22/05/2025

THURSDAY | MAY 22, 2025

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Nurul Izzah playing key role in education, reform for Indians PETALING JAYA: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar has been credited as a key partner in driving education and socio-economic reforms for the Indian community. The prime minister’s special officer Shanmugam Mookan said this is due to Nurul Izzah’s sincerity, conviction and deep understanding of the community’s needs. “Let’s be honest, who could be more in tune with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s vision than his own daughter? She doesn’t just carry the legacy, she also carries the fire that keeps it alive,” he told theSun . Shanmugam said her approach goes beyond surface-level concern and is rooted in a refusal to divide people by race, religion or class. As an example, a two-phase initiative for the community was launched with the involvement of Indian MPs, senators and state assemblymen. The first phase is to study and review the Malaysian Indian Blueprint (MIB) and the Indian Community Action Plan, targeting key pressure points, including education gaps, stalled opportunities and unheard voices. Shanmugam said MIB, developed by MIC during Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak’s administration, is currently being refined by him and Nurul Izzah, and is slated to be proposed for incorporation into the 13th Malaysia Plan. “We are currently reviewing the document to update it with data to suit current needs and expectations. Phase 1 engagements related to socio-economy, education and welfare are being conducted now.” Shanmugam said the initiative’s Phase 2 revolves around creating achievable action plans and putting them into motion, once Phase 1 is completed. He also highlighted Nurul Izzah’s strong support for reviving five Tamil schools previously listed as problematic projects. The schools involved are SJKT Seafield and SJKT Braunston in Selangor, SJKT Ladang Pertang and SJKT Ladang Sagga in Negeri Sembilan and SJKT Heawood in Perak. Shanmugam said Anwar has approved an allocation of RM30 million to improve six Tamil schools. “The funds will be released soon through proper channels, marking a significant milestone in advancing Tamil education. “There were no empty promises and no grand gestures. Only real, strategic planning with the sincere intention to serve all Malaysians. “Nurul Izzah’s role has been pivotal. Now is the time to bring it to life. “So, with no doubt, if not her, then who else can truly understand and carry forward this shared vision of PKR for all communities?” Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com Liang said both countries have agreed to establish a railway cooperation and alliance mechanism to accelerate intercontinental connectivity, including discussions on potential routes linking neighbouring countries. He revealed that China and Malaysia would soon launch a cultural dialogue mechanism focused on Islamic culture and regional heritage. “We have always been good friends with Malaysia. We will continue to communicate and cooperate in the future,” Liang said, adding that both sides are working to build high-level regional production cooperation centred on the digital economy, artificial intelligence, green technology and talent development. – Bernama

LANGKAWI: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim visited the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima ‘25) at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre yesterday. His Majesty was greeted upon arrival at 10.15am by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Defence Force chief Jen Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar. Sultan Ibrahim was accompanied by his sons the Tunku Temenggong of Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar, the Tunku Panglima of Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman and the Tunku Putera of Johor Tunku Abu Bakar. Also present to welcome the royal family were Defence Deputy Minister Adly Zahari, Army chief Jen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, Navy chief Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain and Air Force chief Jen Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan. Sultan Ibrahim toured several booths, including those of Sapura Secured Technologies, the Royal Malaysian Air Force, Royal Malaysian Navy and Turkiye Defence Ministry, before departing for home. Lima ‘25 is co-organised by the Defence Ministry and Global Exhibitions and Conferences Sdn Bhd focusing on innovation King graces Lima ‘25

The King visiting a booth at the exhibition in Langkawi yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Achievements”, this year’s exhibition remains one of the largest maritime and aerospace exhibitions in Southeast Asia since its inception in 1991. – Bernama

and enhancing competitiveness among industry players in line with technological advancements. Themed “Today’s Innovation, Tomorrow’s

‘Minimum wage not sole measure of staff welfare’

the National Automotive Industry Workers Union this year under the Trade Union Affairs Programme, for training and ICT equipment, Bernama reported. Meanwhile, union president Mohd Azmi Abu Bakar expressed appreciation to Sim, Proton non-executive chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar Syed Rethza Albar and its management team for engaging directly with workers during the visit. During the dialogue session, Sim reiterated the crucial role of trade unions as a collective voice in protecting workers’ rights and welfare. He also encouraged greater participation in unions to foster solidarity and expand negotiation channels with employers. Mohd Azmi said the ministry expressed its support for the union and Proton management in the upcoming negotiations for the 13th Collective Agreement for the 2025–2027 period, that is expected to begin in June. “The union will submit its initial proposal, which includes a 15% salary adjustment, to ensure improved benefits for its 4,938 members.”

o Collective agreements better option to achieve fair remuneration and benefits packages, says minister

SHAH ALAM: Minimum wage should not be seen as the only measure of worker welfare, said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim. He said a collective agreement (CA) is a more comprehensive and flexible mechanism for negotiating fair wages and benefits tailored to specific industry contexts. “A CA carries legal weight under the Industrial Relations Act 1967, and employers who fail to comply can face legal action. “It also provides legal protection for both workers and employers, forming the foundation for harmonious and productive industrial relations,” he said in a statement yesterday. Sim had visited representatives of the National Automotive Industry Workers Union as part of ongoing efforts to

strengthen strategic collaboration between the government and industry workers at the grassroots level. The Human Resources Ministry said in the statement that the visit involved discussions on various issues in the automotive sector, including terms of service, current challenges, strategies to boost union membership, digitalisation of union management and leadership training. “The minister also highlighted several key government initiatives, including the implementation of the Progressive Wage Policy and the launch of the Madani Workers’ Card, with over 58,000 union members registered to date. “This card offers a range of benefits such as discounts on essential goods, healthcare services and access to skills training.” To support union modernisation, the ministry also provided a RM25,000 grant to

Asean-GCC-China Summit receives strong support from Beijing BEIJING: China has expressed strong support for the upcoming Asean-GCC-China Summit, which underscores the importance of enhanced cooperation among Southeast Asian nations, oil-rich Gulf Cooperation Council countries and China to strengthen trade, regional connectivity and economic integration amid global trade challenges. ready to work with GCC countries and Asean using global trading system rules as they strive to extract mutual economic benefits. Malaysia will host the 46th Asean Summit, the second Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Economic Summit concurrently at the end of this month. He added that Malaysia, in particular, holds significant potential as a regional logistics and production hub due to its strategic location and robust infrastructure development, citing the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) as an example of China-Malaysia collaboration that delivers practical benefits for the region.

“With construction now nearly 80% complete, the ECRL will create a new economic corridor connecting the east and west coasts of Peninsular Malaysia, significantly enhancing connectivity for goods, services and people. “After the ECRL is built, it will become a traffic network that not only strengthens energy and exports but also streamlines logistics, including transporting fish and shrimp from the East Coast to ports via rail.”

Liang said the summit is an extension of a broader multilateral outreach with countries of the Global South, and part of China’s efforts to promote inclusive development, fair global governance and shared prosperity. He said there remains vast untapped potential for cooperation in the fields of energy and agriculture in Asean, and China welcomes more agricultural exports from Asean countries.

China Foreign Affairs Ministry Asian Affairs Department Deputy Director-General Liang Jianjun said Beijing views the trilateral summit, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur on May 27, as a timely platform to consolidate ties among Asean, GCC and China in areas ranging from infrastructure to digital innovation, food security, energy and supply chain resilience. Liang told a media conference that China is