Latest news with #Voon
Borneo Post
23-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
'Appreciation for the People' initiative more populist than practical, says S'wak activist
Voon noted that while RM100 may seem minor to individuals, the overall payout amounts to hundreds of millions of ringgit from public funds – resources largely underwritten by the business community. KUCHING (July 23): Social activist Voon Shiak Ni has criticised the federal government's recently announced 'Appreciation to the People' initiative, calling it a populist move that raises more concerns than confidence among small business owners and taxpayers. She said the RM100 one-off cash handout for all adult Malaysians, along with the declaration of a public holiday on Sept 16, may have been welcomed by some, but lacked strategic value and long-term economic rationale. 'From the perspective of business operators and taxpayers, it is not just about the cost – it is about the principle. 'It reportedly took several days for the government to reach this decision following public anticipation of a salary adjustment for civil servants. 'What emerged instead was a populist substitute ― quick to please, but lacking in meaningful substance,' she said in a statement today Voon noted that while RM100 may seem minor to individuals, the overall payout amounts to hundreds of millions of ringgit from public funds – resources largely underwritten by the business community. 'To many of us, it appears more like a political gesture to boost popularity than a targeted policy aimed at addressing real economic needs,' she said. She also questioned the abrupt announcement of the public holiday, citing the hidden costs borne by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly those operating on tight schedules or dependent on daily wage earners. 'For these businesses, the impact is real – lost productivity, disrupted workflows, and increased overtime costs. These are not theoretical burdens; they are everyday realities,' she said. While voicing support for people-centred policies, Voon urged the federal government to pursue initiatives that are inclusive, sustainable and grounded in long-term planning rather than short-term populism. As an example, she pointed to the Sarawak government's Senior Citizens Health Benefits programme, which she described as a more inclusive and dignified model. 'This initiative benefits all Sarawakians aged 60 and above, regardless of race or background. It reflects a model of universal dignity without side-lining any group. 'We hope Putrajaya can learn from such models and shift its focus toward sustainable reform instead of fleeting applause,' she said. Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the RM100 cash aid – to be distributed via MyKad — is part of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme in conjunction with Merdeka Day. The RM2 billion initiative is expected to benefit 22 million Malaysians and can be used at over 4,100 participating retail outlets from Aug 31 to Dec 31. With this latest rollout, total spending for the Sara and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) programmes this year will reach RM15 billion, up from RM13 billion in 2024. Appreciation to the People Voon Shiak Ni
Borneo Post
23-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
'Appreciation to the People' initiative more populist than practical, says S'wak activist
Voon noted that while RM100 may seem minor to individuals, the overall payout amounts to hundreds of millions of ringgit from public funds – resources largely underwritten by the business community. KUCHING (July 23): Social activist Voon Shiak Ni has criticised the federal government's recently announced 'Appreciation to the People' initiative, calling it a populist move that raises more concerns than confidence among small business owners and taxpayers. She said the RM100 one-off cash handout for all adult Malaysians, along with the declaration of a public holiday on Sept 16, may have been welcomed by some, but lacked strategic value and long-term economic rationale. 'From the perspective of business operators and taxpayers, it is not just about the cost – it is about the principle. 'It reportedly took several days for the government to reach this decision following public anticipation of a salary adjustment for civil servants. 'What emerged instead was a populist substitute ― quick to please, but lacking in meaningful substance,' she said in a statement today Voon noted that while RM100 may seem minor to individuals, the overall payout amounts to hundreds of millions of ringgit from public funds – resources largely underwritten by the business community. 'To many of us, it appears more like a political gesture to boost popularity than a targeted policy aimed at addressing real economic needs,' she said. She also questioned the abrupt announcement of the public holiday, citing the hidden costs borne by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly those operating on tight schedules or dependent on daily wage earners. 'For these businesses, the impact is real – lost productivity, disrupted workflows, and increased overtime costs. These are not theoretical burdens; they are everyday realities,' she said. While voicing support for people-centred policies, Voon urged the federal government to pursue initiatives that are inclusive, sustainable and grounded in long-term planning rather than short-term populism. As an example, she pointed to the Sarawak government's Senior Citizens Health Benefits programme, which she described as a more inclusive and dignified model. 'This initiative benefits all Sarawakians aged 60 and above, regardless of race or background. It reflects a model of universal dignity without side-lining any group. 'We hope Putrajaya can learn from such models and shift its focus toward sustainable reform instead of fleeting applause,' she said. Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the RM100 cash aid – to be distributed via MyKad — is part of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme in conjunction with Merdeka Day. The RM2 billion initiative is expected to benefit 22 million Malaysians and can be used at over 4,100 participating retail outlets from Aug 31 to Dec 31. With this latest rollout, total spending for the Sara and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) programmes this year will reach RM15 billion, up from RM13 billion in 2024. Appreciation to the People Voon Shiak Ni
