Latest news with #Waipa
RNZ News
3 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
Two dead following separate Northland, Waikato crashes
Photo: RNZ / Tim Brown Two people have died in separate road crashes on Saturday in Northland and the Waikato. In Northland, emergency services were called to a serious two-vehicle crash on SH1 near Waiomio, south of Kawakawa, shortly after midnight. One person died at the scene. Police said the serious crash unit had examined the site and the highway had since re-opened. At about 7.40am, emergency services were called to another fatal crash on Waikoha Road in Karamu, near Waipā in the Waikato. Police said one man died at the scene, after a vehicle left the road and rolled into a paddock. Investigations into both crashes are ongoing. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Borneo Post
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak to develop five child-friendly cities in collaboration with Unicef, says Fatimah
Fatimah (centre) shares a light moment with the Waipa delegates. – Sarawak Public Communications photo KUCHING (April 23): Sarawak is making significant strides toward becoming a more inclusive, child-friendly state, with a goal of developing five designated child-friendly cities, said Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah. The state Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister said the initiative, which is carried out in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund's (Unicef), is already well underway and draws inspiration from the success of Petaling Jaya, the first city in Peninsular Malaysia to be recognised as child friendly. 'We don't want just one or two. We are aiming for five child-friendly cities in Sarawak,' she said during a visit by the Women Parliamentarians of the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (Waipa) delegation to the Sarawak Women and Family Department at Wisma Wanita here today. She also said that a children's forum is in the works and is expected to take place before the year ends. 'I have informed the children's council that, God willing, we will organise a children's forum that will gather child-friendly city councils from across the state, as well as representatives from other countries.' The upcoming forum, she explained, will serve as a platform for children to voice their views and engage in meaningful dialogue in a supportive and inclusive environment. In her speech, Fatimah also highlighted Sarawak's progress in empowering women to take on roles as community leaders in Sarawak – an achievement that remains uncommon in many Asean countries. 'We started with women who were active in political parties and today, they are appointed as community leaders. 'They have proven themselves to be committed, meticulous and highly dedicated. Congratulations and well done to all,' she said. The Waipa delegation consisted of women parliamentarians from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Thailand, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, and Malaysia as the host country. As part of their visit, the delegation also toured the One-Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSIC), a facility that provides vital support to parents of children with special needs. Also present were Deputy Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Rosey Yunus and Datuk Mohd Razi Sitam; the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Felicia Tan; and Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Alice Lau, who is also Waipa chairperson. child-friendly cities fatimah abdullah Unicef
The Star
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Need for new law to tackle defamation arising from AI misuse, says Dewan Rakyat speaker
KUCHING: As Malaysia grapples with the challenges of digital misinformation, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has proposed the introduction of legislation to tackle defamation arising from the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI), echoing similar proactive steps recently taken by Singapore. Johari said the move is essential to combat the growing threat of cyberattacks, particularly the spread of extreme or malicious falsehoods. "I am currently assessing whether we need to introduce this legislation in Malaysia. If it's necessary, we must allow it. It will help stem the tide of relentless attacks and extraordinary defamation, which ultimately benefit no one.' He said this at a press conference after opening the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (Waipa) held in conjunction with the 45th General Assembly of Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) here on Tuesday (April 22). Meanwhile, Johari, who is the chairman of the 45th AIPA, said the issue of women's participation in politics was among the focuses of attention at the Waipa meeting, in addition to identifying the main obstacles preventing women from wanting to enter politics. "The lack of female representation in politics is not solely due to online harassment but also the burden of multiple roles that women must juggle. "For example, a woman who is a bank manager, wife, and mother must balance all three responsibilities when involved in politics,' he said. Furthermore, Johari said that women face heavier pressure compared to men, who often receive stronger spousal support, hence the need for policymakers to address this imbalance. "It's time our policies and legal frameworks recognise the double burden shouldered by women. We need to build structural and systemic support that is more gender-sensitive, particularly within the political landscape,' he added. - Bernama
New Straits Times
22-04-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Speaker: Dewan Rakyat will discuss Sabah, Sarawak seat quota if proposed
KUCHING: The Dewan Rakyat is prepared to deliberate on any possible move for a one-third orr 35 per cent parliamentary seat quota for Sabah and Sarawak. However, this must first be proposed by the executive arm of government. Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said that, so far, he has not received any motion regarding the matter. He said, the matter — which remains at the policy level — must be initiated by the executive by submitting a motion for it to be discussed by all members of parliament. "This matter, I leave to the executive because I am merely the speaker who facilitates the debate. "If there is a proposal (for discussion among MPs), it is up to them, as whatever is debated in Parliament is ultimately the decision of the executive. However, to date, I have not received such a motion," he said. Johari said this to reporters after opening the Women Parliamentarians' Meeting (Waipa) at the 45th General Assembly of the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (Aipa) which was launched by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg today. On April 13, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof had proposed that negotiations to amend the one-third or 35 per cent parliamentary seat quota for Sabah and Sarawak should be held face-to-face, particularly with each MP from Peninsular Malaysia. Fadillah said this approach was previously adopted by current Sarawak Governor Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, when he served as minister in the prime minister's department (parliament and law), in efforts to amend Article 160 of the Federal Constitution. He said the demand for more parliamentary seats is quite complex and challenging, as it requires negotiations not only at the ministerial and agency levels but, more importantly, from a political perspective — engaging with each MP to gain support and explain why such an amendment is necessary. Currently, MPs from Peninsular Malaysia, including the Federal Territories, hold 75 per cent or 161 out of 222 seats, while Sarawak holds 31 and Sabah 25.
