31/05/2025

SATURDAY | MAY 31, 2025

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Malaysia takes helm of UN-Habitat Assembly

Kaamatan, Gawai symbols of unity and harmony KUALA LUMPUR: The Kaamatan Festival and Gawai Day, celebrated from yesterday until Monday, are proof that harmony, tolerance and consensus can unite Malaysians as one big family regardless of race, religion and background. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the festivals not only symbolised gratitude for their harvest but reflected the rich tradition and cultural heritage of the people of Sabah and Sarawak. “From May 30 to June 2 every year, Malaysians – particularly the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut, Rungus, Dayak and other ethnic communities in Sabah and Sarawak – celebrate the Kaamatan and Gawai festivals as expressions of gratitude for the harvest. “May the celebrations this year bring goodness, prosperity and a brighter future for all Malaysians, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak. Kotobian tadau tagazo do Kaamatan and Gayu guru gerai nyamai ! (A blessed harvest festival and wishing you long life, wisdom, good health and prosperity),” he posted on X. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Kaamatan Festival proved that cultural diversity in this country not only exists but is proudly celebrated. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the values and meaning of the festivals can be seen in the unity of the people celebrating it in an atmosphere of harmony, tolerance and mutual respect. – Bernama M’sia eyes RM13 Expo 2025 Osaka OSAKA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof is scheduled to open the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, today. Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation minister and chairperson of Malaysia’s national organising committee for Expo 2025, will be in Osaka for a three day working visit. He will tour various country pavilions to strengthen bilateral ties and witness the exchange of memoranda of understanding (MoUs). “Our participation in Expo 2025 is driven by a clear and ambitious goal, which is to generate a minimum of RM13 billion in potential trade and investment opportunities. “This milestone is expected to pave the way for economic growth and create meaningful job opportunities for Malaysians, fostering a prosperous future for the nation,” said Fadillah. As of May 18, the Malaysia Pavilion has facilitated RM7.86 billion in potential investments and signed 16 MoUs, representing 60.5% of its overall target. The MoUs are focused on green energy, technology, halal and bioeconomy. – Bernama billion trade, investment at

Echoing the sentiment, UAE Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mansoori, said: “It is a great honour for the United Arab Emirates to be elected to the presidency of the UN-Habitat Assembly and to serve jointly with Malaysia on the Executive Board. This collaboration reflects strategic coordination and a shared purpose for a better future.” The UN-Habitat Assembly is the UN’s highest decision-making body on sustainable urbanisation and human settlements. Convening every four years, it sets key priorities for UN-Habitat’s work. The agency operates in over 70 countries focusing on areas such as urban legislation, land and governance, urban planning and design, basic services, slum upgrading, housing and disaster recovery.

with local realities. To strengthen multilateralism and the Habitat Agenda, we call on member states to redouble their efforts in implementing the New Urban Agenda,” he added. With the presidency, Malaysia will have the opportunity to set global priorities on sustainable city development and urbanisation beginning next year. Nga described the appointment as a significant recognition of Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable urban development, including its progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, with 53% of indicators already being tracked at the local level. “This is a shared glory for all Malaysians. In co-presidency with the UAE, we stand ready to lead with integrity, inclusivity and dedication to the principles of the United Nations.”

o United Nations role marks milestone in sustainability leadership and affirms global trust in development efforts: Minister

Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

which represented Latin America and the Caribbean in the previous term. Malaysia will also serve on the UN-Habitat Executive Board for the same term, jointly with the United Arab Emirates, representing the Asia-Pacific region. “We take on this role as president together with our esteemed colleagues from the United Arab Emirates. The shared commitment symbolises regional solidarity and dedication to urban sustainability,” said Nga in his acceptance speech. “Together, we will ensure that this assembly bridges global ambition

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has been elected president of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly for the 2026–2029 term. The announcement was made yesterday during the Election of Officers of the Bureau at the UN Habitat Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. The appointment – received by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming – marks a historic milestone as Malaysia assumes the presidency from Mexico,

Public scolding sparks outcry over discipline techniques

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Education advocates are calling for improved disciplinary practices in schools following a widely circulated video which showed a nine year-old pupil being publicly scolded by several teachers. Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said the incident reflects poorly on the teachers involved, as it gives the impression they were bullying the pupil. “While reporting mechanisms (school complaint channels, hotlines or designated officers) theoretically exist, they are not widely publicised or made accessible to students and parents. “There are always two sides to a story. If the teacher is found to be in the wrong, accountability is necessary and it should not be seen as demoralising,” she said, adding that every disciplinary case should be assessed fairly. She said although teachers have been trained to manage sensitive situations, some fail to apply the practice effectively. “As schools are increasingly aware of mental health issues among students and teachers, there is an urgent need for more in-school support and counsellors. This is not just for intervention, but also for prevention and early detection.” Malaysian Association for Education president Datuk Dr Mohd Majid Konting said it is regrettable that such an incident occurred within the teaching profession, especially involving individuals entrusted with nurturing and educating children for a better future. “I understand the case is currently under investigation by the Education Ministry and the police. It is best that we wait for the full outcome before making any assumptions or unnecessary comments, in fairness to

Teachers should always act with integrity and follow the ethics set under the Malaysian Teacher Standard 2.0 when carrying out their duties, said Fadhlina. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

establish clear guidelines that protect students’ dignity by discouraging practices like public shaming or shouting, and instead promoting respectful methods. He said such policies should respect Malaysia’s diverse cultures while ensuring every child’s safety, including training for teachers and adding lessons on mental health and wellbeing to help students build empathy, manage emotions and resolve conflicts. “Harsh disciplinary methods can stay with children for a long time because they remember how adults made them feel. When discipline is carried out publicly, a child might start to see school as a place of shame instead of support. “It can also impact their performance in school, making them less engaged, less willing to participate, or even wanting to avoid school entirely,” he said.

all parties involved,” he said. Meanwhile, National Association of Private Educational Institutions deputy president Dr Teh Choon Jin said teachers should take a more respectful approach by addressing student misbehaviour in private, as it helps students feel valued and avoids unnecessary embarrassment. “Another useful method is using restorative practices, where students reflect on their actions, how others were affected and how to make things right. “Publicly scolding a student might seem like a quick way to teach them a lesson, but it can really hurt their feelings and lower their self esteem. Discipline should be about guiding and teaching, not humiliating,” he stressed, adding that young kids especially are very sensitive about how they are treated in front of their friends. Teh said it is important to

Teh added that school counsellors and psychologists play a vital role in supporting students beyond academics, especially those facing disciplinary issues. Often, repeated misbehaviour can be a sign of deeper emotional struggle, such as stress, anxiety, family problems or learning difficulties. “Schools should prioritise open and caring communication between teachers, students and parents, building trust through honest, two way conversations, not only when issues arise but as part of ongoing engagement. This approach helps create a safer, more supportive and positive school environment for all.” Earlier, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek reminded teachers to always act with integrity and follow the ethics set under the Malaysian Teacher Standard 2.0 when carrying out their duties. She also said investigations are ongoing.