Borneo Post
17-07-2025
- Borneo Post
Sharing child sexual abuse material online a heinous crime, says activist
While technology has brought countless benefits, it has also become a breeding ground for exploitation. — AI Image KUALA LUMPUR (July 18): In today's hyperconnected world, where a single click can spread content across continents in seconds, a dark reality lurks behind the screens: the rampant and often overlooked crime of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). While society debates technology regulation and social media responsibility, the real victims are the children who remain shrouded in silence and pain. 'The act of sharing and resharing CSAM is a heinous crime. The trauma and abuse felt by child victims can last a lifetime,' says Sarawak-based social activist Voon Shiak Ni. CSAM is not merely digital content; it is evidence of real abuse. Each time such material circulates, the children involved are re-victimized, far beyond the original act. Through the Kempen Internet Selamat (KIS), there is a growing push to educate the public about the true nature of CSAM, not just to be seen as illegal content, but as ongoing harm to real children. KIS urges the public to understand that every click, share, or view retraumatises victims and deepens their suffering. True internet safety must centre the needs of survivors, and that begins with breaking the silence and building a culture of empathy, responsibility, and protection. 'The victims continue to be traumatised and re-traumatised when their abuse materials are reshared all over social media. Being helpless and having no control over this aggravates their fear and shame,' Voon stresses. Voon Shiak Ni Despite this horrifying reality, discussions often centre more on technology and platform accountability than on the children caught in this cycle of abuse. Survivors of child sexual abuse often battle lifelong psychological consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Many struggle with trust, relationships, and employment. According to the global Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente, survivors are at higher risk of substance abuse and self-harm later in life. 'We all know that crimes like this inflict lifelong psychological scars,' Voon laments, 'Yet, the suffering of victims is often not given enough attention. Most retreat into silence, but their quietness does not mean they are alright.' This raises a crucial question: How many of these children get the help they need? Is there even a national registry of CSAM survivors in Malaysia? The answer remains unclear. While technology has brought countless benefits, it has also become a breeding ground for exploitation. Encrypted messaging platforms, dark web forums, and even mainstream social media are misused for distributing CSAM. Although the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) works with international agencies to detect and remove such content, technological advances often outpace enforcement efforts. 'Cases of child pornography distribution are expected to worsen as technology facilitates these crimes,' Voon warns. She emphasizes that those who view or share CSAM are complicit in harming the children behind the screens. 'There must be strong reminders that resharing or viewing this content is a serious crime.' Preventing this crime and supporting victims is not just the job of authorities. The responsibility lies with all of us, specifically parents, teachers, and communities alike. Parents, as the first line of defense, must actively guide their children's digital activities. Open conversations about personal boundaries, body autonomy, and online safety are critical. Children need to learn to recognise inappropriate behavior and feel safe speaking up. Incorporating digital safety into daily routines including from age-appropriate restrictions to regular check-ins can be life-changing. Parents also need to stay informed about online grooming and the platforms their children use. Teachers, who spend significant time with children, play a vital role in detecting early warning signs of abuse. Sudden behavioral changes like withdrawal, aggression, or poor academic performance may signal deeper issues. With proper training, educators can identify red flags and act as crucial protectors within the school system. Communities, too, have an essential part to play. Neighbours, friends, and even casual observers can intervene when something feels off. Signs such as a child appearing overly anxious around certain adults or displaying inappropriate sexual behavior should never be ignored. Voon underscores the need for trauma support systems to be accessible and safe for all victims and their families. Strengthening community-based child protection programs, neighborhood watch groups, and local support centers is vital to ensure vulnerable children do not slip through the cracks. Although Malaysia has laws under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, the Penal Code, and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, enforcement and public awareness remain major challenges. While there have been stronger collaborations with international agencies like Interpol, gaps in victim support and legal processes persist. 'Is the present law in Malaysia enough to combat child pornography?' Voon asks pointedly. 'I call on the government to increase efforts to support victims, help them overcome trauma, and most importantly, give them a chance to live again.' Stronger legislation, dedicated task forces, and better victim protection mechanisms are critical. Furthermore, national data tracking systems must be improved to monitor prevalence, identify trends, and track survivor outcomes. Society has often turned a blind eye to the shadowy corners of the internet, reluctant to confront the ugly truths within. But that passivity allows predators to continue their actions unchecked. The answer should no longer be yes. Society must confront this issue with urgency and compassion. This means parents staying involved, teachers staying alert, communities staying supportive, and governments staying accountable. Behind every shared video or image of abuse is a child who was hurt. A child who may still be suffering. A child who needs us to see them not as digital data but as a human being worth protecting. child pornography CSAM lead Voon Shiak Ni
