18/03/2025

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Public laud proposal to limit PM tenure to 10 years

Defence industry policy being finalised for Cabinet nod KOTA BELUD: The Local Defence Industry Policy is in the final stages of consideration by the Defence Industry Council before being sent to the Cabinet for approval, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said the policy would be launched this year once it gets the Cabinet nod. “Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants us to focus specifically on this matter, and indeed, it has become part of the ministry’s planning,” he said after a breaking of fast event with Kem Paradise personnel on Sunday. Also present were Army Chief Jen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, Eastern Field Commander Lt-Jen Datuk Mohd Sofi Md Lepi and Fifth Infantry Division Commander Mejar-Jen Datuk Noorrul Azril Ariffin. On Friday, Anwar was reported to have called for a new synergy between the Defence Ministry and industry players to ensure that the nation’s defence research and development ecosystem continues to progress in line with technological advancements and changes. Mohamed Khaled said Anwar also wanted the ministry to focus on reducing reliance on foreign supply of assets and developing the nation’s own defence capabilities. “We are looking at technology transfer. In every procurement we make, we must ensure that there is a transfer of technology to the country, so that the nation can develop its own capacity to grow the industry.” On the iftar event, Mohamed Khaled said it was aimed at engaging with defence personnel while easing the burden of those in need. He said the occasion allowed him to assess their preparedness, not only in terms of equipment and assets but also their morale and awareness in fulfilling their duties. He also presented a one-time aid of RM500 each to 20 patients with chronic conditions, comprising personnel and their family members. Mohamed Khaled said the Armed Forces in Sabah have received an allocation of RM2.2 billion for several projects. He said the amount covers funding for maintenance, construction of Armed Forces family housing, essential infrastructure at border camps and the establishment of three new posts. “Funds have been allocated for Kem Paradise, Kem Felda Sahabat Lahad Datu and Kem Lok Kawi, as well as for the construction of a new health clinic and dental clinic.” – Bernama The university has four main faculties – the Islamic Studies Faculty, Muamalat and Islamic Finance Faculty, Business and Management Sciences Faculty and Al-Quran and Sunnah Faculty – as well as a Foundation Studies Centre and a Postgraduate Studies Centre. – Bernama Varsity appoints Raja Muda as chancellor KANGAR: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin has appointed the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail as its chancellor from April 15 to April 14, 2030. The university said in a statement that the appointment is in accordance with Section 32 of its constitution, and would allow the Raja Muda to guide the Islamic higher education institution towards greater excellence. “The university upholds‘applied sunnah ’ as its core focus, and emphasises the practice of sunnah in all aspects of life in line with its slogan , Di Sini Pencinta Sunnah Dilahirkan .” Previously known as Kolej Universiti Islam Perlis, its upgrade as Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin was approved in November 2024. It currently offers 27 academic programmes at foundation, diploma, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate levels.

changes every 10 years. “Not only will us economically, but it might also jeopardise our relations with other countries, as we would not stick to a single policy for a long period. “Even without a law limiting the prime minister’s term, we already see constant government policy shifts whenever there is a change in leadership, especially when there is a change in government,” said the 37-year old Negeri Sembilan resident. On Sunday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said a plan to cap the prime minister’s tenure at 10 years had been proposed and has received backing from the government. DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said the party wanted the government to amend the Federal Constitution within 24 months to limit the prime minister’s tenure to 10 years. Loke said this was part of Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto in the last general election and it must be fulfilled. this impact

o Views gathered by theSun include belief that cap on term helps younger politicians with new ideas to take over top job and prevents leader from becoming too influential

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

hold on power.” For Muneswaran Mohan, 10 years is long enough for any prime minister to fulfil his electoral promises and vision. “A leader should know when to pass the torch to someone else,” said the 28-year-old Penang-based executive. However, business owner Mohd Noramin Md Ariffin said frequent changes in leadership would disrupt the nation’s growth. “When a new leader takes over, he will want to implement his vision on his own terms. “He will also want his own Cabinet lineup, and I foresee that this will lead to policy

PETALING JAYA: A proposal to limit the term of the prime minister to 10 years has been well received by the public, with some saying it would help combat graft. Property valuer Muhammad Syazwan Azmi said the proposal is necessary to curb the ability of a leader to become too influential, as he could place his own allies in high positions and cling to power. He said the nation’s progress faces a risk of being hindered with individuals at the helm for long. “In order for the nation to move forward and develop further, we must embrace new ideas. However, that would be difficult if the same person remains in power for too long,” he told theSun . He added that the move would also encourage younger leaders to aspire towards the position of prime minister in the future. “Most MPs holding key positions in their respective parties are already in their 50s and 60s, so limiting the prime minister’s term to 10 years is reasonable,” he said, adding that not everyone can maintain a sharp mind throughout his lifetime. When asked whether a leader should be given a longer term to implement his plans for the country, Muhammad Syazwan, 35, said a longer tenure does not necessarily translate to further progress. “If we look at our history, Malaysia used to be called an Asian Tiger due to our rapid economic growth.” His sentiments were shared by Cindi Loo, 37, who said the move would prevent any individual from dominating politics and ruling with an iron fist. She said the law limiting the prime minister’s tenure to two terms should be clearly defined, ensuring that an MP could hold the position for only 10 years. “No MP should be reconsidered for the prime minister’s post, no matter how long his political career lasts. The law should not be open to manipulation by anyone to prolong KUALA TERENGGANU: The public should report religious figures or teachers involved in criminal activities or misconduct to enable appropriate action to be taken, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar. He said such reports would allow the suspension or revocation of their teaching credentials if they are found guilty of any offence. “If these individuals misuse their knowledge and the trust of the community, if any criminal wrongdoing arises, I hope the public would come forward and file reports. I believe the police will conduct a fair investigation. “Should they be convicted, their credentials will certainly be suspended. This is why I urge the public to report such cases, as revoking credentials without a conviction is difficult.” He was commenting on an incident on

‘Report religious figures involved in crime, misconduct’ WARM RECEPTION ... Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim being greeted by guests at an Ihya Ramadan event held at the Higher Education Ministry in Putrajaya yesterday. – BERNAMPIC

Friday involving a religious teacher linked to the assault of a teenage boy in Saujana Impian, Kajang. The 17-year-old boy claimed he was assaulted by an unidentified man following a road dispute. The teenager suffered a nasal bone fracture and received treatment at Kajang Hospital. Investigations revealed that the teen did not have a driving licence. The boy was issued a traffic summons while the 39-year-old suspect was arrested in Kajang at 9.50pm on the same day and remanded for one day. The case is being investigated under Section 325 and Section 279 of the Penal Code. The Selangor Islamic Religious Department has been instructed to review whether the Islamic preacher or religious teacher involved in the incident holds teaching credentials issued by the Selangor Islamic

Religious Council. State Islamic Affairs and Innovation Committee chairman Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah said if the individual is accredited by the council, his credentials should be revoked immediately and he should be banned from teaching in Selangor. “I urge all Islamic preachers and religious teachers accredited by the council to uphold the sanctity of Islam and refrain from any violent actions that could tarnish the image of religious leaders and teachers. “All actions should be guided by noble character, rational judgement and adherence to the applicable legal framework,” he said in a statement. Mohammad Fahmi said such violent behaviour contradicts Islamic teachings, that advocate rational and lawful resolutions, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. – Bernama