Latest news with #nationBuilding
CNA
23-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
GE results send 'strong signal' of Singapore's resolve and unity, says Tharman as new Cabinet is sworn in
SINGAPORE: This year's General Election results sent a 'strong signal' to the world of Singapore's unity and collective resolve; and moving forward, Singaporeans must be clear-eyed about the challenges that lie ahead, said President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for Singapore's new Cabinet on Friday (May 23), Mr Tharman said Singaporeans were ultimately the winners in the election. 'Together, we have set the course for our next phase of nation building,' he said. But the world has entered 'uncharted waters', with deepening rivalries between major powers, a fragmenting global economy and the erosion of multilateralism. 'Narrower, more nationalistic and opportunistic approaches to trade and diplomacy are taking hold,' Mr Tharman said to more than 600 guests who gathered at the Istana lawn for the ceremony. Being a small state, Singapore will feel the weight of these geopolitical changes in a greater way, as the stable, rules-based international order unravels. The country will be forced to adapt and find new ways to remain in control of our destiny, and hold together as a people, he added. 'There is no telling whether this global disorder will eventually subside. But there is no returning to the world we knew over our first 60 years of nationhood.' Singapore must also respond to domestic long-term challenges thoughtfully and boldly, with an ageing population that will reshape the country's workforce, health and community care systems and even the 'fabric of neighbourhood life'. To prepare for an increasingly challenging economic future, Singapore has to invest creatively in education, skills training and lifelong learning, said Mr Tharman. 'So that every Singaporean has the full chance to do well and contribute, and we build new sources of competitiveness together.' TRANSITION AND 'GENERATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE' The president described the 2025 General Election as 'profoundly important', with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong leading the ruling party in an electoral contest for the first time. The People's Action Party's (PAP) vote share increased from the previous election, bucking the trend of a dip immediately after a leadership transition. 'GE2025 was a moment of generational significance,' said Mr Tharman, noting that there was a 'strong vote of trust and confidence' in Mr Wong and his team. The electorate also went through a transition in this election, with many younger voters who have not lived through the struggles or transformations of Singapore's first few decades, he said. 'I am heartened that, through it all, our democratic process remained decorous and respectful,' said Mr Tharman, pointing to other countries where political divisions turn people against each other. Singapore upheld a tone of mutual respect and serious engagement, stood firm against foreign interference and the politicisation of race and religion. 'Singaporeans showed that while we may hold different views, we are all fellow citizens who want the best for our nation,' he said. The president commended citizens who carefully reflected on the issues and voted thoughtfully and responsibly, and praised political parties and candidates who stepped forward to serve. 'They committed their time, energy, and ideas; and courageously opened themselves to public scrutiny.' GOOD BALANCE IN CABINET Mr Tharman said the new government was strong and capable, with Mr Wong's team having a good balance of experienced leaders and new members. 'They have been tested in crises, and shown their ability to govern with integrity, empathy and courage,' he said. Mr Wong has shown 'calm and confident leadership' through COVID-19 and the Forward Singapore conversations, and now, in reinforcing the trust of Singapore's partners in these uncertain times. Now that the elections are over, Singaporeans should work together with the government of the day for a brighter future, said Mr Tharman, encouraging Mr Wong and his team to continue listening and partnering with Singaporeans from all walks of life. 'I have full confidence in Prime Minister Wong and his team. As president, I stand ready to work with them to uphold our Constitution, and to protect the interests of all Singaporeans,' he said. To the new and re-elected lawmakers, Mr Tharman urged them to remember the 'solemn responsibility' they have been entrusted with - whether they are part of the PAP or the opposition. He called on them to debate in parliament with conviction and respect. 'Argue your case vigorously, but never compromise on honesty and integrity. Critique policies robustly, but also offer alternatives for evaluation. 'Above all, remember that you all share the same ultimate goal – to build a fulfilling and cohesive future for Singaporeans.'
