Latest news with #StateConstitution
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
United States Supreme Court decides St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School case in split 4-4 vote
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The United States Supreme Court has reached a decision in the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board (SCSB) versus Drummond case. The case would've made St. Isidore the first taxpayer-funded religious charter school in the nation. The ruling was a 4-4 split decision by eight Supreme Court justices, as Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself due to close ties in the case. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Heated exchange as SCOTUS hears arguments on nations first religious charter school 'I think it's remarkable. It's a great win for Oklahoma,' said Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond. 'We were disappointed,' said Brian Shellem, Chairman of the SCSB. The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled the virtual Catholic charter school unconstitutional. A split vote means the Oklahoma Supreme Court's ruling will remain in place. An Oklahoma parent and plaintiff in the case against St. Isidore said, 'It's really important to me that the government not interfere in my pursuit of faith or in instilling those values in my children.' 'We had to stand up as parents and for our kids and our schools and just say, this is not American, this is not the way we understand democracy,' added Brewer. Others reacted to the decision, including State Superintendent Ryan Walters. He issued a statement about the ruling, expressing disappointment. 'Allowing the exclusion of religious schools from our charter school program in the name of19th century religious bigotry is wrong,' said Superintendent Walters. 'As state superintendent, Iwill always stand with parents and families in opposition to religious discrimination and fightuntil all children in Oklahoma are free to choose the school that serves them best, religious orotherwise.' 'We are disappointed, but the result of this 4-4 decision with no opinion is that the fight againstreligious bigotry will continue in Oklahoma and across the country,' said Hiram Sasser,Executive General Counsel for First Liberty. 'We will not stop until we can bring an end toreligious discrimination in education.' State Superintendent Ryan Walters In a press conference Thursday afternoon, Supt. Walters also said, 'We're looking at a potential amendment to the State Constitution to help clarify this issue. And we're also looking through funding mechanisms for religious charter schools in the future of Oklahoma.' Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt also shared his remarks in a statement Thursday morning. 'This 4-4 tie is a non-decision. Now we're in overtime. There will be another case just like this one and Justice Barrett will break the tie. This is far from a settled issue. We are going to keep fighting for parents' rights to instill their values in their children and against religious discrimination.' Governor Kevin Stitt Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pro-merger activists meet Kolhapur MP over KMC expansion
1 2 Kolhapur: The pro-merger action committee approached Kolhapur MP Shahu Chhatrapati on Monday to discuss the integration of the fringe villages into Kolhapur Municipal Corporation boundaries. The committee members emphasised that the merger request is based on scientific considerations rather than political motives, given Kolhapur city's current growth limitations. During the meeting, the committee members urged the MP to arrange for a comprehensive discussion with Maharashtra's chief minister, deputy chief minister, urban development minister, secretary, and principal secretary. The MP assured them that he would consult with rural MLAs and coordinate a detailed meeting soon. The committee members expressed frustration over guardian minister Prakash Abitkar's unavailability to discuss the merger issue. They announced plans to organise a 'gherao' to press for their demands for incorporating the fringe villages into city limits. KMC recently submitted a proposal to state govt requesting the incorporation of 18 villages and two MIDCs into Kolhapur's municipal boundaries. Pro-merger committee activist Advocate Baba Indulkar said, "Kolhapur city has no available space as per World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. Therefore, KMC cannot provide basic amenities to the citizens. This is a violation of Article 21 of the State Constitution. As Kolhapur Lok Sabha constituency includes Kolhapur city, the citizens are lacking their fundamental rights." Former mayor R K Powar said, "The expansion of Kolhapur city has been stalled since 1946. The population of Kolhapur city was approximately 36,000 in the year 1946, with an area of 66.82 sqkm. The area remains the same in the year 2025, but the population has increased to a total of approximately 10.5 lakhs." The committee highlighted various challenges, including pollution, traffic congestion, flooding issues, a growing flood-affected population, limited development space, overburdened roads, and increased waste management problems due to daily visitors. These factors have created additional financial pressure on the Municipal Corporation, hindering Kolhapur's development.
