said. Dr Wee also pointed out that there were no countries that discriminated A- from A+ or A, with varying conditions imposed on the three grades. 'This is common sense and long adopted and accepted globally,' he said. He further said that the Education Minister and her deputy needed to explain where A- sat in the categories now. 'If A- is not in the Grade A category, what then? B? C?' Dr Wee questioned. Earlier yesterday, the party's think tank Insap released a position paper on the matter, saying that the ministry's step undermined Anwar's promise last year that students who score 10As and above in their SPM would be guaranteed entry into the matriculation programme, regardless of racial background. 'This controversy is not a mere technicality. It adversely affects the future of students and their families, erodes trust in the public education system and raises serious questions about policy integrity and administrative transparency,' the paper said. MCA is launching an online complaint channel for affected students and their families. 'Legal aid will be provided to explore judicial review of the retroactive policy change. Town hall sessions and dialogue platforms will be held nationwide,' it added.
The Star
20 hours ago
- The Star
Students, parents share plans for school holidays in Penang
Zi Yi (left) and Aisswarya from SMK Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah in Jawi, waving goodbye to each other on the last day before they start the school term break. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star WITH the school holidays here, there is no better way to embrace island life than by indulging in some retail therapy and soaking up the sun in Penang. For Form Five student G. Aisswarya, her idea of holiday fun is visiting malls and spending a day at the beach. 'We'll have a picnic as a fun family activity, dine out and catch a movie together,' said Aisswarya, who will be sitting for her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) this year. She lives on the mainland with her grandparents, while her parents work on the island. During the school holidays, she and her two younger siblings will reunite with their parents. Her two older siblings are currently pursuing higher education away from home. Though excited about the term break, Aisswarya is also sentimental about her final year in school. 'I want to savour every second of school life. I actually look forward to returning to school,' she said when met at SMK Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah in Jawi, South Seberang Perai. School holidays nationwide are from May 29 to June 9. Form Four student Koe Zi Yi, 16, who also lives on the mainland, has her sight set on shopping trips on the island. 'I want to get some new clothes as we don't usually have time to travel to the island when school is in session,' she said. 'My parents have also promised to take me swimming,' Zi Yi added. Technician Mohd Faizal Mohd Zuki aims to make the school break both educational and enjoyable for his four children. With his eldest being 17 and youngest at just three, he has to make plans that suit everyone. 'I always try to include visits to the museum or zoo. It's important to keep their minds stimulated even during the holidays.' Mohd Faizal also plans to stay at a place with a swimming pool. 'Kids love being in the water, so I'll look for a hotel or resort with a pool. 'I want them to stay active. Otherwise, they'll just end up sitting in front of the TV all day,' he added.