Free Malaysia Today
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Dr M must share blame for frayed race relations, says ex-Umno MP
Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tan Cheng Lock, and VT Sambanthan are widely recognised as three of the country's founding fathers who ensured that their respective communities contributed to nation-building. PETALING JAYA : A former Umno MP says Dr Mahathir Mohamad must take some of the blame for the deterioration of race relations in Malaysia—a decline the former prime minister claims accelerated after he resigned in 2003. Tawfik Ismail said Mahathir's decision to focus on policies such as Malaysia Incorporated, which encourages closer collaboration between the public and private sectors, meant that other policies aimed at fostering unity had to take a back seat. He stated the nation's founding fathers had formed a multiracial leadership and approached the pressing issues of their time from a realistic standpoint. Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tan Cheng Lock, and VT Sambanthan are widely recognised as three of the country's founding fathers. Tawfik — the son of Malaysia's second deputy prime minister, Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman — said the trio formed a coalition of patriots and ensured that their respective communities contributed to nation-building. Tawfik Ismail. 'The spirit of 'give and take' was their guiding force,' the Sungai Benut MP from 1986 to 1990, told FMT. But when Mahathir came to power in 1981, Tawfik said policies and ideologies which were designed to fix race-relations after the 1969 racial riots, such as the Rukun Negara, became less of a priority. In some cases these post-May 13 policies were exploited, like the New Economic Policy. Tawfik said that Mahathir's administration had failed to put to good use the legal safeguards for Malay rights established after the May 13 riots and capitalised on them to push for greater Malay dominance, including in the private sector. Following the race riots, the Federal Constitution was amended to prohibit any challenge to the special privileges of Bumiputeras, Islam, and Malay as the national language. 'It was an attempt to moderate race-based politics and Rukun Negara was made as the national ideology. But Mahathir did not take these as foundation stones for nation building and instead entrenched Malay dominance in all sectors.' Dr Mahathir Mohamad. On May 8, Mahathir told FMT the racial divide in the country appeared to be widening and was more pronounced than during his time in office. Mahathir attributed racial tensions to the absence of a unifying national language and race-based political parties. He contrasted this with the relative harmony in neighbouring countries with sizeable Chinese populations, such as Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Wong Chin Huat, a political scientist at Sunway University, took aim at Mahathir, claiming that the perceived racial calm during his tenure as prime minister stemmed from his authoritarian rule. Wong Chin Huat. He said Mahathir subscribed to the belief that Malaysia belongs to the Malays, disregarding the perspectives of minorities—including those from Sabah and Sarawak—and framing national unity as contingent upon their assimilation. 'His ideas were shaped by the narrow nationalism and authoritarianism in the Cold War era. These are very last century (ideas).' Wong also suggested that Malaysia follow in Indonesia's footsteps by dismantling the excessive concentration of federal power to reduce the fear among Malays that the government could fall into the hands of other communities. 'If Malays can feel politically secure like Indonesian Muslims, the ethno-religious tensions that Mahathir laments would fade away,' he added.
Malay Mail
23-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
TNB announces highest dividend in four years, emphasises nation-building efforts
KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 — Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) announced its highest dividend in four years at 51 sen per share, totalling over RM2.96 billion, while reaffirming its commitment to creating long-term value through sound financial management, operational strength, and community investments that benefit both shareholders and the nation. According to a statement by TNB, the company's commitment to nation-building went beyond financial returns. Through targeted programmes in education, community development and wellbeing, the company channelled long-term investments into meaningful outcomes. The statement said TNB's initiatives aimed to uplift underserved communities, bridge opportunity gaps, and foster social cohesion, while through scholarships, educational programmes, and rural outreach, the company empowered future generations and drove long-term impact. 'These efforts underscored its commitment to shared prosperity and nation-building beyond its core utility role, and it was also implementing Phase II of its Village Street Lighting Programme, installing over 14,000 energy-efficient LED streetlights in rural areas to enhance safety, connectivity, and economic inclusion,' the statement said. It added that the dividend payout aligned with TNB's 60 per cent dividend policy and benefited millions of Malaysians, as over 60 per cent of its shares were held by major Government-Linked Investment Companies (GLICs), including Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (KWAP), and Lembaga Tabung Haji (LTH). In 2024, TNB contributed RM874.7 million in tax and zakat, strengthening public finances and supporting nationwide community wellbeing. Beyond financial performance, the company allocated RM140.9 million for contributions and sponsorships in education, sport, community development, and environmental initiatives. TNB added that its strong performance had benefited from favourable macroeconomic conditions, including a strengthening ringgit and 5.1 per cent of national gross domestic product (GDP) growth and its performance demonstrated eight years of consistently maintaining dividend payouts at the higher end of its 30-60 policy range. Highlighting Malaysia's record-high approved investments of RM378.5 billion in 2024, as reported by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI), TNB said this had translated into stronger industrial and commercial electricity demand. TNB noted these achievements reflected not only its operational excellence but also aligned with national aspirations to deliver reliable infrastructure, promote inclusive growth, and accelerate the energy transition under the Ekonomi MADANI framework. In 2024, TNB invested RM11.2 billion in capital expenditure to accelerate grid modernisation and support the national energy transition, including key upgrades facilitating renewable energy integration and strengthening network resilience across Peninsular Malaysia. TNB said the company maintained an 87 per cent Customer Satisfaction Index score through improved service quality, while its MSCI ESG rating upgrade to 'A' demonstrated sustainability leadership through reduced emissions, improved water efficiency, and expanded renewable energy adoption – all of which strengthened investor confidence. At the company's 35th Annual General Meeting held at Pusat Konvensyen Leo Moggie here, TNB Chairman Tan Sri Abdul Razak Abdul Majid said the dividend payout reflected TNB's commitment to delivering consistent and sustainable returns to shareholders. 'These distributions ultimately reach millions of Malaysians, reinforcing national savings, retirement security and broad-based financial wellbeing,' he said. Meanwhile, TNB president/chief executive officer Datuk Megat Jalaluddin Megat Hassan reaffirmed the company's focus on sustaining stable returns while investing in systems and communities that support national development. 'Our strategy is clear, we aim to maintain robust performance while generating long-term value for the rakyat through responsible returns and meaningful impact. By strengthening the reliability of our services, managing costs effectively, and anchoring our efforts in nation-building, we continue to deliver steady value even amid global uncertainties,' he said. — Bernama