New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Perlis State Assembly Complex renamed Kompleks Seri Putra to honour former ruler
KANGAR: The Perlis State Legislative Assembly Complex has been renamed Kompleks Seri Putra in a ceremony here today. The renaming of the complex in Persiaran Wawasan was proclaimed by Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail during a People's Tea Ceremony here held in conjunction with his 82nd birthday celebration. Delivering the royal address on behalf of his father, Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail said the complex was renamed in honour of his grandfather, Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail, a tribute to his service and legacy in the state. "Tuanku Syed Putra was the first raja of Perlis after the enactment of the State Constitution on Feb 1, 1948. "During his reign, the Perlis state assembly was established following the Legislative Council Election on Sept 24, 1955, which provided for nine seats. "His contributions deserve lasting recognition." Gracing the event were Raja Perempuan Perlis Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid, Raja Puan Muda Perlis Tuanku Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil and Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli. Tuanku Syed Faizuddin said since his father officiated the complex on May 25, 2010, it has hosted 50 state assembly sittings. "This building must continue to serve as a dignified venue for discourse, deliberation and the enactment of fair laws that safeguard the welfare of the people. "Seek common ground in governing and advancing this state so that it stands on a par with others. Let this platform be a space to serve the people." Tuanku Syed Faizuddin expressed appreciation to the menteri besar and the state administration for organising the event.
Barnama
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
New Penang Governor Vows To Stay Close To The People, Uphold Their Aspirations
GEORGE TOWN, May 16 (Bernama) -- The newly appointed Governor of Penang, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, has pledged to engage directly with the people of the state in order to better understand their aspirations and concerns, ensuring that policies reflect real-life challenges and public aspirations. Speaking at the official opening of the First Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Penang State Legislative Assembly today, Ramli emphasised that only through sincere and open dialogue can leaders develop policies that truly benefit the people. 'Only by listening honestly and openly can we ensure that every step taken genuinely brings benefit to all citizens of Penang. 'Therefore, I also call upon you, honourable assemblymen, to remain in touch with the people's needs, place the interests of the state and its citizens above all political considerations, and safeguard the unity and progress of Penang against any threats that could undermine its collective well-being,' he said. Ramli took his oath of office on May 1 after receiving his instrument of appointment from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on April 24 in a ceremony at Istana Negara. He is the ninth Governor of Penang, succeeding Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, who served from May 1, 2021. Notably, Ramli is the fourth individual to hold the post who is not originally from Penang. Expressing his gratitude to Sultan Ibrahim, Ramli said the appointment was not merely an honour but a solemn pledge to serve the state and its people with unwavering dedication. 'Insya-Allah, I will carry out this responsibility with full commitment, guided by a spirit of patriotism and loyalty to the Federal Constitution and the State Constitution, in order to fulfil the hopes of the people and advance this beloved state,' the Governor said. He also extended his heartfelt appreciation to his predecessor, Ahmad Fuzi, for his distinguished leadership and contributions to Penang, stating that his service would be long remembered and deeply valued by the people of the state.
The Star
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘Ramli will lead Penang effectively'
(From left) Chow, Mohd Zarif and Penang infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari at the MRT Corp Aidilfitri open house in Komtar, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star PENANG is confident that new Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib will lead the state effectively, given his experience in Perak. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Ramli was an experienced leader and administrator who had served the country for many decades. 'We believe he will be able to contribute to the state's continued development,' he said. Born on March 16, 1941, in Pasir Salak, Perak, Ramli demonstrated his leadership credentials as the eighth Perak mentri besar, a position he held for 17 years from 1982 to 1999, making him the longest-serving chief executive of the state. His political journey began in 1978 when he was elected Kampung Gajah assemblyman and then appointed a state executive councillor. After his tenure in the state administration, Ramli went on to the federal level when he was elected as Pasir Salak MP in 2004, Bernama reported. In his first term in Parliament, he was entrusted to chair the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), a key parliamentary oversight body, before being appointed Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, a post he held until 2008. Ramli's leadership within Umno was equally significant, having chaired the Perak Umno liaison committee for 16 years (1984 to 2000) and being member of the party supreme council from 1980 to 2006. Chow said with the appointment officially completed in accordance with Article One of the State Constitution, the state secretary's office (SUK) will now handle several matters, including the swearing-in ceremony which will take place on May 1 at Dewan Sri Pinang. 'Invitations will be issued by the SUK office, and other events will be announced in due course to welcome the new head of state,' he said. On April 24, the former Dewan Rakyat Speaker was appointed the ninth Yang di-Pertua Negri of Penang, effective May 1. He received the instrument of appointment from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, during a presentation ceremony at Istana Negara. At the ceremony, Ramli, 84, was also conferred the Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara (SMN) award which carries the title Tun. Ramli's appointment was made in accordance with Article 1 of the Penang Constitution for a term of four years, until April 30, 2029. The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chow. An appreciation ceremony was held on April 28 at The Light to honour Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak for his service as the Yang di-Pertua Negri for one term. Earlier, Chow attended the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Corp Sdn Bhd's Hari Raya open house at The Top in Komtar. MRT Corp Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim hosted over 400 guests at the event where they were treated to ketupat, rendang, nasi tomato, satay, cendol and others. 'Those who attended were stakeholders, VIP guests, private and public sectors and the contractors,' he said.