Borneo Post
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
‘Why not Abg Jo as next PM?': Ex-PKR S'wak member calls for national rethink on leadership
Voon says it was 'intellectually lazy' for political loyalists in the peninsula to suggest that no one is suitably qualified to succeed Anwar as the nation's leader. KUCHING (July 17): The achievements of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in leading Sarawak deserves more national attention and ought to make him a candidate to become Malaysia's next Prime Minister, said Voon Shiak Ni. The former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak member said it was 'intellectually lazy' for political loyalists in the peninsula to suggest that no one is suitably qualified to succeed Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the nation's leader. 'Such sentiments reveal an entrenched culture of political patronage that discredits the rich talent pool we have across Malaysia,' she said in a statement yesterday. Voon, who quit PKR in 2020 after losing faith in the party's leadership, said Abang Johari has demonstrated statesmanship and visionary governance since taking over from the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem in 2017. She said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak government under his stewardship has maintained political stability and a clear vision for the future of the state. 'Unlike many federal leaders entangled in party politics and populist rhetoric, the Sarawak Premier brings a technocratic and pragmatic approach. 'His ability to balance state interests with national cohesion makes him uniquely positioned to navigate the complex federal dynamics that Malaysia so urgently needs to address.' She added that a transparent and credible leadership is essential to galvanise and lead any nation. 'This is where Abang Johari clearly leads the pack, and he has proven his ability to deliver which will no doubt inspire the nation as it navigates the difficult waters of international relations,' she said. 'Why should (the country's) leadership be confined to Malaya? The belief… is not only outdated, it is detrimental to our unity.' She concluded by saying the time has come for Malaysians to evaluate leadership based on merit and not geography or political allegiance, with leaders like Abang Johari deserving a place in the national conversation. Abang Johari lead next PM Voon Shiak Ni
Borneo Post
23-06-2025
- Borneo Post
Activist calls for further expansion of child protection services into rural areas
Voon Shiak Ni KUCHING (June 24): The state government should go all out in enhancing the child protection mechanism to better protect the vulnerable and rural communities. In highlighting this, social activist Voon Shiak Ni said it was shocking that a total of 572 child abuse cases had been reported in Sarawak throughout the first half of this year. 'I believe this could just be the tip of the iceberg. 'Usually, many incidents go unreported because the victims are children, and many do not have the ability and access to make the reports for themselves, unless someone helps them. 'Under-reporting remains a major issue, especially in abuse cases when the crimes are committed in a family setting,' she said in a statement yesterday. In this regard, Voon highlighted the importance of the authorities to engage public participation in the battle against child abuse and neglect. She also emphasised the urgent need to strengthen community awareness and advocacy for child protection. Adding on, she called upon the relevant ministry to provide a breakdown on the 572 cases reported this year to date. 'The nature of abuse committed on children, whether related to physical abuse, child neglect, sexual abuse or online-related abuse, should be made known publicly. 'This is helpful information to the public, for them to lend their eyes and ears and watch out for any possibilities of the said abuse happening in their neighbourhoods.' According to Voon, who is a lawyer, the country's legal framework provides comprehensive protection to children through the Child Act 2001, the Penal Code, Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, and Domestic Violence Act 1994. 'These laws criminalise abuse, neglect and exploitation, while mandating reporting and enabling court-ordered protection for at-risk children,' she said. 'We also cannot deny that enforcement gaps, under-reporting and lack of access and support from authorities continue to hinder the effectiveness of these laws, particularly in remote areas of Sarawak.' Thus, she reiterated her call on the state government to take the lead in expanding access to child protection services especially into the rural and indigenous areas, to encourage reporting of the crimes. She believed that such move would also enable more accurate assessment of the seriousness of the crimes happening on the ground, and identify effective systems to address and curb the crimes. On Sunday, federal Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said a total of 572 child abuse and neglect cases were registered in Sarawak from January to June this year. These statistics, released by the Sarawak Welfare Department, underscored the urgent need to strengthen community awareness and advocacy for child protection, she added. child protection lead rural communities Voon Shiak Ni
