Latest news with #TVAl-Hijrah
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Opposition urged to use 'PM's Question Time' for checks and balances
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin has called on the opposition to make full use of the Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat every Tuesday if they are genuinely committed to the principle of checks and balances. "Personally, I believe the space allocated in Parliament every Tuesday should be fully utilised. That is the platform where the opposition, if they truly want to uphold checks and balances, should be directing their questions straight to the Prime Minister," he said during the Analisis Madani programme on TV Al-Hijrah. Shamsul Iskandar also called on the opposition to break free from the politics of identity. The PKR leader said the opposition should raise better issues in the "Turun Anwar" rally planned for this Saturday instead of identity-based matters. "We are also trying to overcome the politics of identity, where we see the opposition are more comfortable harping on narrow issues such as race, religion, and other identity-based matters. "That's why, for example, there's going to be a rally on July 26, just days away, purely over the alleged reason that Anwar should be removed from office. "The reason? Supposedly because he doesn't defend the Malays, and so on. To me, we must break free from this narrow perception of identity politics. "As for the rally, this is the first time I've ever heard of a Prime Minister giving instructions to the police to facilitate such a gathering," he said. He called on the opposition to raise broader issues and highlight actual weaknesses in policy that the Prime Minister needs to improve on. "To me, some of the arguments made are extremely shallow. Because if we look at the record, both in terms of economic performance and the Prime Minister's diligence, it far surpasses that of past ministers. "If we compare, he's 10 times more committed. So I ask, what exactly are the real arguments here? "If there's a better candidate, name them. I too would like to know who the opposition thinks is better," he said. Earlier today, Anwar's senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said in a daily briefing that the Prime Minister has asked the police to offer appropriate cooperation and facilitation for the rally. He added that Anwar has also directed the police to cooperate with organisers and ensure public safety without resorting to any form of intimidation or unnecessary restriction. Meanwhile, responding to criticisms of the "extraordinary tribute" announced by Anwar yesterday, which includes a one-off RM100 assistance for adults aged 18 and above, he said the government was leveraging the mid-term review as an opportunity to build momentum by unveiling allocations and initiatives aimed at benefiting the people after two and a half years in power.
Malaysian Reserve
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
Xi's visit to Malaysia bridges cultures through TV
by FARAH SOLHI CHINESE President Xi Jinping's visit to the country from April 15-17 not only strengthened economic ties between the two nations but marked a significant cultural milestone. The visit featured a unique initiative that brought Chinese TV content to Malaysian audiences, offering a window into China's culture, values and development. During the visit, Malaysians were given opportunities to learn more about Chinese traditions, government policies and modern advancements — all from the comfort of their homes. A curated lineup of shows — including The Heritage Guardian, Aerial China: Xinjiang Edition, Up and Out of Poverty, China Traditional Medicine Conference, China: Race to the Future, and Gen Z Talks — was broadcast on Bernama TV, TV Al-Hijrah, Coolita and 8TV. This collaboration between China Media Group and several local media outlets aimed to foster cross-cultural understanding and enrich Malaysia's media landscape. The initiative was designed to provide a comprehensive and authentic portrayal of modern China — as a trustworthy, endearing and respectable nation — while also offering insight into its poverty alleviation efforts and cultural richness. China Media Group president and CPC Central Committee Publicity Department Vice Minister Shen Haixiong described the initiative as an important step in enhancing cultural exchange and deepening the friendship between China and Malaysia. What Were the Shows About? The TV content ranged from documentaries to talk shows. The Heritage Guardian, for instance, highlights Xi's commitment to preserving and promoting traditional Chinese culture throughout his political career. Aerial China: Xinjiang Edition is a visually stunning documentary offering a bird's-eye view of Xinjiang's vast and diverse landscapes, rich ethnic heritage and historical sites. The programme allowed viewers to experience the region's beauty, resilience and ongoing development from a cinematic perspective. Gen Z Talks, a youth-focused talk show, amplifies the voices of China's younger generation through multimedia storytelling and open dialogue. It showcased how Chinese Gen Zs balance tradition and modernity while confronting contemporary challenges and exploring innovative solutions for the future. What Did Viewers Think of the Initiative? The Malaysian Reserve (TMR) spoke to two Malaysians who tuned into the shows. Darren Tan shared that watching The Heritage Guardian gave him a deeper appreciation for the Chinese government's cultural preservation efforts. 'It reminded me of Malaysia's own efforts to protect our heritage, like the Baba Nyonya houses and the ancient city of Melaka,' he said. 'The show was fascinating—it portrayed how ancient civilizations can be revitalized in today's world and taught me a lot about Chinese history and tradition. This initiative really satisfied my curiosity about China.' Another viewer, who wished to be known as Nicholas, praised Gen Z Talks for showing how young Chinese embrace tradition while remaining in step with modernity and technology. 'It was inspiring to see how optimistic and forward-thinking Chinese Gen Zs are,' he said. 'One episode featured a young entrepreneur using biopolymers like PHA to replace plastic. It got me thinking—what if we used something like palm shells to develop sustainable materials in Malaysia?' He added that the shows were largely relevant and encouraged viewers to make positive changes, even in small ways. Regional Tour Xi's visit, at the invitation of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, marked his second official trip to Malaysia in 12 years. His previous visit in 2013 led to the upgrading of diplomatic ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This year's visit was part of a regional tour that also included Vietnam and Cambodia. China and Malaysia established diplomatic relations on May 31, 1974. China has remained Malaysia's largest trading partner since 2009, with total trade reaching RM484.12 billion in 2023. Xi's visit also witnessed the signing of 31 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) across various sectors, underscoring the depth and breadth of bilateral cooperation.
