31/03/2025

MONDAY | MAR 31, 2025

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‘Compassion must extend beyond personal circles’ PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for compassion to extend beyond personal circles, urging solidarity with neighbours, local communities and the marginalised, particularly in times of hardship and global crises. Highlighting the plight of innocent civilians in Gaza, he underscored the ongoing humanitarian crisis as a stark reminder of the injustices faced by many worldwide. He urged Malaysians to reflect on their own privileges and extend a helping hand to those in need, both within the nation and beyond. “Hopefully, with the creation of new values, there will be a stronger emphasis on discipline, integrity, and better health,” Anwar said in his special Aidilfitri message, reflecting on the spiritual and moral growth fostered during Ramadan. Describing Ramadan as a period of spiritual training, he emphasised its role in strengthening faith and self-discipline. He expressed hope that its lessons would inspire greater social responsibility. He encouraged Malaysians to carry these values beyond Ramadan, integrating them into daily life to build a more just and compassionate society. Recalling his visits to Selising, Tawau and Chukai, Anwar shared insights from engagements with various communities during Ramadan, stressing the need for policies that prioritise people’s well being. He expressed concern over the economic challenges faced by ordinary citizens, reaffirming his government’s commitment to addressing such challenges. “These encounters revealed the struggles of ordinary Malaysians and reinforced the need for policies that genuinely uplift their lives.” Anwar said while economic growth remains crucial, real success lies in ensuring that prosperity translates into tangible benefits for all. He also underscored the importance of national unity, citing the principle of karamah insaniah (the intrinsic dignity of humankind) as the foundation of peace and stability. He added that mutual respect is essential for a secure and harmonious nation, where diverse communities can coexist in an environment of trust and understanding. Ű BY AZURA ABAS newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Queen visits graves of royal family members KUALA LUMPUR: Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia visited the Bukit Mahmoodiah Royal Mausoleum in Johor Bahru to pay her respects at the graves of royal family members. According to a post on the official Facebook page of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, the Queen took the opportunity to recite the Yassin , place flowers and sprinkle rose water on the graves of Sultan

Iskandar Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismail, Tunku Abdul Jalil Ibni Sultan Ibrahim (Tunku Laksamana Johor) and Enche’ Besar Hajah Khalsom Abdullah, Bernama reported. As a tribute to Tunku Abdul Jalil,

Her Majesty also wore a ring that once belonged to her son during the visit on Saturday. “This ring was the only one that the late Tunku Laksamana used to wear, and I have kept it until now.”

PM adept at resolving controversial issues: Asli

o A‘ nwar’s leadership, marked by calmness, clear communication, collaborative problem solving, cultural sensitivity, highly effective’

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent approach to resolving controversies related to racial and religious sensitivities serves as a commendable leadership model, said Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (Asli) CEO Danial Rahman. He said Anwar’s leadership, marked by calmness, clear communication, collaborative problem-solving, and cultural sensitivity, has proven to be highly effective. Referring to the recent temple mosque issue, Danial said one key step was addressing the situation with composure and providing factual explanations to counter misinformation, such as claims that the government had forced the relocation of the temple. “Anwar and his team explained that the land was sold in 2012, long before the Madani government came to power, reaffirming the government’s role as a mediator rather than an instigator of the controversy.

All parties urged to stop stoking racial tension KUALA LUMPUR: All parties are urged to refrain from making comments or expressing views that may lead to tension and disrupt the harmony of the country’s multi-racial society, said Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul. He said every opinion must be based on facts and not made arbitrarily as this will only be like “pouring oil on burning fire”. “If this is how we act, it’s extremely dangerous. That’s why, be fair to yourself and society. You get the facts right first.” He was speaking after the Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association’s rice assistance programme to 3,333 asnaf in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri, at Maahad Tahfiz Al Faridiyah in Taman Seri Rampai, Setapak yesterday. Also present were Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay and the association’s president Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan. – Bernama “Perhaps. Meaningful results often don’t make sensational headlines or viral TikTok clips. But that doesn’t mean they should be dismissed.” Danial said in the controversial Thaipusam sketch incident, Anwar met the three radio presenters involved, during an iftar with the media, Bernama reported. According to the prime minister’s Press Secretary Tunku Nashrul, Anwar advised them to “always carry the message of unity in line with the spirit of Madani, which emphasises compassion and respect”. “It may seem like a simple gesture, but its symbolism is significant. “Leadership is not just about making policies or steering ministries – it requires leaders to be on the ground, engaging directly with the people and being present in crucial moments. “Anwar’s approach of facilitating and calming tensions to create win win solutions is not easily achieved. Is his effort undervalued?

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Prabakaran contributions

“Instead of merely issuing official statements, they provided daily updates on the legal context, acknowledged past shortcomings and outlined the basis of the resolution. “Federal Territories Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa also played a crucial role in ensuring that the issue was resolved amicably, preventing it from escalating into a legal dispute. Her efforts were widely praised.” Danial added that Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif personally engaged with stakeholders, demonstrating Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s commitment to being more approachable and responsive.” He said Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Deputy Minister Datuk Seri M. Ramanan

Parameswaran’

reinforced government’s commitment to representing all races. Danial said the government actively countered misinformation, particularly when public discourse was clouded by political manipulation and legitimate concerns from civil society regarding the protection of heritage sites and places of worship. “The dangerous narrative suggesting that the government’s engagement with temples would make Malay Muslims appear weak is both false and highly irresponsible.” He said this was not the first time Anwar had taken proactive measures to ease rising tensions. the

Johari presenting

bags of rice to the asnaf at the event in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Malaysia pledges RM10 million for Myanmar quake victims PETALING JAYA: In response to the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday, Malaysia has pledged RM10 million in “As Asean chair, Malaysia is committed to leading an active and meaningful response to this catastrophe. significant loss of life and widespread destruction across multiple regions in Myanmar, including Sagaing, Mandalay, Bago, Magway, Shan state and Naypyidaw.

Anwar said he had directed the foreign minister to spearhead a humanitarian mission to Myanmar next week, reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to the ongoing search and rescue efforts. Teams from the National Disaster Management Agency are already on the ground, working alongside international responders. – By Azura Abas

“The scale of destruction is immense, and in the spirit of solidarity we are stepping forward to aid those whose lives have been upended,” he said in a statement. The earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, has resulted in

humanitarian aid to support victims, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday. He said this commitment underscores Malaysia’s dedication to regional solidarity and its proactive role within Asean.

Thousands have been reported dead, with countless others either injured or missing. Vital infrastructure has been severely damaged, complicating rescue operations.