Latest news with #ZalihaMustafa
The Sun
3 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Peaceful rally reflects Malaysia's robust democracy
LABUAN: The recent 'Turun Anwar' rally organised by the opposition in Kuala Lumpur was a strong testament to the resilience and maturity of Malaysia's democratic landscape, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. She said the fact that thousands of people could gather peacefully to express their views underscored the strength of democratic principles. 'The peaceful gathering organised by the opposition showed that our democracy remains strong. Malaysians were exercising their rights within the bounds of the law, and that should be respected,' she told reporters after closing the Borneo Flora Festival 2025 here today. Dr Zaliha emphasised that while differing political opinions are natural in a healthy democracy, what matters most is the ability of the public to voice concerns through peaceful and lawful means. 'This is the kind of political maturity we hope to continue nurturing, one that upholds public order while allowing citizens the freedom to express dissent,' she said. - Bernama
The Sun
3 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Borneo Flora Festival 2025 draws 104,543 visitors, boosts eco-tourism
LABUAN: The Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) 2025 surpassed all expectations by attracting 104,543 visitors, more than double its initial target of 50,000. The five-day event drew plant enthusiasts and tourists from across Malaysia, Brunei, Kalimantan, and even Timor Leste. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, said the overwhelming response underscores Labuan's rising profile as a hub for eco-tourism and cultural events. 'The response was beyond our expectations. This shows how the Borneo Flora Festival has grown into a regional event of international interest,' she said during the closing ceremony. The festival celebrated Borneo's rich biodiversity, featuring rare orchids, giant pitcher plants, and exotic rainforest blooms. Over 100 exhibitors, including local growers, NGOs, and hoteliers, participated. Activities ranged from floral workshops to conservation-themed competitions, engaging visitors of all ages. Dr Zaliha highlighted the festival's economic benefits, noting a surge in business for hotels, restaurants, and homestays. 'This festival has not only beautified Labuan with nature's finest but also stimulated our economy,' she said. Many homeowners even offered temporary homestays to meet accommodation demand. Adding royal prestige, Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofia, the Queen of Malaysia, visited the event. Organisers attributed the festival's success to strong grassroots support for conservation and plans are underway to expand next year's edition with greater cross-border participation. - Bernama
The Sun
3 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Labuan Corporation chairman appointment must be merit-based, says Dr Zaliha
LABUAN: The appointment of the next chairman of Labuan Corporation should prioritise merit and competence to ensure the island's sustained development, according to Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. Dr Zaliha emphasised that strong leadership with a clear vision and policy implementation skills is crucial for Labuan's progress. 'The position should not be politicised or reduced to a matter of local sentiment... What matters is the ability to bring meaningful progress to Labuan, strengthen its economic resilience, and improve the lives of its people,' she told reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of the Borneo Flora Festival 2025. She highlighted the importance of selecting a capable leader as Labuan faces post-pandemic recovery, regional economic competition, and national development priorities. 'Labuan, as a federal territory, has garnered increasing attention from both local and international investors, particularly in the logistics, oil and gas, tourism and financial sectors,' she said. Dr Zaliha added that proactive and strategic leadership is necessary to sustain this momentum. 'We must appoint someone who can engage stakeholders, drive public-private collaboration and ensure that government initiatives translate into tangible outcomes for the rakyat,' she said. The chairman's role includes shaping policies, overseeing local government affairs, and facilitating development projects. While local perspectives are valuable, Dr Zaliha reiterated that leadership must be grounded in merit, experience, and performance. The position became vacant after former Kimanis MP Tan Sri Anifah Aman concluded his term last month. - Bernama
Borneo Post
3 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Appointment of Labuan Corporation chairman must be based on merit - Zaliha
Zaliha (right) presenting a mock key of a motorcycle to the 100,000th visitor of the Borneo Flora Festival on Wednesday.-Bernama photo LABUAN (July 30): The appointment of the next chairman of Labuan Corporation must be based on merit and competence rather than local sentiment, to ensure the island's continued social and economic progress, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said. Dr Zaliha stressed that Labuan's development requires strong leadership with a clear vision, a solid grasp of policy implementation and the ability to drive growth for the benefit of the wider community. 'The position should not be politicised or reduced to a matter of local sentiment… What matters is the ability to bring meaningful progress to Labuan, strengthen its economic resilience, and improve the lives of its people,' she told reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of the Borneo Flora Festival 2025 here on Wednesday. She said selecting a chairman based on capability and a proven track record is especially vital as Labuan navigates post-pandemic recovery, regional economic competition and national development priorities. 'Labuan, as a federal territory, has garnered increasing attention from both local and international investors, particularly in the logistics, oil and gas, tourism and financial sectors,' she said. Dr Zaliha said this momentum must be sustained with leadership that is proactive and strategic. 'We must appoint someone who can engage stakeholders, drive public-private collaboration and ensure that government initiatives translate into tangible outcomes for the rakyat,' she said. She said the Labuan Corporation chairman plays a key role in shaping policies, overseeing local government affairs and facilitating development projects. Dr Zaliha reiterated that while local perspectives are important, they must complement, not override the need for effective leadership grounded in merit, experience and performance. The post of chairman became vacant following former Kimanis MP Tan Sri Anifah Aman concluding his term last month.-Bernama
Barnama
4 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Borneo Flora Festival 2025 Exceeds All Expectations, Draws 104,543 Visitors
LABUAN, July 30 (Bernama) -- The Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) 2025 has exceeded all expectations, drawing a remarkable 104,543 visitors, more than double its original target of 50,000. The five-day event drew crowds not only from Labuan and across Malaysia, but also plant enthusiasts and tourists from Brunei, Kalimantan (Indonesia) and even as far as Timor Leste. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, said the overwhelming turnout highlights Labuan's growing reputation as a regional destination for eco-tourism and cultural events. 'The response was beyond our expectations. This shows how the Borneo Flora Festival has grown into a regional event of international interest,' she said during the closing ceremony today. She added that, due to the festival's tremendous success, the Federal government is considering the possibility of organising it again next year on an even greater scale and participation. Celebrating the vibrant biodiversity of the tropics, the festival showcased a stunning array of flora, including rare orchid species, some of the world's largest pitcher plants, and exotic blooms native to Borneo's rainforests. More than 100 exhibitors and florists participated in the event, ranging from local growers and government agencies to environmental NGOs, community groups and hoteliers. The festival also offered a range of floral-themed activities, hands-on workshops and competitions that appealed to visitors of all ages, all aligned with its central theme of conservation, culture, and community. Dr Zaliha noted the festival's substantial economic impact, saying the surge in visitor numbers brought a welcome boost to local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, homestays and transport operators.
