13/05/2025

TUESDAY | MAY 13, 2025

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Estate, legacy planning ‘final act of love’

PKR election ‘fight among loyal friends’: Anwar

TAWAU: The 2025 PKR election should be considered a “fight between loyal friends” of the party, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The PKR president said all candidates involved in the election should be well-mannered so that the spirit of brotherhood among members remains intact. “The election is between loyal friends, many of whom are reformist figures. Therefore, we have to be careful not to overdo it because we want (this election) to be embraced as a strength,“ he said when met by reporters after chairing the Sabah PKR Leadership Council meeting on Sunday. Anwar also reminded contesting party supporters not to go overboard when campaigning. “The brotherhood must be strengthened – once the congress (National PKR Congress) is over, we must work as a cohesive team.“ The party’s nomination which ended on Friday, saw Anwar unchallenged for the president post, while for the deputy president post, Nurul Izzah Anwar will face incumbent Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, who is also economy minister. For the vice-president posts, 12 members have submitted their nominations, including four incumbents, namely Nik Nazmi Nik Mat (Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister), Chang Lih Kang (Science, Technology and Innovation Minister), Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun (Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar) and Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (Selangor Menteri Besar). The finance minister’s political secretary Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim was unopposed for Angkatan Muda Keadilan (Youth) chief while Fadhlina Sidek (Education Minister) and Rodziah Ismail (Ampang MP) are vying for the PKR Wanita chief post. The PKR National Congress, including the Youth Congress and Wanita Congress, is scheduled to be held from May 22 to 24 in Johor Bahru with May 23 set as polling day. – Bernama Polls to shape party SEREMBAN: The party polls to elect new leadership for the 2025-2028 term is crucial towards strengthening PKR in preparation for the 16th General Election (GE16), said deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli. He said the newly elected leadership must work hard to fortify the party and be capable of addressing various issues raised by the people. “The business of the party is to win the general election, meaning we must cater to the voters’ expectations, ensure what is expressed is appropriate and strengthen the party. Holding a position is a great trust,“ he said in his speech during the “ Hidupkan Idealisme Reformasi Dalam Ujian Kuasa ”tour on Sunday night. Also present were Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun and Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Mat, both of whom are PKR vice presidents and making a bid to retain their posts. Aminuddin described the party polls as vital in facing GE16, and hoped that the voting process will proceed smoothly. “We need leaders who are willing to fight, and we will ensure PKR continues to succeed.” Nik Nazmi said the election mood this time is slightly different as PKR is now part of the federal government and the president is also the prime minister. The public will be closely watching.” The deputy president post will see a straight fight between Rafizi and Nurul Izzah Anwar. – Bernama strategy for 16th general election

PETALING JAYA: Estate and legacy planning is designed to protect loved ones, yet many Malaysians often delay the process until it is too late. Islamic financial and estate planner Nur Elaine Aisyah Abdullah attributes this hesitation to procrastination, misinformation and the discomfort of discussing death. “Many people put off estate planning simply because there’s no immediate deadline. Unlike investments or savings, which offer visible returns, the benefits of estate planning only become apparent after death, so it rarely feels urgent.” Elaine, a certified Islamic financial planner with the Islamic Banking and Finance Institute Malaysia, said many are unaware of the administrative burden that can fall on families in the absence of a clear plan. “There are also cultural misconceptions, particularly among Muslims, who often believe that Faraid (Islamic law of inheritance) will automatically take care of everything. But Faraid only provides a o Delaying the process creates chaos and confusion within families as they navigate the legal wrangle of unclaimed assets, heirs and beneficiaries, says Islamic financial planner Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com TAWAU: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has launched a pilot project to deliver medicines by drone. The drone was one of the main attractions at the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) booth during the Sabah Madani Rakyat Programme 2025 (May 9-11) held at the Tawau Municipal Council Square. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who officiated the closing of the programme yesterday, had visited the booth and observed the drone demonstration. The drone is a high-impact initiative aimed at improving healthcare access in remote areas. MCMC said the project will be carried out in partnership with the Health Ministry, the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation and local drone technology providers. “The pilot project aims to prove the effectiveness of delivering medicines from health clinics to NADI centres in rural and remote areas,” it said in a statement. MCMC also seeks to speed up access to medication for communities on islands, in isolated villages and areas lacking proper roads. The first phase, covering two NADI centres, is slated for rollout in this year’s fourth quarter. By 2026, the initiative is expected to reach 150 centres. The project supports the government’s push for equitable, tech-driven healthcare via 5G and AI. – Bernama Drones to deliver medicines in remote areas

and EPF savings to property and company shares. “Next, identify beneficiaries – legal heirs and anyone else you wish to benefit. Decide how you want your assets distributed, then speak to a licensed professional to formalise it through a will or trust.” Equally important, she stressed, is keeping the plan up to date. “Review regularly – update your plan annually to reflect any changes in your life,” she added. Elaine sees estate planning as a “final act of love”. “It brings clarity, prevents conflict and ensures that everything you’ve worked hard for ends up in the right hands.” Interestingly, she said women are leading the way in estate planning. “Some 70% of my clients are women. It’s often the wife who initiates the conversation, even in single-income households. “Stay-at-home wives tend to have more time to seek guidance, while dual-income couples are often too busy.” Elaine encourages young couples to begin estate planning early, ideally after marriage or when purchasing their first property. “That’s when responsibilities increase and significant assets come into the picture. Planning early ensures your intentions are clear.” For those worried about cost, Elaine said there are affordable options available. “Estate planning services are now offered through government agencies and registered trust companies. Many even provide complimentary consultations. The key is to seek advice that fits your unique family situation.” At its core, Elaine said legacy planning is not about death, it’s about love. “And the best time to start is now,” she added.

distribution framework, it does not handle paperwork or ensure a smooth process.” Without a will, she said the consequences can be both emotionally and financially devastating. In her seven years of experience, Elaine has seen families embroiled in conflict due to confusion and disputes. “One of the biggest issues is that heirs often don’t even know what the deceased owned. Was there an investment account? A property? An e-wallet? These assets frequently go unclaimed because no one knows they exist.” Even when the assets are known, unclear instructions can lead to disagreements, she added. “Liquid assets such as cash is relatively straightforward to divide. But what about a house or business? Without a will, it can turn into chaos,” she warned. Elaine explained that Malaysia’s inheritance laws involve both civil and Syariah legal systems. For Muslims, she said the Faraid system assigns fixed shares – typically, sons receive twice the share of daughters, and adopted or stepchildren are excluded, unless provisions such as hibah (voluntary gifts) are made. The process involves securing a Sijil Faraid ( Faraid certificate) from the Syariah Court, followed by a Letter of Administration. For non-Muslims, the Distribution Act 1958 applies in the absence of a will, dividing assets according to a standard formula, also through a lengthy legal process. “The idea that you can just walk into Amanah Raya and get everything sorted out is wrong. Every asset – whether EPF, property or shares – requires different documents and approval steps. Nothing is automatic.” To help Malaysians take the first step, Elaine offers a clear and practical roadmap. She recommends beginning with a full inventory of one’s assets, from bank accounts

Anwar engaging with members of the public upon arriving to officiate the closing of Sabah Madani Rakyat Programme at the Tawau Municipal Council Square yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC